Water and Food Space
Keeping your horse's space conducive to his well-being also means that his water and food sources should be placed so that they are least likely to become contaminated by debris like hay and manure. Hang the water and feeding buckets off the ground. Hay can be placed in a hay net, but avoid hanging the net over or too near the water source to reduce bits falling into the bucket. Hoteling simply prefers to sweep the bedding back to create a separate area in the front of her stall to place hay. "I feed my hay on the floor so I don't want my bedding and my hay to mix," she says.
Ideally, water buckets need to be taken down, cleaned, and rinsed at least once a week. Scrubbing out buckets with baking soda is effective and kills odors, but Hoteling has heard of other methods as well. "You can use dish soap or mouth wash, just a little bit in each bucket, swish it around and throw out the used water."
Grounds Maintenance
Horses do spend time in other environments besides stalls, which necessitates making certain that paddocks, aisles, and the rest of the barn is kept clean. Simple measures like taking a broom or long-handled duster and knocking down cobwebs can keep your structure looking nice, and also keep dust at bay. Cement aisles should be swept frequently and kept dry because of their inability to drain. "I have dirt aisle ways. For the most part, I've found that it's only in the summer that it gets dusty in here, so I water everything down at night," Hoteling says of her ranch.
Storing hay in a hay loft or separate shed keeps particles and pieces from flying everywhere, and keeps the hay cleaner as well.
To ensure that your horse is eating the cleanest feed possible, make certain that you store it correctly. Metal garbage cans with tightly closed lids make economical storage containers and keep rodents out. Hoteling also suggests that you "Stick with a known-brand, good-quality feed."
Of course, our horses should spend a large portion of their day outdoors, and small enclosures can develop problems if not maintained properly. Vegetation is very helpful in keeping outdoor spaces clean and pleasant. To reduce wear on the pasture, Hoteling suggests alternating feeding locations so that animals aren't always congregating in the same place. "When [the horses] go out, they immediately have hay ready for them in the morning. I throw it on the ground, but I make sure I move it to a different spot every time so that they're not constantly mucking up one area," she says.
High-traffic locations inevitably end up churned and worn, becoming mud pits in wet weather and frozen, difficult-to-navigate potholes in winter. "Putting gravel down, especially in gate areas from the pastures or if you have a lane where you're constantly bringing horses in and out, really does help," Hoteling advises. She also mentions crushed stone and sand as an alternative. However, she cautions against pavement because safety issues can arise if it becomes icy or wet.
The Lay of the Land
Another important-and often overlooked-way to maintain a clean environment and prevent damage to your property is to remember that the land can support only a finite number of horses. Overcrowding can cause sanitation problems even among the most vigilant of caretakers. Know the recommended population guidelines in your area.
"Get a professional to come in and look at your land to give you advice on how to take care of it," suggests Hoteling. The Soil and Water Conservation districts in your area should provide specifically tailored information on how to maintain your property and conserve natural resources.
If you encounter a specific problem over and over again, such as water pooling in an area of your pasture, hiring someone to landscape the property may well be worth the investment. Currently, Harmony Hills' indoor ring has a tendency to be damp along one side after a heavy rain. Hoteling plans to use her husband's talents as a professional landscaper to fix the problem. "One of our spring projects is going to be to re-slope and re-grade everything because right now the water is draining into my indoor arena!"
Even if it takes some planning and investment to tackle the challenges particular to your own situation, maintaining a clean environment for your horse is a task well worth taking the time to implement. Minor changes-such as the type of bedding you use or placing gravel in trampled lanes-can save you time and hassle and can create the perfect environment for one of your most beloved possessions-your perfect horse.
