Keeping a horse barn clean can be difficult and a constant uphill battle. Cleaning a horse barn is something horse owners rarely look forward to. They can often be riddled with unproductive cleaning procedures and temporary fixes; so here is a list of tips for maintaining a healthy horse barn.
As one of the top custom horse barn builders in Missouri, we know what it’s like to walk into a messy barn. It’s wise to learn how to keep your work environment clean, healthy, and productive. This will create a much happier experience for both you and your horse. Remember, the barn is the horse’s home. As my mother used to remind me regarding keeping my room clean,
“Clean and tidy makes you mighty, but drab and dreary makes you weary.” I don’t speak horse very fluently, but I could imagine that horses don’t enjoy an untidy stall that isn’t cleaned very often.
Stall Mats & Bedding Checks
Stall mats can be pricey, but they do cut down on cost and time spent cleaning stalls by hand. They also help regulate the amount of bedding that is used. When choosing your bedding, make sure you purchase the most absorbent type available. Bedding made of wood pellets, peat moss, or shredded newspaper is much more absorbent and contain less dust, mold, or other debris.
Finding bedding that helps regulate the moisture on the ground will help ensure a healthier barn atmosphere for both you and your animals. Many people like to use cedar shavings because of the fresh cedar scent. While this is a nice option, they are not always economical. The thing to remember here is to use the best product within your budget and your horse responds to well.
Keep the Area Clean
In every moment, learn to find little shortcuts that help maintain a cleaner atmosphere. For example, if you’re bringing your horse in from the pasture, choose to pick his feet out before walking him into the barn. This saves you the several extra steps and keeps the dirt on his feet outside your barn, rather than inside.
Always keep waste bins near areas where you produce the most trash. Feeding rooms or grooming areas are common trash collection areas in a horse barn. So be prepared to make a mess, but more importantly, be ready to clean it up quickly and plan out your barn to reduce the amount of work required to keep things tidy. Managing a barn is very hard work so keep in mind things that promote efficiency.
Blanket Cleaning & Storage
Be sure to clean and store winter blankets properly during the summer months, as it can significantly reduce your work load when winter arrives. Much time can be lost scrambling to find the right blankets and cleaning them when your horses need them most. Always staying one step ahead can significantly increase productivity.
As custom horse barn builders in Missouri, it is our top priority that you are happy with your horse’s home. Caring for your animal can start by caring for their home. Learn to love their environment as much as they do. By using these simple maintenance tips, you are already one step closer to ensuring a happy horse and a happy barn. If you are thinking of having a new barn or arena built, please contact CSI to see how we can help design and plan a beautiful, functional barn for your horse’s needs.