Time to spring clean!

By Justine Thompson

Seasonal guides

09 March 2010 12:10

Set aside a sunny weekend to clean stables and field shelters. Paul Francis, of West Sussex stable supplier Redmire, tells us how:

- Old bedding can make walls damp, so remove it all, along with any rubber matting.

- Hose all areas before leaving them to dry.

- While the mats are outside, wash them down.

- Give roof areas and trusses a good sweep or even an industrial vacuum to remove dust and cobwebs.

- Clean and check all light fittings.

- If your horse likes chewing wood, Paul suggests lining the walls and adding door frame protection and chew plates to remove temptation.

- Walls and cladding will look weathered because of extreme wind and rain, so apply a protective stain.

- Clean out guttering filled with leaves and silt to prevent damp and discolouration to the walls, and perhaps add a leaf guard or cut back nearby trees.

- Adjust any doors that have swelled and moved.

Don't forget your tack...

Saddlery can suffer wear and tear in winter, such as cracking, broken keepers and worn stitching.

If you’ve overdone the oiling, the leather will be supple but you may well find some of the straps have stretched.

Spring is a good time to clean up your tack and give it a good check over.

A horse can change shape with the seasons, and may fill out with access to spring grass or trim up with increased exercise. Keep a close eye on your saddle fit as his muscle tone and condition develop.

Ask your saddler to check the fit if you are concerned – or you may be able to adjust the fit yourself if you have an easily adjustable saddle.