Spring Cleaning

I am woefully behind in my horsie chores. I have loads of saddlepad and barn towels to wash. Every piece of tack I own needs a thorough cleaning. Spirit's waterer has more moss than water in it. And with all the rains going on right now, I'm sure to have a muddy horse too!

So, to try and get motivated, I've compiled a list of tips, tricks, and guiding principles for keeping things clean and tidy. Please share if you have others!!!

Guiding Principles

• A place for everything and everything in its place.  
• A little cleaning everyday goes a long way. 
• Make it easy to do regular cleaning. Put supplies in a handy place, in easy-to-use containers. Buy cleaning products you like to use.

Tips & Tricks

• Assign a "home" to each item you have. 
• Keep a small cloth and spray bottle near your tack so you can do a quick wipe down after rides.
• Put all your bathing supplies in one area.
• Label your stuff. Use special colored electrical tape on everything. Makes it harder to forget things around the barn. Or for things to walk away.
• Dust from top to bottom. 
• Remember, vinegar and baking soda and dish sponges and steel wool work at the barn too.
• Have lists for shows/events/going off property. 
• Have a centralized binder or folder for horse info and papers. 
• Keep a calendar for wormer/farrier/trainer/show schedules. 
• Get rid of stuff you don't like or don't use. Its not worth hanging on to - its just clutter.
• Oftentimes selling stuff is more hassle than its worth - give it away instead. 

Well, this weekend I plan to do some cleaning and organizing of my garage and closet (horse stuff central). Maybe some tack cleaning and trailer and tack cubby area organizing too.

PS - To follow up from yesterday's post about shorter leg issues, I've been stretching 3 times a day for the last 2 days. I'm taking this a lot more serious after seeing those photos of the horse's back after unbalanced riders (post was edited in the afternoon). I owe it to Spirit and myself to be as balanced as I can be.