HERE’S Horse Sense’s practical A–Z of equine farm and yard spring cleaning, stick it on the wall and tick it off as you clean your way into a fresh season!
A Aisles: sweep and power wash barn aisles. Remove dust, cobwebs, and any forgotten winter clutter.
B Buckets: get rid of broken ones, scrub all water and feed buckets with non-toxic cleaner to banish algae and gunk.
C Cobwebs: attack the corners and rafters with a broom - spiders beware!
D Drainage: check ditches and drains around the yard to ensure water flows freely - no surprise puddles!
E Equipment: clean, oil and inspect tack, grooming kits and tools. Replace anything frayed or broken.
F Fencing: walk the perimeter. Repair broken rails, tighten wire and replace rotting posts.
G Gates: test for squeaks, rust or sagging. Grease hinges and adjust latches for easy access.
H Hay storage: sweep out and tidy hay barns. Remove old or mouldy bales and check for rodent activity.
I Inventory: take stock of feed, supplements, bedding and supplies. Restock before you run out.
J Jump equipment: pull out poles, wings and fillers. Repaint, repair or replace worn-out pieces.
K Tack room: tidy up tack rooms and wash saddle pads, boots, rugs and grooming gear.
L Latches and locks: check all stall doors, tack lockers and feed bins. Replace rusted or sticky parts.
M Muck heaps: turn, move or remove manure piles. Consider composting or arranging disposal.
N Nesting nuisances: evict birds, mice, and wasps from barns, feed rooms and rafters - kindly but firmly.
O Outdoor arenas: harrow, level and top up footing. Remove debris and weeds from the edges.
P Paddocks and fields: walk fields for holes, poisonous plants or trash. Harrow, aerate, roll, reseed or fertilise if needed.
Q Quarantine space: clean and prep your isolation area in case a new horse or illness arrives.
R Rugs: wash, repair and store heavy winter rugs. Air out lighter sheets for the season ahead.
S Stables: deep-clean stalls - strip bedding, scrub walls, disinfect mats and freshen the air.
T Trailers: clean out trailers or horseboxes. Check tyres, brakes and flooring for wear and tear.
U Utilities: inspect lights, water lines and outlets. Replace bulbs and fix leaks or faulty wiring.
V Vet supplies: check expiration dates, restock your equine first-aid kit and tidy storage areas.
W Water troughs: dump, scrub and refill every trough. Check automatic waterers for leaks or clogs.
X X-factor checks: time to look at the little things - uneven footing, wobbly racks, hidden hazards.
Y Yard signs: clean or repaint signs around the property - helpful for visitors and a polished look!
Z Zen zone: create a tidy rest space for you (and maybe your horse too) - a clean bench, a cup of tea, a packet of biscuits or an apple and a job well done!
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