10 Essential Tips for Stable Care - Taking Care of the Horses (1)

1. 10 Essential Tips for Stable Care - Taking Care of the Horses Created by Jean Orozco

2. Measure and prepare feed Obviously, your horse will need his food if you want him to be happy and healthy. While you can measure it out each time you go down, it generally saves time to buy a set of scales and a series of small buckets labelled with breakfast and dinner. On a quiet day, measure out enough meals for the rest ofthe week.

3. Mucking out It’s up to you whether you use straw or shavings, but your horse’s stable needs to be kept clean either way. Some people only do light mucking out during the week and then remove the entire bed and replace it over the weekend, whereas others prefer to muck out daily. Make sure to remove any wet or soiled patches and pick out any manure. It’s easiest to do this with the horse outside of the stable.

4. Poo pick the fields Stable duties aren’t just limited to stables, unfortunately! Remove manure from your paddocks regularly – either daily in small amounts,orthoroughly atleast oncea week.

5. Provide water Make sure you fill up your buckets with fresh watereachandeveryday.

6. Groom your horse At least once a day, a horse should get a good grooming to remove mud and dust. You should also pick out his feet and give your horse a quick brush before riding to stop dirt and mud rubbingagainst his skinwhile youride.

7. Give adequate hay Your horse needs enough hay or haylage to last the entire night in order to prevent ulcers and colic. Use a haynet, or just feed from the floor! You can prepare enough haynets for the entire week on one day, if you want to save time on busydays.

8. Change rugs In the winter months especially, remember to change your rugs to suit the temperature and time of day – that snug winter duvet will be no use in the middaysun!

9. Clean buckets Feed waterers) will need regular scrubbing to prevent bacteria and grime. Warm water, a hard brush and some elbow grease will be your best friends here! If stains are stubborn, some white vinegarcanhelp tolift them. and water buckets (or automatic

10. Sweeping Finish off by giving the feed room, store room, your stable entrance and any walkways a good sweep after you’ve finished the rest of yourstable chores.

11. Clean your tack If you’ve done all your regular duties, give your tack some extra attention. Wipe down leather with a clean, damp cloth, and then add leather conditioner (and polish if applicable) for clean, shiny tackthat you’reproudof.

12. Thank You!