Five Things Every Stable Needs on Hand

If you’re a stable owner, you know how important it is to have everything at your fingertips. 

Keeping horses is hard work, and it can be difficult to keep track of all the things you need to do while they’re out of their stalls.

If your horse needs a new blanket because they got wet during their last ride or if you need to run out for hay, it’s always great to have some things on hand! 

Here are five things every stable needs on hand:

1. A First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is essential to any stable. You may not be able to predict when an emergency might occur, but you can be prepared for it. As a result, having the right supplies on hand is crucial.

A well-stocked first aid kit will have the following items:

• Sterile gauze pads or rolls (assorted sizes)
• Bandages (various sizes and shapes)
• Adhesive tape (heavy duty is best)
• Non-stick bandage strips
• Butterfly closures/suture strips – these are great for closing small wounds on horses or foals if you do not want to stitch them up

2. Cleaning Supplies

If you’re going to have horses, you’ll need cleaning supplies.

In this case, I don’t mean the kind of cleaning supplies that are meant for your house or apartment—I’m talking about horse-related cleaning supplies.

The following list includes some of the basic items that every stable should keep on hand:

• A bucket with a rope handle.
• A scrub brush (several if possible).
• A hose and nozzle – for spraying down stalls and other areas as needed, both inside and out. The nozzle should be adjustable so you can get it just right for whatever job needs doing at any given time.
• Rake/pitchfork – for cleaning and moving hay.

3. A Wheelbarrow

Wheeling tools and materials from one part of your stable to another is much simpler with the help of a wheelbarrow.

Whether you need to move hay or manure, it’s much easier and safer with a wheelbarrow on hand.

You can also use the wheelbarrow to haul things like cleaning supplies, feed bags, water buckets (when they need refilling), etcetera.

A wheelbarrow can also be used as a way to move heavy bales of hay or feed bags around your stable if they’re too big for one person to lift.

4. Horse Blankets

Horse blankets are a necessary part of horse care. They keep your equine friend warm, protected, and comfortable. 

In fact, if you’re not already keeping blankets on hand in your stable, do so immediately.

You never know when unexpected weather changes or an unforeseen ride will require them.

A good rule of thumb is to keep enough blankets on hand so that there will always be one ready within arms’ reach of each stall door.

Many types of blankets are available for horses; some are designed to protect from the cold, while others are intended for warmth.

There are also special blankets for hot weather and even waterproof ones for rainy days!

5. Food & Water

Keeping your horse well-fed is an important aspect of caring for your horse.

A balanced diet will help keep its energy high, which can be especially helpful if you’re planning to do some training or exercise with it.

Good food is not just good for the horse’s health; it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your animal is being taken care of properly.

The same goes for water – make sure there’s always plenty available, and don’t forget to keep a fresh supply on hand at all times (just like with humans!).

If there’s something wrong with your water sources, like low pressure or contaminated supplies coming into the stable, then make sure you have backup options ready so that no one has to go thirsty!

Final Thoughts

The last thing you want to do is be caught unprepared in an emergency or a situation that requires quick action. 

Having some basic supplies on hand will save you not only time and money but also the stress of trying to find a solution to a problem at the last minute!

It’s always best to have a first-aid kit, cleaning supplies, a wheelbarrow, horse blankets, and, of course, food and water on hand to ensure you’re always prepared.