10 Tips for Spring Cleaning Around the Barn

By Lisa Kiley | https://www.cashmans.com/

Spring can be a fickle time of year for horse owners. There are days that make us feel like summer is around the corner and then an artic blast reminds us we are not quite in the clear just yet. While we are waiting for the stabilization of temperatures, we can take advantage of the warmer days to check some spring chores off our list that will get us ready and prepared for the seasons to come.

Here are 10 quick tips for spring cleaning around the barn:

1. Feed Room Fixes: The feed room is a great place to start cleaning. Pull everything out and sweep. Seal off areas that may have allowed rodents in and use traps as needed. Make sure all containers are rodent proof and make it easy to clean up spills by keeping a broom and dustpan in the feed room. Organize supplements and medications, making sure that they are full, labeled and up to date.

2. Organize Tack: Next stop is the tack room, while cleaning tack on a regular basis is important, take this time to go through all your equipment. Are there any items that need to be repaired or replaced? It’s better to find out now than the first sunny day that you want to head out for a ride. Think about adding hooks and racks to keep items organized and up off the ground. Tack is expensive, so it makes sense to take care of it.

3. Store Winter Items: Once the weather finally breaks, you can feel confident about putting away heated buckets, pulling tank heaters and storing away winter blankets. Prior to putting any items away for the season, take the time to ensure they are in good repair and clean so they will be ready for their next use. Your future self will thank you.

4. Dust Bust: It is important to keep areas free of dust yearround. But on a nice day, letting the horses out and opening the barn can allow you to get into the corners and crevices that have been harboring dust all winter It’s not just better for you and your horse’s breathing to keep things dust free, it is also a preventable fire hazard.

5. Stall Scrub Down: Pick a day when the weather is favorable to let the horses out so you can do a deep clean in the stall space. Clean out old bedding, realign mats and scrub down walls. Check for any repairs that need to be made and clean feeders and buckets or replace them if necessary. Allow everything to dry completely before re-bedding and putting horses back in.

6. Make Way for Hay: This is a good time to tidy up your hay storage area. First, you will want to double check that you have enough hay to get your horse through until the first cutting this season. Next, pull any busted bales and sweep chaff that has accumulated over the winter While baling twines do have a million and one uses, you probably don’t need to save them all. This might also be a good time to reach out to your hay provider and let them know that you are alive and well and will need more hay this summer

7. Check Fence Lines: Horses may have spent much of their time in stalls and turnout lots this winter, so before putting them back on pasture, make sure that the fence is in good condition. Make any repairs needed and if you use an electrified fence, check that it is working. If your horses haven’t been out on grass, make a slow introduction and consider using rotational grazing for pasture management.

8. Soil Sample: This is a great time of year to determine if pastures need attention. Taking a soil sample and submitting it to your local extension agency can give insight on what the pasture will need to thrive. Healthy pastures will provide better grazing opportunities for your horses throughout the seasons.

9. Banish Mud: Spring is synonymous with mud, but thankfully, there are some innovative solutions that can help keep mud at bay. Every farm should have some mud grid to help prevent losing shoes be they horse or human. Grids can be added at gate areas, barn entrances, around waterers or feeders and any other areas where mud is an issue.

10. Enlist Flower Power: Brighten up areas around the barn by adding some landscape that includes spring flowers. Landscaping can be useful by absorbing wastewater runoff, it can help with erosion, and even help regulate temperature around the barn. Just make sure that both the plants and the mulch being used are specifically horse safe and non-toxic.

Spring cleaning is a great time to imagine all the projects and plans you have for your barn and property. Simple changes can make a big difference in the form and functionality of your farm. If there is something that you are interested in achieving at your barn this year, chances are Cashmans has what you need to get that project done, from fencing to feeders and of course, everything in between.

Lisa Kiley is a horse enthusiast and a proud member of the Cashman’s Horse Equipment Team in Delaware, OH. Cashman's Horse Equipment provides top quality products to the equine and agricultural community, with a commitment to sourcing environmentally conscious merchandise and items made in the U.S.A.