AS the good weathers comes to an end and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to think about what jobs you need to get done around the yard before the winter really sets in.

TIDY

Take the time to get things tidy and ready for the winter now, as you don’t want to be left under pressure in a couple of months’ time when things are working as they should be.

It’s the ideal time to clean the gutters and check that they don’t need to be replaced. Clean out any leaves or weeds that have gathered in them. Once you’ve removed everything from the gutters, wash or hose them down and check there are no cracks or leaks. If you do find that some of the gutters or downpipes do need replacing, get them replaced now.

Grass growth has been far from normal this summer. You are likely to be getting hedgerows cut in the coming months.

While things are still relatively dry, get everything ready for the hedges being cut, use a mower or strimmer around fence-lines and gateways. Be very careful to collect up any cut grass as it can cause colic if your horses eat it.

Clean out any fodder storage sheds. If you have bales organised, you’ll want to put them into a clean and tidy shed.

Tidy out all the odds and ends which gather in sheds over the course of the year and sweep out wherever you can. Some farmers have already voiced concerns about a shortage of fodder this winter. If you can stock up now, do, so you’re not left short.

Before you need your horses’ heavy winter rugs check that they are ready to use. Irish weather can suddenly turn and you don’t want to be stuck without them. There are professional services around the country who wash, repair and re-waterproof rugs. A simple Google search will point you in the right direction.

FIELD CHECKLIST

While you are mowing the fence-lines, cast an eye over the fence itself - check if it needs to be painted or if there are any broken rails.

Walk around each paddock and make sure the fence-line or hedgerow is secure. Replace any fencing when the ground is soft enough to drive a post into it but not so soft that machinery will damage the ground.

Also, check over all gates. They should swing easily and close without a problem. Check that they are safe for horses. If you are planning on having young stock out in the field that are more likely to be playing and messing about by the gate then it might to worth considering putting mesh onto the gate to stop them from being able to put a leg though it.

Clean out all water drinkers in the fields and check that there are no leaks. The recent hot weather and dry ground has made it very easy to see if pipes are leaking in a field.

If drinkers are close to the hedgerow then you may need to cut back the hedge slightly to allow horses easy access to the drinker. This will also help to keep the water cleaner as fewer leaves will fall into it.

STABLES

If you have any empty stables, clean them out completely, use a power-washer if you have one or, if not, a hose or some water and a sweeping brush will work. Give them a chance to dry out and then put down a fresh bed if you are likely to need the stable in the near future. Don’t waste bedding if you are unlikely to need the stable in the near future.

Clean out all water and feed troughs.

If you have a lot of horses coming in and out of the yard it may be worth considering disinfecting the stables as well. Check the stable doors are all in good condition.