January Resolutions for Your Feed and Tack Room
Kick off the New Year with practical resolutions to keep your horses and equipment in top condition. These tips will help you maintain a well-organized feed room and tack collection for a great year ahead!
1. Write It Down
New Year’s resolutions are the perfect opportunity to get organised. A clear, color-coded list of each horse’s feeding routine on a whiteboard can prevent mistakes in busy yards or help with delegation in smaller setups.
2. Proper Feed Storage
- Stay Dry: Keep feed bags dry, elevated off the ground, and away from walls prone to dampness.
- Rodent-Proof: Use rodent-proof containers like feed bins or repurposed freezers. Empty and clean bins regularly to avoid a build up of stale or mouldy feed.
- Keep It Secure: A closed feed room prevents unwanted visitors, from ponies with Houdini tendencies to curious dogs.
3. Clean and Dry Regularly
Mould can compromise feed quality and impact your horse’s health.
- Buckets & Scoops: Wash and dry feed buckets, scoops, and any containers used for supplements or mashes daily.
- Preparation: Prepare beet pulp or mashes in small daily quantities to prevent spoilage.
4. Be Cautious with Medications
Whenever possible, avoid mixing medications into feed.
- Direct Dosing: Use a syringe for oral medications to ensure the full dose is consumed.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Particularly important in competition yards, where traces of medication can lead to positive dope tests.
5. Weigh Feed Accurately
Just like personal diets, knowing portion sizes is key.
- Weigh Your Feed: Use kitchen scales to determine how much each scoop or container holds.
- Account for Differences: Remember, mixes and cubes often have different weights.
6. Care for Your Tack
Winter conditions can take a toll on leather tack if not maintained properly.
Storage: Keep tack in a dry, temperature-stable room with good ventilation. Store saddles on racks and use breathable covers for protection.
Cleaning Routine: Wipe down tack after every use with Belvoir Tack Cleaning Wipes to remove dirt and grease. Every five uses, give your tack a deep clean with Belvoir Step 1 Tack Cleaner Spray and Step 2 Tack Conditioner to preserve its quality.
Need Help?
For any questions about feed or tack maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our Expert Nutritional Team.
