I figured, if I can think of 5 reasons why you should do something, it would be a good 'something' to suggest. Here is the first in a new series '5 Reasons'. These are not necessarily funny, but if you crack a smile, I can't help it.
5 Reasons to clean your own stalls (if you don't already)
1. It is good excercise (and if you think you get enough excerise, fine, read the other reasons).
2. It helps you learn your horses pattern. Horses will change stall habits under distress. If you plan to do clinics, go camping, go to shows, knowing your horses stall habits will help you help them.
3. It helps you look for good manure health. Manure can tell you a lot about a horse. You can determine if a horse is getting worms (this is not definitive, but if you find worms-BINGO!), you can see signs of dental health (large chunks of hay not being chewed is a warning sign), you can see obviously if a horse is having digestive problems that may be an indication of an allergy (or other problem).
4. Leaving your horse in the stall while you clean is a bonding opportunity (please be safe, if you horse isn't used to this, start smartly). My horses know I am in there to clean so they stay out of my way and get a few pets/scratches in when I am done.
5. It is one of the privlidges of owning a horse. There are people all over this world who would clean stalls all day just for the opportunity to be around a horse. Cleaning stalls is one of the privlidges which I try to remember every day when I am on my 4th stall.
Let me know if you have more reasons!
2 comments:
I love it. You're right that cleaning stalls with your horse still in it can be a great bonding experience and for me, it's a great time to sort out all the crap floating around in my head.
Oh absolutely! You really get to know your horse when you clean his stall every day!
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