Keeping clean stalls can be one of the most time consuming chores in the barn for some people. Would you love to spend more time with your horses and less cleaning their boxes? Check out some of these tips to decrease horse stall maintanence time!
Set your box up to where it is most convenient to keep disinfected. One of the best ways to do this is to install rubber mats. This is great whether you have a concrete or dirt or clay base. A mat is porous, provides great traction, is durable, and really cuts down on the labor involved in going through stalls. They are also great for your horse’s legs if he is in a lot, and is extremely cost-effective.
The next thing you should think about is what type of bedding you use. There are several options here, and they are all different. Look for something that offers good footing, absorbency, and is easy to sift through. Shavings, sawdust, or pellets are the most recommended to fill those needs. Using straw is a sifting nightmare and can really increase how long it takes to cleanse the space.
It’s pretty difficult to fly through the chore list when you don’t have the right tools! Make especially sure that you have the proper array of picks and wheelbarrows and that they are kept well . This makes as much of a difference as having your stall designed right. Don’t underestimate how much the smallest things can pile up and make your job harder!
Keeping a box sanitary is also extremely important to your equine friend’s health. Standing in a built-up space can have very adverse effects. Respiratory, leg, and skin problems can arise quickly. In addition, it becomes a breeding ground for both flies and mosquitoes. Definitely something you want to avoid!
One of the biggest detriments to not keeping a proper sanitized area is the increased likelihood of thrush in your horses! This is a terrible fungal infection that eats away at the foot, and it is caused by too much trapped moisture. It creates a horrible stench and is very uncomfortable for your mount. If left untreated, you could be looking at a lame animal. Avoid this altogether by keeping his stall clean. Use the tips mentioned to cut down on your effort spent doing that, this way you are more likely to do it right!
Finally, employing some of this knowledge to your barn will save you a lot in the end. You are looking at less cost to maintain. It can drastically lessen either your own time and effort or that of your hired labor, which also puts more money back in your pocket! After all, in the horse world, extra cash is never bad!
Horses are great companions. While they do require a lot of work and attention, there is no reason it has to be an overload. Hopefully these tips to decrease horse stall maintanence time will help you out!
Looking for a cost-effective stall mats for your horses? These environmentally-friendly rubber mats may be just what you need. Rubber stall flooring provides comfortable support for your horses, and helps to relieve joint pressure by absorbing shocks.
