Spring Clean Your Barn and Yard
With the birth of spring, life awakens from the somber days of winter. Once again, its brightness and warmth engulfs us; filling oneself with invigoration and inspiration. This intensity is a great time to open up windows and bring the freshness indoors, whether it be your home or your barn and carry through with the thoughts of heading outdoors.
Enjoying the new found glow everywhere brings forth the clearest visions of carrying this order to our surroundings. Spring-cleaning your home is an annual event contemplated within the mind, but look out the window and consider your barn and yard as well. No one really likes to labor, but anything worth having takes time and effort; spring is a great time for maintenance and cleaning projects outdoors. So, wonder no more and take advantage of the sun’s bright warmth; get outside and tackle those barn projects that need to get done with enthusiasm and new energies generated by this fantastic season.
The following is a pretty thorough list of "spring-cleaning" projects. Select a few and set parameters - remember - be reasonable when determining your plan
Enjoying the new found glow everywhere brings forth the clearest visions of carrying this order to our surroundings. Spring-cleaning your home is an annual event contemplated within the mind, but look out the window and consider your barn and yard as well. No one really likes to labor, but anything worth having takes time and effort; spring is a great time for maintenance and cleaning projects outdoors. So, wonder no more and take advantage of the sun’s bright warmth; get outside and tackle those barn projects that need to get done with enthusiasm and new energies generated by this fantastic season.
The following is a pretty thorough list of "spring-cleaning" projects. Select a few and set parameters - remember - be reasonable when determining your plan
TIPS from the TRAIL:
Start from the top making the opportunity less likely to overlook areas as you work your way down
ROOF
- Check for loose or damaged shingles or metal
- Check for leaks
- Remove any leaves or debris
- Check for rust forming on metal roofs. There are great agents out there that can prohibit the situation worsening
- Repair or replace any damaged or worn items
- Paint, if necessary
1.) Standing in your barn during a heavy rain will help determine leakage
2.) If possible, pressure wash your roof. It can remove debris and stains. In addition, it can help determine if there is leakage
- Check for leaks
- Remove any leaves or debris
- Check for rust forming on metal roofs. There are great agents out there that can prohibit the situation worsening
- Repair or replace any damaged or worn items
- Paint, if necessary
TIPS from the TRAIL:
1.) Standing in your barn during a heavy rain will help determine leakage
2.) If possible, pressure wash your roof. It can remove debris and stains. In addition, it can help determine if there is leakage
GUTTERS / DOWN SPOUTS
- Check for any loose parts in your gutter system
- Check for leaks
- Check for clogs - leaves or debris can clog gutters, clean them out and place a container i.e. wheelbarrow, muck bucket, etc. below the area you are working, to catch the debris you clean out
- Repair or replace any damaged or worn items
1) Sometimes flushing the gutters with a water hose will help determine leakage and may help remove some clogged debris
- Check for leaks
- Check for clogs - leaves or debris can clog gutters, clean them out and place a container i.e. wheelbarrow, muck bucket, etc. below the area you are working, to catch the debris you clean out
- Repair or replace any damaged or worn items
TIPS from the TRAIL:
1) Sometimes flushing the gutters with a water hose will help determine leakage and may help remove some clogged debris
WINDOWS / DOORS / LOCKS
- Check all mechanisms for proper working order
- Remove, vacuum, or wipe down, etc. any debris from in and around these areas
- Clean windowpanes and let that sun shine in
- Lubricate all hinges, latches, locks, springs, rollers, etc - olive oil works well
- Check for nesting insects – carefully remove or call in the professionals
- Repair or replace any damaged items
- Remove, vacuum, or wipe down, etc. any debris from in and around these areas
- Clean windowpanes and let that sun shine in
- Lubricate all hinges, latches, locks, springs, rollers, etc - olive oil works well
- Check for nesting insects – carefully remove or call in the professionals
- Repair or replace any damaged items
Recipe for Eco-friendly Glass Cleaning Solution:
2 tablespoons borax
3 cups water
Mix ingredients and pour into a spray bottle or pan to soak items
Recipe for Eco-friendly Glass/Mirror Cleaner:
2 ounces vinegar
1 quart of water
Mix ingredients and pour into a spray bottle.
AROUND the BARN
Water
- Check all water devices for proper working order – hoses, pipes, troughs, spouts and faucets – freezing temperatures can cause damage
- Repair or replace any damaged items
- Clean all water troughs – thoroughly
Has drainage been an issue?
- There are several different approaches to rectify drainage issues - digging drainage ditches, grading, adding gravel, etc. A good start is with your local agricultural agent. Ask for suggestions, they are an excellent source of information
- Clean out drainage ditches or areas used to divert water away from the barn/property
General
- Paint the exterior of your barn, if needed
- Plant any insect controlling plants in and around your barn
Caution: be sure to secure non-safe plants avoiding possible animal or human ingestion – see blogs:
1.) White vinegar is excellent for cleaning buckets and troughs. It rinses clean and if added to drinking water inhibits the growth of algae and great health benefits for your horse
2.) Use a powdered cleanser like Comet to clean your troughs and buckets. It cleans well and rinses out almost instantly so no more rinsing/dumping for 10 minutes to get rid of the suds. Try recipe below for a "General Eco-friendly Disinfectant "
3.) Add goldfish to your water troughs, they have a mighty appetite for larva, mosquitoes, algae and assorted bugs. To accommodate goldfish, troughs cannot be too shallow; thus allowing pollution by the fish, the sun to overheat them or the cold to freeze them - 50 to 75 gallon is preferable. Use some flat rocks in bottom of trough creating a cave for the fish to hide - especially from the peering eyes and gulping mouth of a horse
For the following two sections, pick a nice sunny day to walk your property. Take a carry bag and fill it with paper and pencil to take notes for issues to address later. Also take along drinking water, hammer, nails, wire cutters, etc. for the repairs you can complete at that time. Place a muck bucket on a dolly securing it with a bungee cord and tote it behind you for debris you can haul away while checking things out. Inspect every inch. Do not let your horse be the first to find it!
- Repair or replace any damaged items
- Clean all water troughs – thoroughly
Has drainage been an issue?
- There are several different approaches to rectify drainage issues - digging drainage ditches, grading, adding gravel, etc. A good start is with your local agricultural agent. Ask for suggestions, they are an excellent source of information
- Clean out drainage ditches or areas used to divert water away from the barn/property
General
- Paint the exterior of your barn, if needed
- Plant any insect controlling plants in and around your barn
Caution: be sure to secure non-safe plants avoiding possible animal or human ingestion – see blogs:
TIPS from the TRAIL:
1.) White vinegar is excellent for cleaning buckets and troughs. It rinses clean and if added to drinking water inhibits the growth of algae and great health benefits for your horse
2.) Use a powdered cleanser like Comet to clean your troughs and buckets. It cleans well and rinses out almost instantly so no more rinsing/dumping for 10 minutes to get rid of the suds. Try recipe below for a "General Eco-friendly Disinfectant "
3.) Add goldfish to your water troughs, they have a mighty appetite for larva, mosquitoes, algae and assorted bugs. To accommodate goldfish, troughs cannot be too shallow; thus allowing pollution by the fish, the sun to overheat them or the cold to freeze them - 50 to 75 gallon is preferable. Use some flat rocks in bottom of trough creating a cave for the fish to hide - especially from the peering eyes and gulping mouth of a horse
For the following two sections, pick a nice sunny day to walk your property. Take a carry bag and fill it with paper and pencil to take notes for issues to address later. Also take along drinking water, hammer, nails, wire cutters, etc. for the repairs you can complete at that time. Place a muck bucket on a dolly securing it with a bungee cord and tote it behind you for debris you can haul away while checking things out. Inspect every inch. Do not let your horse be the first to find it!
FENCING / GATES
- Check for broken or protruding rails and nails
- Check for rust or any down fencing devices
- Check for loose posts
- Fill holes in front of gates, doors, etc.
- Check locks and latches. Lubricate, repair and replace, if necessary
- Secure, repair or replace areas in need
- Paint, if necessary
- Check for rust or any down fencing devices
- Check for loose posts
- Fill holes in front of gates, doors, etc.
- Check locks and latches. Lubricate, repair and replace, if necessary
- Secure, repair or replace areas in need
- Paint, if necessary
Recipe for Eco-friendly Rust/Calcium Remover:
vinegar - white distilled is best
Pour into a spray bottle and spray rusted areas, but works best if vinegar is poured into a pan and rusted or calcium built-up items can soak
Pour into a spray bottle and spray rusted areas, but works best if vinegar is poured into a pan and rusted or calcium built-up items can soak
YARD / PADDOCKS / PASTURES
- Check for holes, falling branches, trees, rocks or debris
- Fill holes and remove debris
- Remove any large piles of organic material i.e. old hay, manure, shavings, etc. from your property. In addition to being unsightly, they attract "pests" and the build up of heat could smolder, burn and ignite a fire
1.) If possible, pressure wash the exterior of your barn. Start from the roof and work down the walls to the ground
2.) Keep horses off wet pastures until they are dry and the grass is a few inches high
3.) In spring, turnout should be on a limited basis and the amount of time grazing should be increased slowly so the horses do not get sick from the rich grass. Use riding rings, round pens, etc. for some hours during the day as the horses may still enjoy outside but limiting time on the rich grass. Use this time to give them a ration of their hay supply
4.) If possible, it is best to rotate turnout areas
- Fill holes and remove debris
- Remove any large piles of organic material i.e. old hay, manure, shavings, etc. from your property. In addition to being unsightly, they attract "pests" and the build up of heat could smolder, burn and ignite a fire
TIPS from the TRAIL:
1.) If possible, pressure wash the exterior of your barn. Start from the roof and work down the walls to the ground
2.) Keep horses off wet pastures until they are dry and the grass is a few inches high
3.) In spring, turnout should be on a limited basis and the amount of time grazing should be increased slowly so the horses do not get sick from the rich grass. Use riding rings, round pens, etc. for some hours during the day as the horses may still enjoy outside but limiting time on the rich grass. Use this time to give them a ration of their hay supply
4.) If possible, it is best to rotate turnout areas
INSIDE the BARN
If you have tasks to perform inside the barn, such as sawing wood, sweeping, vacuuming or blowing, etc. remember excessive dust in the air is not healthy for you or the horses. You should wear a mask and the horses should be outside enjoying the weather.
- Clean facility completely
- Clean up cobwebs, spider webs, etc. and remember start from the top and work your way down to the floor – don’t forget the corners, shelves, cabinets, removable items, etc.
- Check fire extinguishers/detectors
- Preform Fire/Evacuation drills
1.) Wet the rafters/corners with Lysol Cleaner; it will reduce web buildup. Follow directions on label for water/Lysol mixture, pour into spray bottle and spray away. Use a garden sprayer for those larger jobs. Caution - Lysol is a hazardous disinfectant
Each of the following can be mixed in a spray bottle. Shake well before using.
- Vinegar; add a few drops of an essential oil to mask the smell
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide
- Grain alcohol - try a cheap vodka; mixed with 30% water to stop the alcohol from evaporating quickly
- Mix 1.6 oz of eucalyptus oil with 4 1/4 cups of water
Caution: undiluted eucalyptus oil is quite potent and can cause skin irritation
- Mix 1 gallon warm water with 20 drops grapefruit seed extract. Mix in a spray bottle and pour remaining mixture in an airtight container for refills.
2.) Buy a vacuum for the barn. Vacuuming will catch the fine silt that just becomes airborne when you sweep or blow. If possible, a wet/dry vacuum is nice. It can remove liquids too
- Clean facility completely
- Clean up cobwebs, spider webs, etc. and remember start from the top and work your way down to the floor – don’t forget the corners, shelves, cabinets, removable items, etc.
- Check fire extinguishers/detectors
- Preform Fire/Evacuation drills
TIPS from the TRAIL:
1.) Wet the rafters/corners with Lysol Cleaner; it will reduce web buildup. Follow directions on label for water/Lysol mixture, pour into spray bottle and spray away. Use a garden sprayer for those larger jobs. Caution - Lysol is a hazardous disinfectant
Recipes for Eco-friendly Disinfectants:
Each of the following can be mixed in a spray bottle. Shake well before using.
- Vinegar; add a few drops of an essential oil to mask the smell
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide
- Grain alcohol - try a cheap vodka; mixed with 30% water to stop the alcohol from evaporating quickly
- Mix 1.6 oz of eucalyptus oil with 4 1/4 cups of water
Caution: undiluted eucalyptus oil is quite potent and can cause skin irritation
- Mix 1 gallon warm water with 20 drops grapefruit seed extract. Mix in a spray bottle and pour remaining mixture in an airtight container for refills.
2.) Buy a vacuum for the barn. Vacuuming will catch the fine silt that just becomes airborne when you sweep or blow. If possible, a wet/dry vacuum is nice. It can remove liquids too
Walls / Stalls
-Check for any protruding objects
- Repair and or replace any damaged wood, metal, etc.
- Check your stall floors – whether you use mats or soil, it should be dry and level
- Strip down and remove bedding from stalls
- If you have mats, remove and check for repair
- Before restoring floors and adding fresh bedding, scrub and disinfect the walls and floors. This process requires a blog all its own - See.. Disinfect Your Barn
Remember to remove all buckets, feed tubs, toys, etc. before the scrubbing and disinfecting procedures. Open all windows and doors for adequate ventilation
Remember to remove all buckets, feed tubs, toys, etc. before the scrubbing and disinfecting procedures. Open all windows and doors for adequate ventilation
- For soil flooring, the top layer of soil should be removed (a few feet down) in the entire stall and new soil brought in
- Any flooring should be level, if not bring in suitable material
- Check feed bins/hay racks/toys, etc. for looseness and or repairs
TIPS from the TRAIL:
1.) Use a pressure washer for cleaning stall walls and other partitions/ walls inside your barn. Sweep, squeegee or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove water
2.) Use a garden sprayer to disinfect stall walls
3.) Varnish/ paint the wood/ concrete in stalls. This helps minimize bacterial, fungal and viral organisms from penetrating these porous materials
Recipe for Homemade Eco-friendly Paint:
5 1/2 cups cold water
1 cup screened clay*- a variety of colors available
1/2 cup additional powder filler, such as mica*
In a bowl, mix flour with 2 cups cold water, whisking to remove lumps. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to boil; pour the flour/water mixture into the boiling water. Turn heat to low, stirring until thick paste develops. Remove from heat and dilute the paste with 2 cups water, a little at a time. In a separate bowl, combine clay with powder filler. Add filler mixture to diluted flour paste until desired consistency is achieved.
*clay / mica can be purchased from artists' supply stores
Tips for Using Homemade Paint:
- Interior use only
- For best results, clean all surfaces thoroughly before painting- Do not use a roller
- Use brushes and stock up on inexpensive ones for flour paint is hard on brushes
- Can be applied to most interior surfaces - bare wood and drywall, stone, wallpaper, earthen and gypsum plasters, masonry and previously painted surfaces
- Do not use over joint compound
- You can substitute clay with any combination of finely ground inert materials, such as chalk, mica, marble, limestone or silica. If you want a textured surface, use more coarsely screened materials
- At first, when applying flour paint, the brush marks will be evident. Remove the marks after waiting for the paint to begin to dry and smoothing over the area with a damp sponge or clean, damp brush. Redoing this process again when the paint has become leathery will also help reveal the mica or other filler
- Keep in mind when making your own paint, it is important to experiment. Keep it fun and play with it at first. After a while, your results will be a beautiful combination of rich colors and interesting textures
-It may be difficult to create exactly the same color over and over again and since it contains food products; mix as much paint as you can reasonably use in one work session
4.) Use baking soda, vinegar or Smelleze® Stall Deodorizer Granules *(product info below), under bedding or rubber stall mats to help prevent floor rot, and to control odor. After removing soiled bedding, sprinkle over area and allow to air dry. Cover dried area with clean bedding. - Put your empty Parmesan Cheese container to use, fill with one of the solid products above and sprinkle away
* Smelleze® Stall Deodorizer Granules Info
Simply sprinkle and smell the difference
Eliminates odors instead of covering them up
Reduces stall maintenance and extends bedding life
Results in significantly drier stalls
Creates cleaner, safer, healthier, stalls
Reduces fly infestation and thrush
Superior and more cost effective than lime
Safe, non-toxic, natural, non-caustic, odorless
Environmentally friendly and recyclable
Can be used in all types of animal stalls
Made in USA
5.) Make your own "light" "barn freshener spray" that will radiate the air and is agreeable to the sense of smell. By adding or removing the number of drops, one can control the intensity of the aroma.
Barn Freshener
16oz distilled water
24 drops mint oil
24 drops eucalyptus oil
2 tsp alcohol*
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle; label and mist in areas throughout the barn.
* Rubbing alcohol is optional, but it will help to combine the water and oil.
General Areas
- Check drains in wash stalls, sinks, etc. – keep clog free
Recipe for Eco-friendly Drain Cleaner:
1 cup baking soda
1 cup salt
1/4 cup cream of tartar
pot of boiling water
Mix first 3 ingredients together. Pour 1/4 cup of mixture into the drain, followed by pot of boiling water. Pour any unused mixture into an airtight container for future needs.
- Clean the wash stall walls – may require scrubbing and disinfecting
- Clean aisles – may require scrubbing and disinfecting
TIPS from the TRAIL:
1.) When working in or around your barn, remember to clean up the debris from your projects – nails, glass, wire, metal, etc. It is best for you to find these waiting problems before your horse does
VARIOUS ROOMS – TACK / FEED / LOFTS - SUPPLIES
Clean out, clean up and organize!
Wipe down and clean any storage areas – shelves, cabinets, refrigerators, floors, etc. Clean behind items and don't forget to get those corners
warm water in a bowl
1/2 tsp dish soap
1/4 cup baking soda
cloth
Mix all ingredients well. Dip a cloth in mixture and clean away. Stir occasionally; keeping ingredients mixed.- Note: the baking soda acts as a soft abrasive to remove tough spots and light scratches
Recipe for a General Eco-friendly Disinfectant:
warm water in a bowl
1/2 tsp dish soap
1/4 cup baking soda
cloth
Mix all ingredients well. Dip a cloth in mixture and clean away. Stir occasionally; keeping ingredients mixed.- Note: the baking soda acts as a soft abrasive to remove tough spots and light scratches
Clean and examine all the following items; they are listed as the categories
With all your tack, equipment and tools, check leathers, cloth and hardware for strength and damage. Repair or replace as needed. This is an area that can be discussed in detail – a new Blog Idea!
TACK / TOOLS
- All turnout blankets, saddle pads, leg wraps, hoof boots, etc.
- Halters and leads
- Masks and flysheets – prepare them for the upcoming insect season
- Trailer ties – make sure safety releases are working properly
- Riding equipment – pay close attention to stitching on reins, cinches (girths), bridles and stirrup leathers
- After cleaning and repairing your items, hang up to air-dry
- Pack your winter items in resealable containers i.e. winter blankets
- Clean and disinfect all grooming devices - brushes, towels, etc.- place in sun to dry
- Clippers – clean and repair, if necessary – oil the blades
- Check, repair or replace all tools (forks, brooms, etc.), bins and buckets (feed, water, cleaning, etc.), trashcans, etc. Clean everything before putting it away! Properly store tools and any other detrimental items away from horse and people traffic
FEED
- Check supplement supplies and replenish, if necessary – remember the salt, seaweed, etc. too
- Clean up and sweep haylofts
- Clean out any accumulated debris i.e. feedbags, baler twine, etc.
SUPPLIES
- Inspect toys for excessive wear or damage, including mounting hardware. Ensure treats are fresh
- Check your first aid kit and your horses too. Throw away outdated items and replenish any necessary items. See... Horse First Aid-Evacuations
- Check all horse care products. Throw away outdated items and replenish any necessary items
- Vaccines - check your supplies and confirm that your horse is current on shots. See...Horse Vaccinations
- Wormers – check your supplies and confirm that your horse is current – continue with a schedule – Hey, another new Blog Idea!
TIPS from the TRAIL:
1.) There are great inexpensive storing containers out there. Try giving new life for the ones on hand by reusing them for practical purposes. The plastic bags that comforters/blankets come in usually have a zipper on them and are heavy plastic; these can be used for storing leg wraps, sheets, and blankets. Another great bag is the GIANT Ziploc ones. In addition, the dollar discount stores offer great containers for storage solutions.
2.) If you have expensive tack, take pictures including serial numbers. If lost or stolen, this may benefit in claiming them with insurance or filing a police report
3.) Wrap the handles of pitchforks, brooms, rakes, etc. with vet wrap for extra traction with gloved hands in the winter and for summer, it cuts down on acquiring calluses
4.) When sweeping up chaff, if it is too dusty for the horses to consume, throw it in your flowerbeds, garden or compost pile. It makes great mulch
5.) Always, sweep dust, chaff, manure and debris from barn aisles directly into wheelbarrows, muck buckets, trashcans, etc. Just sweeping it out the door will build a collection site and hold more moisture than just plain dirt. In wet weather, these areas will become a muckier mess than if kept debris free
DON’T FORGET the RUN-IN SHEDS
- Clean up all cob and spider webs
- Remove and dispose of any accumulation of manure, feed, hay, etc.
- Check soil condition and levelness. If soil needs replacing, remove top layer and replenish with new soil. The inside soil level needs to be higher than the outside surrounding soil level for run off
- Remove and dispose of any accumulation of manure, feed, hay, etc.
- Check soil condition and levelness. If soil needs replacing, remove top layer and replenish with new soil. The inside soil level needs to be higher than the outside surrounding soil level for run off
- Check to see if this area needs scrubbing and disinfecting
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
- Inspect all light fixtures – repair and or replace, if necessary
- Check the electrical wiring for rodent chews or any other worn, torn areas. Remember electrical fires are the leading cause of barn fires
- Check or establish a rodent control program
- Whatever fly system you use, check it for repairs and or replenish supplies
- If you use fans, clean and check for proper working order
- Inspect alarms and extinguishers – service extinguishers and replace batteries in alarms, if necessary...See Fire Proof Your Barn
- If applicable, check your lightening rods. Consider a system if you do not have one – speak to professionals
1.) A great rodent control program – barn cats. They do great work and remember to have them spayed or neutered.
- Check the electrical wiring for rodent chews or any other worn, torn areas. Remember electrical fires are the leading cause of barn fires
- Check or establish a rodent control program
- Whatever fly system you use, check it for repairs and or replenish supplies
- If you use fans, clean and check for proper working order
- Inspect alarms and extinguishers – service extinguishers and replace batteries in alarms, if necessary...See Fire Proof Your Barn
- If applicable, check your lightening rods. Consider a system if you do not have one – speak to professionals
TIPS from the TRAIL:
1.) A great rodent control program – barn cats. They do great work and remember to have them spayed or neutered.
MACHINERY
Thoroughly inspect, lubricate and tune up farm equipment before it goes back to work.
- Inspect hydraulic, fuel and electrical systems
- Inspect engine and tires
- Inspect brake system
- Always, follow manufacturer’s instructions for repairs, maintenance and usage
Phew, that's a lot to do! Remember to have a reasonable plan when preforming tasks allowing an approachable conclusion. After completing a task, step back and look at what you have accomplished – a job well done. With your preparations, you have gained the comfort knowing your facility is ready for this wonderful time of year - so now, go enjoy the season with your horse!
Go Green Tips:
- Consider rehabilitating your equipment
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| BEFORE |
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| AFTER |
Any Go Green Ideas?
Again, the early-morning sun was generous with its warmth. All the sounds dear to a horseman were around me - the snort of the horses as they cleared their throats, the gentle swish of their tails, the tinkle of irons as we flung the saddles over their backs - little sounds of no importance, but they stay in the unconscious library of memory.
Wynford Vaughan-Thomas
Wynford Vaughan-Thomas
