The Equine Insider
  • Home
  • About
  • News
  • Resources
    • Quick Tips
    • 5 Questions With...
    • The Affordable Equine
  • Product Reviews
  • Small Business Barn
  • Contact

Spring Barn To-Do List

3/20/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Can you believe it? Spring is finally here. We're headed into the busy riding and show season, so while the weather is still sorting itself out and the mud is accumulating, it's the perfect time to take care of some important tasks around the barn.

Have the Vet Out
Schedule a time for your vet to come out and give your horse his spring shots. Don't forget to have your vet pull a Coggins if you will be traveling off-farm with your horse. This springtime vet visit is also a great time to have your vet assess whether your horse's teeth need attention. To really get bang for your buck, try to gather a fecal sample from your horse to give to the vet to be checked for a worm count. Checking a fecal sample can give you valuable information about what type of a deworming program your horse should be on.

Evaluate Your Feeding Program
Take a look at your horse's feeding program to make sure that you're providing your horse with the nutrition that he needs. It's a good idea to ask the vet to assign your horse a body condition score, and to compare that score to where you think your horse should be on the scale. Remember that your horse's body condition will change as he transitions back into regular work, but also remember that you will need to increase his feed unless he is on pasture.

Check Your Saddle Fit
The shape and build of your horse's back changes depending on the physical shape and condition that he is in, so your saddle which fits your horse when he's in a training program may not fit him the same when he is out of work. You should check your saddle fit on a regular basis, but it's particularly important to do so in the spring when your horse is returning to work. If the saddle isn't a perfect fit, you may need to use correctional saddle pads to fill in the gaps until your horse regains his condition again.

Walk Your Pastures
Spring causes many plants and weeds to crop up in your horse's pasture. Before you turn your horse out on the pasture this spring, take a day to go through the pasture carefully to make sure that none of the plants are toxic to horses. If you need help determining which local plants and weeds are toxic to horses, consult your local Department of Agriculture.

In addition to checking for toxic weeds and plants, pay attention to the pasture fencing. Winter takes a toll on fences, and boards may need to be re-hammered or wires may need to be tightened. If you're using an electric fence, then take a fence tester out and make sure that all sections and areas of the fence are live.

As you get ready to ride, be sure to take care of these spring tasks around the barn, too.

0 Comments

    Archives

    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    September 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

    Categories

    All
    Barn Management
    Horse Health
    Quick Tips
    Riding
    Western

    RSS Feed

    powered by TinyLetter

    Do You Love To Write?
    We want you! We're looking for guest bloggers and writers to contribute to the News and Equestrian Info sections of The Equine Insider. While we can't pay, we can offer you a fun platform on which to showcase your talents, and we'll link back to your own blog or website in the author credits. Check out our Contact page for how to apply.

    Disclaimer

    The views on this website do not necessarily reflect the views of The Equine Insider or its advertisers.

    This blog is maintained for entertainment purposes. The information contained within this blog is not a substitute for advice from a professional trainer, veterinarian, or other equine professional. The Equine Insider makes no representation to the accuracy of any information contained on this site or on referenced sites.

    The Equine Insider will not be liable for any errors in the information on this website, or on any websites which are referenced or linked. The Equine Insider will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered as a result or in connection with the use of this website or any of its content.  The Equine Insider assumes no responsibility for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from equine activities.
Proudly powered by Weebly
The Equine Insider
© 2014 The Equine Insider. All rights reserved.