Spring cleaning the barn!
It’s spring cleaning time – which is great to get things in order and make sure you are ready for summer. I like to do some massive cleaning in the spring, and also some massive organizing. Here’s a quick list of some projects to tackle!
jump to shopping
- Professionally wash and pack up the blankets! Sometimes you can do this and switch to a lighter blanket as the days get warmer. Now is the time for blanket repairs also, and if one is damaged beyond repair, now is also the time for tack shop sales on winter blankets! I like to store my freshly cleaned blankets in those vacuum bags. This saves space and keeps the bugs and mice out.
I like to clean and then re-waterproof my horse’s blankets with a spray, using a fence or railing is helpful.
- Time to clean out the vet kit and fridges, defrost the freezers, and start the deep cleaning. Check expiration dates, declutter, and organize!
Your horse’s Vet Kit should be up to date and restocked.
- If you don’t do this on a regular basis, take the bridles apart to clean. (If you clean daily, you can go a lot longer between take-apart cleanings.) Double-check stitching and oil unused or rarely used tack if needed.
- Now is the time to deploy fly predators if you use them (depending on the climate). It’s also the time to put into action your fly control protocols. You may need to add a few more cycles if you use automatic fly control systems, or it may be time to turn the compost or have the manure pile picked up.
- Service the trailer before the horse shows start! You will need to check out the inside of your trailer, as well as the outside. I prefer to do a yearly service from a professional trailer servicing company, but in between those visits, it’s always prudent to do inspections and check tire pressures! For more on trailer tire care, this article has you covered.
- Is it time to put the rainwater collection bins away? Or start using them? How is your compost pile doing? Time to spread around the farm and flowerbeds?
- Spring is often muddy and mucky – perhaps in your area, this is a great time to create some trenches around horse areas to divert spring rains. For more on mud control, read this awesome article.
- Time to clean the fans and check the wiring. You can likely clean the fans, get an electrician to make sure all of the wires are in working order. A great way to get rid of some of the dust on fans is to use a blower. And maybe wear a facemask.
- Bust out the calendar and start to plan your horse shows, clinics, vacations, and all of the fun things that go along with having decent weather!
What other things do you take care of in the spring?
Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you. You can also visit my Amazon storefront here: PEG storefront.
This sheepskin care liquid is great for horse products and sheepskin horse accessories.
This is SO SATISFYING to shrink up your seasonal horse blankets and gear.
Plus you can keep dust and rodents out of your horse's blankets while saving space.
This spot-on product kills and repels ticks and helps with mosquito control.
This style is great for riding!
Sweet itch is best battled by not letting those annoying midges bite your horse.
For horses with sweet itch and other insect allergies, more coverage is better.
LeMieux has more colors than the paint section of a hardware store. I promise they have one you like!
These fly masks are fantastic for protecting ears and eyes, and do great under halters and grazing muzzles to stop rubs and hairless patches.
Use code 15PROEQUINE for a sitewide discount on muzzles, halters, accessories, and slow feeders.
Clean anything and store anything with this versatile hook. Easy to bring to horse shows, too!
This is castile soap-based, so it won't leave that gooey stickiness that glycerine-based soaps can leave in humid environments.
There no time like the present to clean your tack after every ride!
Keep your horse's leather from snapping with some deep conditioning.
Set them free upon thine enemy (JK, not really, but you can move them to a safer spot for everyone).
Every horse owner needs a digital thermometer for fast and accurate vital signs
For bits, sores, dry patches, cracked skin, and more. Great for your horse's first aid kit!
This medical tape will quite literally hold your life together, it's that amazing.
Keep the dust and miscellaneous stray things get into your trailers.
Protect your horse's tail during travel.
Thank you!