Welcome back! Today we will be talking about equestrian life hacks to make your Horse life super easy! The things every equestrian needs horse hacks and diys. So lets get started with these barn hacks so we can get back to riding our horses

This post is all about 11 DIY Equestrian Life Hacks.

DIY Equestrian Life Hacks

1. How to Wash Horse Laundry

There are four options which you can use to clean your horse laundry, however some are easier than others. Hopefully these equestrian hacks can make your laundry a lot easier.

• Send your horse laundry to a rug wash – Your local rug wash may be found on our equestrian directory just search rug wash and your area! It’s super easy, just drop off your rugs and pick them up later washed, re-proofed and fixed. Some rug wash businesses even pick up and drop off for you, especially if there is a few on your yard using the same service.
• Car park launderette. There are a few launderettes where you can pull up and throw your rugs in the washing machine for a small cost. However you cannot leave your rugs unattended during this time. This obviously works but I am not sure how I feel about this one, as these washing machines are also used by families washing their duvets and clothing etc.

Now if you are wondering how to wash horse laundry at home, I cant recommend the best washing machine for horse blankets but I can provide some advice on where to get started!

• How to wash horse laundry in washing machine? Now when it comes to washing horse rugs in washing machine at home. This may consist of soaking your rugs in a bucket initially to get most of the dirt out and then putting them in the washing machine in a laundry bag or pillow case to prevent any horse hair escaping. You can then also put the washing machine on again with nothing in it but detergent to wash the machine out! Last thing you need is to find horse hairs on your work clothes. Remember to empty your filter too!
• How to wash horse laundry by hand? To wash your rugs by hand soak them in a bucket with rug wash detergent, change the water and soak again. Jet wash with a hose to remove any mud or brush off the dirt that is left. Now if your rug is an outdoor rug soak again in rug reproofing to keep the rug waterproof. Then hang to dry.

2. Organizing Your Horse Life

Having some form of diary or planner is key here, so you can plan all of your outings before the year runs away with you! Here are a few which we have available:

3. Hot Towels for Cleaning

When it comes to making your horse look immaculate, its great to use a hot towel on their coat. After you have bathed or groomed, soak a cloth or towel in a bucket with hot water in and use the hot cloth to wipe it over their body. Obviously be careful not to burn yourself or the horse. Now if you are wondering where to get hot water from on the yard, boil the kettle and use your water bucket to let the cloth soak and cool down. The hot cloth will remove any dust left on the horses coat after grooming. I also add baby oil into my hot water

4. Prevent Your Stirrups Scratching Your Saddle

Did you know you can buy little stirrup covers to prevent them scratching your saddle? These are great to use, only problem is if you can’t be bothered putting them on…like me I suppose it would be different if I had a new saddle.

5. Use Nappies for a Poultice

Yep you heard that right! If your horse has an abscess and you need to poultice they are great to use and super cheap! Poultice the hoof, wrap around the nappy and use duct tape to secure. That’s if your horse will stand still Obviously do at your own risk!

6. Dry Your Numnahs or Saddle Pads Quickly

Did you know if you chuck in some dry towels into the dryer with your saddle pads they will dry quicker.

7. Pack for Your Next Outing

Psss guess what! Its easier to go out riding when you prep for your outings ahead of time, this means you can concentrate on grooming your horse for your outing and make your horse look super clean instead of packing the lorry. Have a try when you return from your next outing and put together in one place what you use when you are out and about.

For example:

Plaiting bands

Show grooming kit

Cool box for your picnic

Bathing products

Travel boots

Water container

Once you have finished using an item, place it back into the lorry straight away, its simple!

8. Use a Mirror to Combat Horse Separation Anxiety

Its simple, hang a mirror near your stable so your horse can use it for company. Plus its great to get them used to mirrors in the arena

9. Put Your Horses Hay on the Floor

Screw filling your hay nets…its more natural for horses to graze and eat the hay off the floor. It is also beneficial for stretching their back and their head is in the downward position.

10. Use Styling Gel or Hair Spray When Plaiting

Make sure you do a patch test for any allergies first, but using hair spray or styling gel has changed my life when plaiting up for shows! Its makes it so much easier and its super cheap!

11. Make Your Own Fly Spray

Now I cant give you a recipe right here, right now. But I have read so much about how you can make your own fly spray (lots of recipes on Pinterest) which will cost a fraction of the cost of buying fly spray bottles. Plus you even have control over the strength of the recipe. Again make sure you do a patch test with your horse as you would with any other product. You don’t want your horse coming up with lumps and bumps.

Comment below if you have any decent recipes!

This post was all about 10 DIY Equestrian Lifehacks.