Discover how small changes can lead to big rewards in the pursuit of a clutter-free, serene, and horse-friendly barn environment. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a passionate newcomer to the world of horses, one thing we all strive for is a barn that exudes comfort and efficiency. Complied below are ingenious barn hacks to transform your stables into a clean, organized, and functional space. From simple DIY solutions to smart storage ideas, we've compiled a treasure trove of tips to enhance your barn life and make your daily routines a breeze.

DIYs : Barn Edition

Life hacks and DIYS for your barn or stable can help streamline your daily tasks, improve organization, and enhance the overall experience for both you and your animals. Here are some useful tips and tricks :

1. Freeze Water Bottles for Water Buckets : In hot weather, freeze water bottles and place them in the water buckets to keep the water cool and refreshing for longer. Use gallon jugs for larger troughs and water bottles for hanging stall water buckets. You can also refill milk jugs with salt water in the winter to prevent your troughs from freezing completely over!

2. Fly Repellant Tricks : Hang mint, lavender, or fly-repellent herbs in the stable to deter flies. Flies, like many other insects, are sensitive to certain scents and chemicals present in plants. Lavender and mint contain aromatic compounds that are known to have repellent properties against flies. These natural compounds can disrupt the nervous system of insects, making them less likely to stay in areas with these plants.

3. Supplement Dispenser : Use a weekly pill organizer to store and dispense supplements for each day of the week.

4. Makeshift Scrubber : A dish brush with a soap dispenser in the handle is a great way to scrub your horse’s legs while bathing or for dirty buckets. For animal use fill your scrubber brush with shampoo; for buckets and feed tubs, fill with antibacterial dish soap and rinse throughly.

5. Baby Food : Pureed baby food makes for a great mixer for those “gross tasting” medications for your equine. Be sure to pick a flavor your horse will enjoy, apples, carrot and pear. “Stay away from broccoli and other veggies that are toxic to horses.”

6. Emergency Contact Board : Create an emergency contact board with essential phone numbers, your veterinarian's information, and other emergency instructions.

7. Shovel Holder : Attach a section of PVC pipe to the wall to store shovels, pitchforks, and brooms securely.

Organization & Tidiness is Key

Keeping your barn tidy and organized is essential for the well-being of your animals and your own efficiency in caring for them. First and foremost establish a routine! Create a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routine. Consistency is key to maintaining a tidy barn. Designate certain areas of the barn for different equipment, tools, and supplies. Use shelves, bins, and labeled containers to keep everything organized. Go ahead and get rid of unnecessary items and clutter that accumulate over time. Donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need.

CLEAN DAILY : Sweep the aisles and grooming areas daily to keep dust and debris under control. Clean up manure and soiled bedding promptly, use dust-free bedding and proper ventilation to reduce dust accumulation. Arrange for regular manure removal or composting to keep the barn area clean and odor-free and set up trash and recycling stations and ensure they are emptied regularly.

Product Feature : Little Giant Muck Tub Cart #CA500 - Two-wheel pneumatic utility cart that accommodates loads up to 350lbs! Drop-down retaining ring collapses for loading full, heavy, or large items. Cart holds a standard Little Giant 70-Quart Muck Tub #PSB70 (sold separately) 

USE WALL SPACE : Install hooks, pegboards, and shelves on the walls to store equipment, halters, lead ropes, and grooming tools. You can also invest in individual tack lockers or storage spaces for boarders and riders to keep their equipment and supplies organized.

Product Features : Tough 1 Blanket Rail with Hooks #88-47118 - Great for attaching to stall fronts, tack rooms and trailers! 36' long and rail is 5 1/4" deep, can easily accommodate thick blankets. Hooks on either end for halters, bridles, fly masks, lead ropes etc | Cashel Company 2 Hook Mountable Bridle Rack #SA-BRACK2 | Partrade Trading Corp. Bridle Bracket #244263 - Properly holds bridles and comes with a lower hook for reins! 

FEED STORAGE : Organize feed bins, supplement containers, and storage areas to prevent cross-contamination and spoilage. Use color-coded buckets, bins, or tags for different tasks or areas to make it easy to identify and find things quickly. Label feed bins, storage containers, and drawers to ensure that everyone knows where things belong. Store hay in a separate, dry area to prevent mold and pests. Use hay racks or nets to minimize waste and keep the area tidy.

Product Features : Horseman's Pride Feed Cart #18449630 - Easily feed your whole herd with a feed capacity of 200 lbs! Large compartment holds 100 pounds plus two additional smaller compartments. Extremely durable with large spoked wheels guide for easy pulling or pushing over all types of terrain.

Product Features : Boss Equine Collapsible Boss Bucket #BOSS-BUCKET - Revolutionary water buckets that are collapsible and lightweight! Features a thermoplastic elastomer collapsible center, reinforced plastic top rims, and bucket base for durability and longevity. | Tough 1 Feed Scoop with Measurements #72-100 - Easy to read and measures for pellet, sweet and oat feeds! 

KEEP SUPPLIES HANDY : Set up a designated grooming area with all the necessary supplies readily available. Store first aid and emergency supplies in a clearly labeled and accessible location.

Product Features : Tough 1 Spray Boon #88-400-0-0 - Wall mounted, hose not included but fits a standard garden hose! | Classic Bottle Hanger #BOTTLHANGER - Holds two 32oz bottles and fits over most standard panels and wood fencing. | Jacks Manufacturing Grooming Cart #10678 - Heavy duty wire baskets with 10" wheels, baskets measure 18" x 13.5"

Involve all barn users in maintaining a tidy and organized space. Encourage cooperation and teamwork. By following these tips and consistently maintaining good organization practices, you'll create a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable environment for both you and your animals in the barn.

Practical and Fun

Fergus the famous horse took social media by storm in 2012 and is loved by equestrians worldwide! Now with four books and over 300K followers under his belt Fergus and his colorful heard of friends continue the fun. You can now add a bit of joy to your barn with Fergus specialty signs! 

The barn is not just a place, but a harmonious blend of practicality, safety, and joy! A stable is a place where hard work and passion converge, where the bond between humans and horses flourishes, and where cherished memories are born.