Daily routines

INTRODUCTION TO STABLE ROUTINE

Daily work of the stallion should be carried out according to daily stable routine be supervised by the incharge.

The work of the stallions must start early in the morning so that they have enough time for exercise, covering and grooming, which should be completed during cool hours of the day.

The first  when an attendant task enters the stable is to clean the water and feeding troughs, then a morning light feed is given to the mare/stallions.

While the stallions are busy in feeding, the bedding of the loose box is removed, the portions soiled with dung and urine are seperated and the remainder is laid outside systematically for aeration and drying, then the floors must be thoroughly cleaned by scrubbing.

By this time, the stallion finishes his grain feed and he should be prepared for exercise. His feet are picked up and body  cleaned before saddling and taking him out for exercise.

After return from exercise,  the stallion is allowed to cool himself for about 20 minutes before the saddle is taken off.

GENERAL STABLE MANAGEMENT

The following stable management practices are recommended:

Remove the top layer of clay floors yearly; re­place with fresh clay, and level. Also, keep the stable floor higher than the surrounding area.

Keep stalls well lighted.

Use properly constructed hayracks to lessen waste and contamination of hay, with the possible ex­ception of maternity stalls.

Scrub concentrate containers for frequent  intervals as necessary, and after feeding a wet mash.

Work over bedding daily, removing excrement and wet, stained or soiled material, and provide fresh bedding.

Practice rigid stable sanitation to prevent fecal contamination of feed and water.

Lead foals when taking them from the stall to the paddock and back, as a way in which to further their training.

Restrict the ration when horses are idle, and provide either a wet bran mash the evening before an idle day or turn idle horses to pasture.

Provide proper ventilation at all times-by means of open doors, windows that open inwardly from the top, or stall partitions slatted at the top.

DAILY ROUTINES IN STABLE

Bedding

Horse should not be forced to spend for the long periods on a bare brick or concrete floor. So horse will need bedding in the box through out day and night.

Straw bedding

Peat moss

Saw dust

Wood shavings

Shredded paper

The above bedding materials are absorbent and act as a deodorant at the time of defecation and urination.

Mucking out

Whatever the bedding material is used, it is essential to remove droppings as often as possible to maintain the health environment.

Grooming

Essential grooming kit

Dandy brush - Used for removing surface mud and dirt

Body brush - Used for removing grease and dirt

Hoof pick - Used for removing dirt and stones

Hoof oil - Improve the appearance of feet

Sweat scraper - Used to remove excess sweat

Stable rubber - Used to give the coat a final polish.

Quartering

One of the first task in the morning is to remove stable stains.

Full growing

The best time for full grooming is after exercise. During this time the horse is warm and the pores are opened.

Clipping

Clipping is carried out in winter to prevent the horse from sweating.

Rugging

Stable horses normally need rugs to keep them warm in winter and this becomes essential after clipping.

DAILY TIME SCHEDULE IN STABLE

7.30 AM - Check over the horse for any symptoms of sickness, give the fresh water, first feed, small hay net, muck out the stable and lay day bed.

8.30 AM - Remove any droppings, throw up rugs and quarter, pickout feet, saddle up and exercise. On return from exercise, feed/water horses, groom thoroughly, put on day rugs.

12.30 PM - Provide fresh water and give second feed.

2.00 PM - Turnout horse into paddock.

4.30 PM - Remove droppings, pickout feet, provide fresh water, small hay net, put on night rugs, lay night bed, give 3^rd feed.

7.30 PM - Check the horse for any symptoms / sign of discomfort, remove droppings, provide fresh water, give 4^th feed.