Spring cleaning: preparing your stable for summer
Let's face it, in winter, motivation is less present. Doing basic care and cleaning the stalls dressed in snowmobile gear is quite enough! Housework isn't a top priority. On the other hand, the good weather is (finally!!) here! It's synonymous with motivation, and therefore, spring cleaning!
We give you our tips and tricks for having a clean and well-organized stable as well as our essentials!
Start the big cleaning of your horse's box/pen
Over the winter, dirt has certainly accumulated in your horse's stable or paddock. Our first step is obviously to thoroughly clean out the droppings and numerous cobwebs.
So, equip yourself with a broom, a pitchfork and a wheelbarrow and make the unwanted guests disappear!
You can also use bleach (diluted with water) to wash the walls and floors of your stable!
- Clean up the droppings
- Remove the many cobwebs
- Equip yourself with a sturdy broom, a pitchfork and a wheelbarrow.
- Get a bucket of water (or a spray bottle) to clean the floors and walls.
Make sure you have the right grooming equipment
Got an astronomical amount of dust in the bottom of your brush bag? Are you adding dirt to your horse's back instead of removing it? It's high time to wash it all out!
For all rubber brushes and brushes with plastic handles, you can simply soak them in a tub of soapy water. (Do not do this with brushes with wooden handles.) You can then rinse them with clean water.
Some will stop the process at this stage, but wait, it's not over yet!
Afterward, we strongly recommend that you thoroughly disinfect your brushes. How? With a simple solution of water and vinegar (500ml of vinegar to 3L of water). Let them soak for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Lastly, drying! This step is very important because the moisture in a poorly dried brush could cause mold! So, you can wipe all of your brushes with a dry cloth and/or let them dry in the sun outside (check the weather forecast before you start so you don't get caught out!).
Of course, if your brushes are in a sorry state, nothing is stopping you from going to chambriere.ca and ordering new brushes!
Clean your carpets well
Next step: cleaning your rugs! Most classic rugs, as well as western rug pads, can easily be cleaned in the washing machine. Here too, a good brushing before putting them in the washing machine is important.
For western rugs, cleaning can be more difficult.
To remove hair that has become deeply embedded in the carpet during the winter, you can use any metal curry comb. Run it all over the carpet, making sure not to go too hard and therefore break your carpet. You'll see, the hair comes off quite easily! Repeat this process until your carpet looks like new again! Remember, gentleness is key!
Maintaining your leather equipment
An oh-so-important step: cleaning your leather gear! The one and only way to keep your leather gear looking its best for longer is to take care of it. How? It's quite simple:
First, you'll need a good leather soap. Using a damp sponge, simply spread the soap all over your leather. Liquid soap won't require much water, but bar soap will require a bit more! Don't forget the underside (of your saddle, for example) and any small cracks and/or inlaid patterns! When it comes to leather halters and bridles, it's very important to take them apart! When your leather is completely coated with soap, wait a few minutes and wipe off the excess with a clean towel.
Second, you'll need a jar of leather grease or oil. Which one should you choose? This really comes down to preference. Grease will leave a slightly sticky layer on the leather, which some people don't like. The important thing is to moisturize your leather well, regardless of which product you use.
Again using a sponge or cloth, make sure there is product everywhere, wait a few minutes and wipe off the excess.
Get ready to enjoy the beautiful summer days
As mentioned earlier, a major cleaning requires some time before the start of summer. Follow the steps, have the right tools and equipment on hand, and clean only the smallest corners of your stable. Your stable is your base camp for your next adventure, so learn to keep it tidy and you'll be proud of it.
Oh yes! One last step in this big clean-up. Now that everything is clean and tidy, it's time to enjoy the nice weather with your companion(s)!
