Ten top tips from stable managers

1 Every so often, run your all-metal bits through the dishwasher to keep them sparkling. 2 Always keep baby wipes handy! They really are your best friend. Use them for wiping around your horse’s eyes (provided they are non-fragranced); for wiping muddy dog paws after a trip to the yard; and for giving your boots a quick touch up before you get on. 3 If you use haynets, use two small ones rather than one large one to make them easier to fill and also to keep your horse occupied for longer. If possible, hang them in different areas of the stable to encourage some movement. 4 Pouring 250ml of apple cider vinegar into your horse’s water trough once a month will help stop algae building up. Just make sure to rinse the trough thoroughly afterwards, so that your horse doesn’t find the taste a deterrent from drinking. 5 Always carry a small torch, or better yet a head torch. Yes, you can always use the torch on your phone, but other torches tend to be a bit cheaper to replace when you drop them in the water bucket… 6 Make sure paddock gates are fitted with tamperproof hinges or are padlocked on both sides – exuberant horses can sometimes lift gates off their hinges! 7 Take your horse’s temperature twice a day and record it somewhere safe. This allows you to quickly detect an illness, before it has really had chance to set in. 8 Don’t allow stagnant water to sit anywhere in your yard.

This water attracts midges and provides a great breeding ground for them, so make sure all unused buckets are kept clean and dry. 9 Never EVER wash other fabrics with items with Velcro fastenings. Velcro is not kind on material and unless you like the ‘freshly pulled’ look, doesn’t tend to leave it looking too fab. 10 Observe your horse’s stable habits, so that you can quickly spot when something is amiss. For example, if your horse normally manures in one corner of his stable, and one morning he has walked all of his manure in through the shavings, keep a close eye on him, and if you see anything else of concern call your vet for advice.