15 Barn Safety Tips

1. Pay attention to what happens before what happens, happens!
- Accidents can and WILL happen, so be prepared and watchful

2. Post emergency information and have a fully stocked first aid kit that includes items for both horses and riders.
- Make sure everyone knows where the nearest phone is and have all key information posted by that phone including phone numbers for emergency personnel and Veterinarian.

3. There should be adult supervision at all times!
- We suggest a 1:3 ratio of adults to children

4. Barn doors, doorways, aisles, and walkways / paths should be kept clear and free of obstacles and obstructions.
- Chairs, shovels, trunks, brooms, apple pickers, and wheelbarrows are some items that are often left in areas that they shouldn’t be left in. Keep the areas clean and clear to avoid injuries to horses and riders.

5. Do not “horse play” in the barn. That means NO Running or rough housing!
- A little “innocent fun” can lead to a major safety issue

6. Do not mount or ride a horse in or through the barn.
- It easy to get into a tight spot or into an area that might have suddenly become at eye level. Walking into a low bar or support beam can cause a “splitting” head-ache.

7. Store your feed safely. Keep hay, grain, or other feed away for heat sources and electrical outlets.
- Make sure you buy quality hay. Hay that was harvested and bailed when wet can self combust. Store hay in a loft or elevated by some means and not stored on concrete or plastic.

- Store other feed products in rodent and weather proof containers

8. Wear proper attire.
- When at the barn, dress for the barn. You should have boots on. Do NOT wear sandals or flip flops to the barn. NO SHORTS!

9. ALL Student riders should wear a helmet – no matter what skill level they are at.

10. When walking around a horse, use the 6 inches or 6 feet rule.
- If you are working around a horse, be within 6 inches or further than 6 feet to avoid potential harmful kicks.

11. Watch for items that are in need of repair like electrical outlets, wall switches, panels, gates, fences, and more.
- If you find an item that needs repair, be sure to let someone know.

12. Properly store pesticides, fertilizers, cleaners, and all other potentially hazardous materials AS WELL AS medicines out of the reach of children and curious animals.

13. Provide garbage cans and use them.

14. Watch the Weather!
- If you hear thunder, you should dismount

15. Pay attention AND Be Prepared!
- Many accidents can be avoided simply by paying attention to your surroundings. Always be prepared for what could happen.

We hope you find these tips useful!

Thanks,
The NickerTown Staff

Tips to keep your horse cool and healthy

Here is a list of tips that was shared with us a short time ago to bring home a cool and healthy horse after a day of trail riding or working cattle.

15 Tips for a cool & healthy horse
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1. Begin with a healthy horse in top condition
2. Care for his feet
3. Fee him a good breakfast
4. Use professional quality gear
5. Alternate trotting and walking at reasonable rates
6. Climb hills in a zigzag pattern
7. Rest the horse frequently
8. Avoid profuse sweating
9. Remove the bridle to drink
10. Tip the saddle to cool the horses back
11. Clean any debris from pads and reset the saddle
12. Clean rocks from feet periodically to avoid stone bruising
13. Cool a hot horse by walking him out
14. Don’t let a hot horse drink
15. Evaluate the horses condition when finished with work

Have fun and thanks for stopping by!
The NickerTown Staff

Fly Season

Fly season is upon us and we’ve taken a little time to gather some home made recipes for fly spray. Some of these recipes may work better than others and your mileage may vary. The claims made in the following recipes are provided for reference. If you have any doubt in using any of these recipes, always consult your Vet.

#1 – Homemade Fly Spray
This one is a favorite of mine!  I discovered it this summer through a friend.  She recommended it highly.  It has worked for everyone that has used it to date with no side effects, including on my own horses.  I also use it around the outside of our house and barn as a perimeter spray to control bugs and flies. Its safer and more effective than store-bought stuff and it smells better! (I have a 16month old daughter)

The only downfall of this concoction is that in “tough” fly country, it seems to last about 8-10 hours, but the price is right to make more!

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Mix equal parts in a spray bottle of the following:

1/3 Pine Sol of any scent (I like orange)
1/3 Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 Water

Shake well and apply liberally to your horse. Be careful around the head, eyes and any open wounds. If in doubt, do a patch test for sensitivity on your horse and/or consult your vet prior to application. Enjoy!

#2 – Fly Be Gone
15 oz water
5 oz commercial fly spray ( any brand)
5 oz vinegar
2 oz vegetable oil
2 oz green Dawn dish soap

#3 – Easy Fly Spray
Mix seven parts water with one part citronella as a fly spray. It’s not oily either. Mix it four parts water to one part citronella during the worst of the fly season.

#4 – Internal Fly Repellant
If your horse is allergic to fly bites, try 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar on their grain once a day. This raises the blood acid level just enough to bother the flies, but it is completely healthy for the horse. It takes about one week to start seeing the effects. Several old timers have told me that they always put vinegar in their horse’s drinking water during the summer to repel flies and mosquitoes.

#5 – Horse Insect Repellent Mix
1 oz. Citronella Oil
2 oz. Skin-So-Soft or Coat-So-Soft
1 Cup Cider Vinegar
1 cup Water

Mix in a 20 oz. spray bottle.

#6 – Fly Repellent
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup Avon Skin So Soft (Bath oil)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil

#7 – Avon Skin So Soft
Mix 3 parts water to 1 part Avon’s skin-so-soft in a spray bottle.
Spray liberally on your horse. This also softens his coat.

#8 – Quick Fly Spray
18 oz white vinegar
2 Tbsp dish washing soap.
Mix in a 20 oz spray bottle and shake gently until well blended. You may add water to dilute.  Spray liberally on your horse

#9 – Easy Fly  Mixture
4 oz Skin So Soft
1 oz citronella oil
12 oz vinegar
12 oz water 

Mix all together and spray

You can also check out the commercial Fly Sprays at Jeffers Equine:
Fly Sprays 

We hope these recipes come in handy and work for you,
The NickerTown Staff