Management & Maintenance

TLC for Horse Barns & Properties

Updated:

July 5, 2019

rat horse barn mice, first aid kit stable, tack room horse property, manure management horses

Early summer is a great time to do a variety of maintenance tasks around your barn and horse property. The time and energy invested now will keep your horses safe and your property looking its best, providing you with year-round peace of mind and enjoyment.

The Barn Owner's Vacation Checklist

Updated:

June 18, 2019

Horse owner's vacation checklist, horse care, equine care, horse worries, keep horses safe while you vacation

You’re lying on a beach in an exotic locale, soaking up the sun, sipping on a fruity beverage, seemingly without a care in the world. But all you can think about is: Will my horse be okay while I’m gone? Is he getting his supplements? What if he’s injured or falls ill? A vacation isn’t a vacation if you’re constantly worrying about your horse. Get the most out of your getaway by following these steps to ensure your horse’s well-being, and your peace of mind.

Design a Better Horse Stall

Updated:

May 15, 2019

design Horse Stall layout, Eileen Wheeler, Ph.D., Professor of Agricultural Engineering, dimensions of horse stall, ventilating horse stall, equine respiratory, lights for horse stall, flooring for horse stall

The stall is the basic functional unit of a horse stable or shelter. A simple backyard pleasure horse stall may at first appear different than a stall in a full-feature boarding operation, but they both provide a suitable environment for the horse and handler. Safety for handlers and horses should be a primary consideration in stall design. Comfort for the horse is very important, as is convenience for the handler in performing chores associated with good horse care. No matter what your management style or needs, the basics of a safe horse stall are the same. Many options that affect function and cost are available for horse stall features.

How to Green the Horse Barn

Updated:

February 26, 2019

environmentally friendly horse stable, composting horse barn

Everyone everywhere is finding ways to go green and for horse owners that includes the barn. After all, going green should mean going lean on the pocketbook no matter whether it’s an eco-home or a hayshed. Trendy or basic, the goal is the same: lower greenhouse gas emissions and benefit from cost savings.

Barn Safety Tips: Plan Ahead to Improve Your Chances of a Positive Outcome

Updated:

December 10, 2018

horse Barn Safety Tips, smoking in barn, horse barn safety hazards, horse barn emergency plan, horse barn motion-detecting lights, Horse Barn smoke detectors

To our horses, and to many horse people as well, the barn is home. This often simple building is a place of rest, relaxation, and recuperation, of learning and training, of health and security, and of friendship and bonding. But if not built or managed properly, the barn can also become a danger; and even if we try our hardest to be vigilant, accidents and emergencies can and do happen.

Negotiating Risk: The Use & Enforceability of Waivers

Updated:

August 15, 2018

karen L. Weslowski, equine waivers, equine liability agreements, Unambiguous Waiver Risk Hazard,

Waiver of liability agreements or “waivers” can be an effective form of risk management in that they transfer liability for injuries from one person to another by means of a written contract. Waivers are commonly used in dangerous or high risk sports such as horseback riding. Although commonplace in the horse industry, waivers are often used without full knowledge as to the rationale behind their use or the standards required to ensure that they are legally enforceable.

Good Fences Make Safer Horses

Updated:

June 4, 2015

horse fencing, equine fencing, ferris fencing, system fencing, gardner fence, cf fence, electric fencing, vinyl fencing, wire fencing, build horse fence

Consumers have never had so many quality options to choose from when it comes to fencing for their horses today. While consulting a fencing professional is priority, it helps to be clear on basic needs and an idea of design and layout. Making a checklist is a good place to start with some guideline questions to get the project rolling

Turn Your Tractor into a Workhorse

Updated:

May 8, 2015

turn tractor into workhorse, equestrian tractor, kubota tractors, Adam Haney, Mohawk Equipment, Conterra Industries, choosing tractor, equestrian tractor options

Tractors by themselves are limited without attachments. Deciding on what tractor attachment to purchase will be driven by your needs and priorities of use. Ask yourself the following questions: Do you need the tractor to simply move square hay bales and manure with a loader?

Building an Indoor Riding Arena

Updated:

January 30, 2015

horse riding arena, indoor horse riding arenas, building horse riding arena, we cover, dutchmasters, ironwood building systems, fabric covered horse riding arena, wood post frame horse riding arena, lindsay day remt, steel frame horse riding arena, pre-engineered horse riding arenas, pre-built horse riding arenas, horse arena footing, pdi lasergrade, horse riding arena permit

Certainly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to designing and building an indoor arena, and as this is one of the most significant investments a farm owner can make, there are many factors to take into consideration to ensure you are left with a riding arena that will meet your needs for many years to come.