Years ago I worked on a farm that boarded horses and what I remember most is that my favorite season for riding was Spring and like most things around the farm each season had its own chores. Winter chores, like storing hay meant cold weather is coming. Spring chores on the other hand meant warm weather and green pastures. Those spring chores are what we are going to touch on in this article.
Let’s start with the barn exterior and the roof. Depending on where you live winter can be pretty brutal. Look the roof over carefully inside and out. From the outside, do you see any missing or loose shingles? If it is a metal roof, are there any rust spots or large dents. Is there any debris on the roof that could fall? From The underside of the roof look for alterations in color, stains or mold. All are signs of a leak. This is also a good time to get any cobwebs or spiders that may be up in the rafters.
While you have the ladder out one of the last things to check while on the roof is the gutters if any. Now is the time to clean and inspect the gutters for your horse barn. Scoop out leaves and flush down spouts with a pressure washer or garden hose. Check the screws at all connections and brackets and patch any leaks. If you live around trees you may want to look in to a gutter guard or shield.
Still on the exterior do a critical walk around. Check the exterior siding for cracks or loose boards or siding. Check windows and doors for loose glass and hardware. As you walk around take notice of the drainage around your horse barn. Look for spots with standing water or spots that have been churned up by the horses. Check around the barn itself and make sure any water is draining away from the barn.
Now is also the time to move the pile. If you live in a climate like I did where the snow gets deep it is all you can do to push the manure out of the barn. For that reason the pile usually ends up not too far from the barn. With rains and upcoming summer heat an unpleasant situation can develop so it is best to deal with it now and use it fertilize your spring gardens and pastures.
Last but not least is fencing. Look for loose posts, sagging wires, loose or broken insulators. Look for loose hardware or nails and when done with the repairs sweep the area with a strong magnet to get any nails or wire bits the horse can step on. If you are using an electric fence check and tighten the fence insulators, check or change batteries on remote fence units. Also trim back any grass or weeds that can contact the electric fence.
Seems like a lot of work but you knew that when you got the horse. It also means many warm sunny days enjoying your horse and knowing your barn is in good shape.