AS horses are turned out to graze with the growth of the grass after a long winter, it’s time to turn our attention to a spring clean of the stable and yard. All the empty feed bags, the bailer twine, the buckets and and tack. It all needs cleaned and tidied and made ready for the seasons ahead.
Stable management and hygiene is such an important element in animal care and as the season changes from winter to spring we must consider the deep clean as well as the cosmetic clean of the yard, alongside all the other spring maintenance checks. Disinfection of equine premises provides a challenge to yard owners and managers, due to the variety of surfaces that may be contaminated and the wide variety of horse pathogens.
Scientific evidence has proven that disinfectants work in fighting disease in the yard, but as we work our way around the barn and stables to do the tidy up and clean down of these surfaces, which jobs need doing and what issues within the yard’s infrastructure should we be checking?
Roof
Check for loose or damaged slates or metalCheck for leaksRemove any leaves or debrisCheck for rust forming on metal roofsRepair or replace any damaged or worn itemsPaint, if necessaryTips: Standing in your stable or barn during a heavy rain will help determine any leakage.
Windows, doors and locks
Check all mechanisms for proper working orderRemove, vacuum, or wipe down any debris from in and around these areasClean window panes and let that sunshine inLubricate all hinges, latches, locks, springs, rollers, etc (olive oil works well)Check for nesting insects – carefully remove or call in the professionalsRepair or replace any damaged itemsFencing and gates
Check for broken or protruding rails and nailsCheck for rustFill holes in front of gates, doors, etc.Check locks and latches. Lubricate, repair and replace, if necessarySecure, repair or replace areas in needPaint, if necessaryGutters and down spouts
Check for any loose parts in your gutter systemCheck for leaksCheck for any blockages - leaves or debris can block gutters, clean them outRepair or replace any damaged or worn itemsTips: Sometimes flushing the gutters with a water hose will help determine leakage and may help remove some clogged debris.
Water
Check all water devices for proper working order – hoses, pipes, troughs, spouts and faucets – freezing temperatures during the winter months can cause damageRepair or replace any damaged itemsClean all water troughs thoroughlyYard, Paddock and Grazing
Check for holes, falling branches, trees, rocks or debrisFill holes and remove debrisRemove any large piles of organic material, i.e., old hay, manure, shavings, etc. from your property. In addition to being unsightly, they attract pests and the build up of heat could ignite a fireTips: Keep horses off wet pastures until they are dry and the grass is a few inches high. In spring, turnout should be on a limited basis and the amount of time grazing should be increased slowly so the horses do not get sick from the rich grass. Use riding rings, round pens, etc. for some hours during the day so the horses may still enjoy outside but limiting time on the rich grass. If possible, it is best to rotate turnout areas.
Inside the stable block or barn
Clean facility completelyClean away cobwebs and remember start from the top and work your way down to the floor – don’t forget the corners, shelves, removable items, etc.Check fire extinguishers/smoke detectorsDisinfect all surfaces thoroughlyTip: Invest in a vacuum for your yard, as it will catch the fine dust that becomes airborne in the stable block when you sweep.
Walls and stalls
Check for any protruding objectsRepair and/or replace any damaged wood, metal, etc.Check your stall floor – it should be dry and levelStrip down and remove bedding from stallsIf you have mats, remove and check for repairBefore restoring floors and adding fresh bedding, scrub and disinfect the walls and floorsRemember to remove all buckets, feed tubs, toys, etc. before the scrubbing and disinfecting procedures. Open all windows and doors for adequate ventilationLet the stable air dry on a nice sunny, breezy day. Sunlight can be a great disinfectant - it is natural, economical and eco-friendly! Remember to scrub and disinfect mats too – let dry in the sunCheck feed bins/hay racks/toys, etc. for looseness and or repairsTips: Use a pressure washer for cleaning stable walls and other partitions/walls inside your barn. Use a garden sprayer to disinfect stall walls. Varnish or paint the wood or concrete in stalls. This helps minimise bacterial, fungal and viral organisms from penetrating these porous materials. Use baking soda or vinegar under bedding or rubber stall mats to help prevent floor rot and to control odour. After removing soiled bedding, sprinkle over area and allow to air dry. Cover dried area with clean bedding.
General areas
Check drains in wash bays, sinks, etc. – keep clog freeClean the wash bay walls – may require scrubbing and disinfectingClean aisles – may require scrubbing and disinfectingTip: When working in or around your stables or barn, remember to clean up the debris from your projects – nails, glass, wire, metal, etc. It is best for you to find these waiting problems before your horse does.
Tack and feed room
Wipe down and clean any storage areas – shelves, cabinets, refrigerators, floors, etc. Clean behind items and don’t forget to get those corners.
Tack and tools
Clean all turnout blankets, saddle pads, leg wraps, hoof boots, etc.Check and clean halters and leadsMasks and flysheets – prepare them for the upcoming insect seasonRiding equipment – pay close attention to stitching on reins, girths, bridles and stirrup leathersAfter cleaning and repairing your items, hang up to air-dryPack your winter items away safelyClean and disinfect all grooming devices - brushes, towels, etc. - place in sun to dryClippers – clean and repair– oil the blades if necessaryCheck, repair or replace all tools (forks, brooms, etc.), bins and buckets (feed, water, cleaning, etc.), bins, etc. Properly store tools and any other potential hazards away from horse and people trafficFeed
Check supplement supplies and replenish, if necessaryClean up and sweep hayloftsClean out any accumulated debris, i.e., feedbags, baler twine, etc.Tack room sundries
Inspect toys for excessive wear Ensure treats are freshCheck your first aid kit and your horse’s too. Throw away outdated items and replenish any necessary itemsCheck all horse care products. Throw away outdated items and replenish any necessary itemsVaccines – check your supplies and confirm that your horse is up to dateWormers – check your supplies and confirm that your horse is up to dateInfrastructure
Inspect all light fixtures – repair and/or replace, if necessaryCheck the electrical wiring for rodent chews or any other worn, torn areas. Remember electrical fires are the leading cause of yard firesCheck or establish a rodent controlInspect alarms and extinguishers – service extinguishers and replace batteries in alarms, if necessaryTips: A great rodent control programme – yard cats! It’s good to give a rescue cat a home! They do great work, but remember to have them spayed or neutered.
Machinery
Thoroughly inspect, lubricate and tune up farm equipment before it goes back to work.
Inspect hydraulic, fuel and electrical systemsInspect engine and tyresInspect brake systemIf you manage to overhaul your yard this spring, you can enjoy the season ahead knowing that and protected.
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