Having your very own horse stable is a lot of work, especially if you’re new to it. There’s a lot you’ll need to know to keep things running smoothly. It can be overwhelming at first, but once you fall into a routine, things will get easier for you. The main focus should be on keeping your horses happy, safe, and content. The stables should be big enough for them to move around, give them a window to look out of, and should be kept clean.
Invest in a Good Generator
No one can ever predict when the weather is going to knock out your electricity, so being prepared is a must, especially when you’re caring for animals. Electricity is essential to keep things running smoothly. A dual fuel generator can be a good option because they run on propane or gasoline, and they’re known to be more efficient when they’re burning fuel. These types of generators are an investment, but they are less expensive to run compared to regular models.
Fans are an absolute must-have in horse stables because they provide proper ventilation. You can’t just use a regular fan because dust and debris can get inside the motors causing them to short out. You’ll want industrial fans because they’re built to withstand being in a not-so-clean environment. Having a generator handy will ensure you’re able to keep the proper ventilation even if storms pass by.
Get Rid of Pests
When caring for an equine, it’s important to keep in mind that if you spot pests, you’ll have to figure out a way to get rid of them. Pests are a nuisance and can harm your horses by spreading diseases. Just some pests you want to be on the lookout for in the horse stable include gnats, flies, blister beetles, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice. If these things are bothering your horses, they may become stressed, stomp often, and rub and switch their tail. Pests can cause them increased stress which can impact their health.
Some ways to keep the pests under control include premise sprays, repellants, horse sprays, removal of standing water, pesticides, and insecticides, and consulting a veterinarian for possible internal parasite control if needed.
Develop a Stall Cleaning System
An efficient stall cleaning system is imperative for keeping your horses happy, healthy, and comfortable. When you’re new to cleaning horse stables, it may seem like an overwhelming task that takes forever. Once you start doing it regularly, you’ll soon find you’re developing your routine and muscle memory for making this task go by quicker. Using a pitchfork to sift through the straw can help you save what’s clean and dispose of anything soiled. All straw should be removed from the stall, and if there are any damp spots, they should be cleaned with an absorbent deodorizer.
It’s a good idea to air the stall out so it dries completely. It helps to do this early in the morning when the horse is let out. Before bringing the horse back in, scatter the clean bedding on the floor and add more if needed.
Prevent Water From Freezing in the Winter
Horses drink, on average, about 10 to 12 gallons of water per day. When temperatures drop below freezing, water can quickly freeze solid. Without fresh water to drink, horses can end up dying from hydration or colic. A horse cannot eat enough snow to properly keep them hydrated, and eating large amounts of snow can lead to hypothermia.
You can take on the task of breaking the ice multiple times per day, but then you have the risk of the horse swallowing sharp pieces of ice. Tank heaters and automatic waterers are your best bet because they’re able to keep the water from freezing. You can also insulate the water tanks and buckets.
Owning a horse might be a ton of work, but if it’s your dream, then it’s worth it. There are many helpful tips available on the Internet that can help answer any questions you may have.
This Post is Brought to You by:
Save and make money with The Tried Equestrian, the largest online tack and apparel consignment shop.
We champion a circular economy that allows riders to save money, make money, and contribute to a greener future.
Shop a curated selection of pre-owned and discount tack and apparel, that challenges even the most skeptical consignment shoppers!
