With fall upon us, there are some important things that you'll want to make sure you get done around the barn before the snow flies. Add these items to your fall to-do list around the barn.

Check Fire Extinguishers and Smoke Detectors
Now is the time to make sure that your fire extinguishers haven't expired, and that they're placed appropriately throughout the barn. Be sure to check your smoke detectors, too, and replace the batteries if you didn't already do so in the spring.

Clean Out the Feed Room
During the busy summer it's easy to let cleaning slip. Before you stock up on feed for the winter, thoroughly clean out the feed room. Keep an eye out for signs of rodents, and check all of the feed for spoilage. Don't forget to check the expiration dates of feed and supplements.

Stock Up On Hay
You don't want to have to deal with a hay delivery when the roads are snowy and ice-covered, so be sure to stock up on hay now. Check your remaining hay for mold, and make sure to store all of the hay properly to lessen the risk of fire.

Check Your Horse's Weight
Before you start blanketing your horse for winter, it's a good idea to check and record his weight. Knowing his starting weight will help you monitor him through the winter to make sure that he doesn't gain or lose too much.

Decobweb
Choose a day when the horses are outside, and go through to thoroughly decobweb the barn. Perform a thorough sweeping while you're at it, and take the time to thoroughly scrub out both feed and water buckets.

Update Contact Information
Your fall barn cleaning is the perfect time to update all contact information that you have at the barn. Make sure that all of your phone numbers on your horse's emergency contact cards are current and accurate so that you can be reached in an emergency.

Evaluate Your Horse's Feed Schedule
As the days become colder, many horses receive less exercise. Now is the time to evaluate your horse's feed plan and begin to make adjustments for the winter. Remember that your horse should receive plenty of roughage, and you may need to decrease his grain as his workload lessens.

Schedule Your Horse's Fall Vaccines
In many areas of the country, giving your horse fall shots is recommended to booster his defenses against diseases. Talk with your vet about whether your horse might need fall shots, and make an appointment if you decide to have him receive the shots.

Check Blanket Fit
As you dig out your horse's blankets from last year, take the time to check and make sure that they fit your horse before you depend on them. You'll also want to look for any repairs that the blankets might need.

Clean Your Tack
Tack gets rigorous use during the summer. Schedule some time to sit down and give your tack a thorough cleaning and conditioning. Look for any signs of weakness or breakage. If you find issues, have your tack professionally repaired before using it again.

Winter will be here soon. It's important to get these barn chores done in the fall so that you're ready for the cold when it comes.

Photo source: http://pixabay.com/en/barn-red-sunset-clouds-campbell-63835/

Did you know that there's a really easy way to cut down on the numbers of flies that pester your horse in the barn or stable? And - better yet - you have this natural resource right at your fingertips.

So what is it?

Wind.

That's right - flies and gnats don't like wind, so if you can get air moving through the stable, it will encourage those bugs to move on outta there. The trick is that you want to create a steady breeze throughout the day. How do you do that?

Barn Construction
Good air circulation through your barn begins with the barn's construction. Yes, if your barn is already built then you're probably out of luck on this front, but it's good information to know in case you ever build a barn from scratch. When building your barn, be sure to include large barn doors that can be fully opened. Maximize the number of windows installed - ideally include one window per stall. Additional measures, like vents under the roof or additional doors on the side of the barn, can help to bring more air into the barn.

Open Windows
During the summer, open up all of the windows and doors that you can. This includes the barn doors. Be sure that windows are safely secured and/or grated to keep your horse safe. If you're worried about leaving the barn doors open overnight because of the possibility of escaped horses, then set up a few lengths of rope or 2x4 wood lengths that can be placed across the doorway to keep the horses contained in the barn.

Open Stalls
Even if you get a good current of air moving through the barn, it won't do your horse much good if it can't get into his stall. Stalls with more open construction, such as those that feature stall bars or grates on their top portions, naturally allow more air to circulate. To maximize air circulation in your horse's stall, consider using a stall guard or stall door grate so that your horse's door can essentially be open, allowing air to freely flow into his stall.

Fans
Fans can also help to circulate air in the stable, but be careful whenever using fans. Only use fans in your barn that are manufactured specifically for barn and outdoor use. These fans have fully enclosed motors, unlike fans produced for household use. Household fans have motors that can quickly become choked by the dust of a stable, which can cause their motors to burn out. If the motor burns out, pieces of that hot motor can drop down onto bedding, starting a fire.

In addition to only using fans made for barn use, be sure that all of your barn's wiring is up to code. Check that the outlets, the cords, and the fans themselves are well out of reach of a curious horse.

Do the flies have you and your horse down? Increase the air circulation through your barn and you should see a decrease in your fly problem.

Photo source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/olocaudigital/10106250405

They’re here! We hate to admit it, but the first flies of the summer have begun to land in stables and farms. Before you and your horse become covered in bites, here are some ways to keep flies at a minimum, both around the farm and while you’re riding.

Minimize Standing Water

Flies lay their eggs in standing water, and if given long enough, that will mean more flies. So, your goal should be to minimize the amount of standing water available on your farm. Activities like dumping and cleaning water buckets and troughs every few days (which should really be done anyway) can help cut down on the fly population. If you have wet areas on your property where water pools frequently, think about adding extra drainage to reduce the standing water.

Encourage Predators Who Eat the Flies

There’s a way to take care of those flies naturally. Consider bringing in animals who feast on flies. Guinea fowl can be great for this, and fly predators are another option. And those pesky barn swallows? Let them stay – they eat flies and can help keep your barn fly-free.

Zip-Lock Bags of Water and Pennies(?)

Take this one with a grain of salt: rumor has it that if you fill a Zip-Lock bag with water, toss in 5 or 6 pennies, and hang it in each doorway to your barn, the flies will not enter. We haven’t yet tried this ourselves, and while some people swear by it, others say it doesn’t work. That said, giving it a try can’t hurt – and if you try it, would you report back to us and let us know what you think?

Horse Clothing

Fly sheets, leg fly wraps, fly masks… the tools of the trade when it comes to fly season. They’re classic, and they work. It’s rumored that zebra print helps to deter flies – we don’t know if this is actually true, but if you happen upon a zebra print fly sheet, try it out! If you’re shopping for fly masks, check out our review of SmartPak’s Classic Fly Mask. Tip: Opt for fly sheets and masks that offer UV protection for added benefit.

Fly Spray

Dousing your horse in fly spray can help lessen the bites he receives during rides and while in his field. You may have to try a few different brands before you find one that works well for your horse and the flies in your area. If you’re looking to save money, then buy a large jug of concentrated fly spray. Mixing up your own bottles typically costs less than it would cost to buy them individually in the store.

So, have we given you a place to start in fighting the flies this summer? If you have any other favorite tips, please share them with us in the comments.

Image source: https://flic.kr/p/2ePzEW

With spring finally arriving, are you starting to clean your barn? Here are ten chores that you should definitely add to your cleaning list, both for your horse’s health and the safety of your barn.

Sweep the Feed Room
Sweep out all of the old, spilled feed and dust that have accumulated over the winter. While you’re at it, sweep out the hay loft and get rid of any old hay. Be sure that you only sweep while your horses are turned out – the dust you stir up could irritate their respiratory systems.

Check Feed
When you’re sweeping out the feed room, check the feed that you’ve stored to make sure that it’s not spoiled. Take a look at the expiration dates on supplements, and check feed bags for holes where mice may have chewed into them. Throw out any feed or supplements that have spoiled or expired.

Remove Cobwebs
Remove any cobwebs that have formed over the winter – along with making your barn look messy, they are a fire hazard. While you’re at it, check your fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and make sure that your fire extinguishers have not passed their expiration dates.

Check Your Saddle Fit
You should check your saddle fit frequently throughout the course of the year, but make a point of checking its fit every spring. If your horse’s workload decreased during the winter, his muscles and back shape can change, altering the way that his saddle fits. You may need to adjust the pads that you use or, if you have a saddle with interchangeable gullets, change your saddle’s gullet size.

Repair Your Fencing
Winter weather and its freezing and thawing can take a toll on your paddock fences. Take the time to check your fences and make any repairs necessary. Your horse’s safety could depend on it.

Schedule Your Horse’s Vet Appointment
Your horse’s spring appointment with his vet is an important one. Schedule it early to be sure that your horse receives his necessary vaccinations. The appointment can also be a great time to discuss the proper deworming program for your horse, and to ask the vet about any questions you may have.

Clean and Condition Your Tack
In preparation for the increased riding that you’ll be doing throughout the spring and summer, clean and condition your tack thoroughly. As you clean, look for any areas that may need repair and have them professionally repaired before you use the equipment.

Wash Your Horse’s Blankets
In preparing to pack away your horse’s winter blankets, wash them all so that they’re ready for next season. If you choose to wash them yourself, be sure to only use a soap intended for use on horse blankets so that the blankets’ waterproofing remains intact. You may also choose to send the blankets out to have them professionally laundered.

Restock Your First-Aid Kit
Make spring cleaning the time that you assess your First-Aid kit. Replenish any supplies that are running low. Check the expiration dates of any medications that you have, and replace those that have expired. Your First-Aid kit will be ready and waiting when you need it the most.

Update Your Emergency Contact Information
Check all of the phone numbers that you have listed for your horse – are they all still current? Update any numbers necessary to make sure that you, your vet, and your farrier can all be reached in the event that they’re needed.

What other tasks do you include in your barn spring cleaning?