Of course, it's important to keep the stables clean all year round, but when summer is on the way, it's a great time to re-organise your routine. Be aware of different jobs that you'll need to do - in particular relating to mucking out the stables more often and keeping water buckets and troughs scrupulously clean.
While it's been important for people with horses to carry on caring for them throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, it has become easier since the government relaxed the lockdown restrictions slightly on 13th May.
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Where to begin
Your usual cleaning routine might be adequate for the winter months, but in summer, it needs to be stepped up. Make a list of the key areas that should be kept particularly clean during hot weather to prevent harmful bacteria from causing problems.
One of the most important areas is the stable floor, not forgetting the walls and bedding as well. Remove soiled bedding and droppings at least twice a day in summer - in the morning and evening. Clean the floor and walls, as bacteria and flies thrive in a dirty environment. Put in clean, fresh bedding and remove any leftover food too.
The stable should be cleaned with the appropriate disinfectant once or twice a week and more often if you notice odours.
Troughs and water buckets
Check troughs, water buckets and containers at least twice a day to make sure they still contain clean water. It's surprising how quickly water containers gather algae in hot weather, which turns the water green – this is bad for your horses.
Feeding equipment
If you're still feeding your horse a concentrated or hard feed in the summer, make sure it's stored in a cool, clean, dry place. Keep your feed in a plastic bin with a lid, in a shaded place, and make sure it's away from wet conditions and rodents.
Clean all feed bins, stirrers, scoops and other equipment daily. Look for any signs of mould in the food, or an odd odour, as it's likely to go off quicker in hot weather. Throw it away immediately if it doesn't smell right, as it could make your horse ill.
Tack room
Your horse sweats more in summer, so ensure your grooming equipment is washed regularly. If it's dirty, with dried sweat not cleaned off, it can rub your horse's skin, leading to sores. Any textile pieces of grooming equipment can be popped in your washing machine. They are relatively easy to keep clean.
Wash brushes by popping them into a bucket of warm water containing washing up liquid or baby shampoo, unless they are made from leather, which doesn't react well to water. Clean the bristles by scrubbing with another brush and rinse off any excess soap and debris.
Dealing with flies
Flies and other insects are a major problem every summer. They can bother your horse and become an irritation in general around the yard. Invest in fly traps, or fly paper, to stop the insect population from getting out of hand.
Flies can spread germs, particularly if they are allowed to live around feed and feeding equipment, so keep them at bay before you're overrun. Don't use pesticide fly sprays near feeding bowls or water buckets.
It's a good idea to secure all feeding utensils, tack, bedding and grooming equipment in lidded storage containers, so flies can't find their way in.
What are the best cleaning products?
There are many useful products on the market for a clean stable and yard this summer, including some which should be in every storage cupboard.
A mild shampoo and washing up liquid will keep brushes and feeding equipment clean, as long as you rinse it off well. Stable disinfectant is also a staple of any yard – choose from liquid or powder-style disinfectants that are safe to use around horses.
Don't forget the fly traps, as keeping insects away from the horses' food is vital. Keep a selection of buckets and brushes handy and also a standard spray disinfectant from the supermarket, for wiping the surfaces in the feed or tack room. Never leave left-over food on a surface in the summer heat, as it can grow bacteria rapidly.
Always be vigilant as the temperature rises and make sure your horse is comfortable in a clean stable, with plenty of water. Just because you can't see bacteria, it doesn't mean it isn't there! Have fun with your horse this summer and make sure you set some time aside to get into a regular cleaning routine - for the benefit of the rider and the horse.
Solent Plastics has a large range of plastic storage boxes suitable for all equestrian needs. We are open and despatching as normal during the coronavirus crisis. Please give us a call on 01794 514478 or email us at sales@solentplastics.co.uk for details.