Tips To Save Time Around The Stables

In today's fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. When you're passionate about horses and spending time in the saddle, every minute counts. That's why we've put together some handy tips to help you save time around the stables without sacrificing the care and attention your horses need.

1. PREPARE FEEDS IN ADVANCE

Over the weekend set up seven days worth of hay bags, and wherever possible bag pre-made feeds for the forthcoming week. In the dark, at feed time all you have to do is grab a hay bag or pre-made feed and go.

2. RUG BIN FOR EACH HORSE

With the weather constantly changing, so do the rugs. Keep all rugs handy in one wheelie bin for ease of access when swapping rugs morning and night. An added bonus storing rugs in bins also keeps the creepy crawlies away.

3. HAVE A HALTER & LEAD HANDY

Keep a halter and lead next to where your horse is paddocked, stabled or yarded, as it saves you time when leading the horse in or out.

4. DON’T WASTE TIME OR WATER

Filling water buckets is dead time. As a time saver, place the hose into the water bucket attach a clamp to the hose and let it fill whilst you go and complete another task around the stables.

5. RIDING CLOTHES AT THE READY

If you work, go to school or university and your horse is not kept where you live, pack a gym bag of your horse clothes so you’re ready to ride. Keep your gear at the stables or in your car so you can head straight out, ready to ride.

6. BLOWER INSTEAD OF A BROOM

A leaf blower is your friend to keep your stables and areas spick and span. Replace the old straw broom with a leaf blower. It is quicker, more efficient and does a great job keeping the stabling area dust and cobweb free.

7. USE LEATHER WIPES

Keep a pack of leather wipes at your saddling up area. After working your horse simply wipe over your gear with a leather wipe and it will save you deep cleaning your saddle and bridle.

8. FEEDING & CHECKING ROSTER

Organise in advance a roster system for family members, fellow agistees or friends that can work for all of you. Set the roster up clearly stating who is responsible for which morning or night and what jobs are expected e.g. change rugs, feed, move horses to other areas.

9. PROMPT RUG REPAIRS

Keep a stash of old but serviceable leg clips in an oily rag at a central location to your tie up area. You can guarantee your horse will break a leg clip on his rug in the dark, usually in the worst weather! Instead of swapping rugs, simply replace the leg clip. While you’re at it, have a bag of elastic or stockings handy that can be used for neck rug or hood connections should they break one.

10. BINS IN COMMON AREAS

Keep everything clean and organised by placing rubbish bins in the feed room and grooming areas and throw as you go. This saves you spending time during the precious daylight areas cleaning up when you can be spending it in the saddle.

Article: Kerri Cock