CLEANING the visible parts of a stable is straightforward, cleaning the infrastructure is where diligence shows. Walls, doors and fittings quietly accumulate bacteria, mould spores and organic film long after the bedding looks fresh.

Start high and work down. Cobwebs trap dust that will otherwise settle into feed and water. Light fittings, ledges and rafters should be brushed regularly, particularly in enclosed barns where air movement is limited. Timber partitions benefit from periodic washing with a mild disinfectant, paying attention to chew marks and corners where saliva and feed residue collect.

Metalwork demands equal care. Grills, hinges and bolts gather grime that can hold moisture against the surface, encouraging rust and weakening fittings over time. A stiff brush followed by drying prevents corrosion and keeps doors operating safely. Automatic drinkers are notorious for biofilm build-up and should be dismantled and scrubbed, not merely rinsed.

Floors beyond the bed line are often overlooked. Concrete aprons, drains and channels harbour urine scale that breeds odour and bacteria. Hot water and a suitable stable disinfectant restore hygiene and improve drainage.

Done properly, infrastructure cleaning is not a once-a-year deep clean, but a rolling programme. Horses live in close contact with their surroundings, and the surfaces they touch daily matter just as much as the bedding beneath them.