The Top 6 Essential Pieces of Equipment for Horse Farms

Caring for a horse takes at least fourteen or fifteen hours a week, and more if you’re managing more than one horse. This work can be back-breaking, repetitive, and seemingly never-ending. And while the love of horses makes it more than worth it, you may be looking for some ways to make your horse care a little easier. 

Having the right barn equipment for horse farms can make your life run smoother and give you more peace of mind. Read on to discover some of our must-haves for horse farms and how they can keep you and your horses happy and healthy. 

1. Cameras 

Having cameras around your horse farm can be a great way to keep your horses safe and give you peace of mind. You can’t be there to watch them all the time, and horses like to get up to shenanigans when we aren’t watching. You may be going crazy trying to figure out how things keep getting broken or worrying that a horse that’s sick or pregnant is going to have problems when you aren’t there.

A few cameras in strategic places can allow you to keep an eye on the farm even when you aren’t around.

You can place them on problem areas, such as things that keep getting mysteriously broken, as well as on the front of each horse stall. You can check in on these cameras from your phone as needed to make sure everyone is safe, healthy, and behaving.

2. Feeding Chart

Whether you have a lot of helpers at the barn or you’re handling it on your own, a feeding chart can be a great thing to have. If you have help, you may not know if someone else has fed the horses or if everyone has gotten the medications or supplements they need. Even if you’re the only one handling feeding, you may have days when you can’t remember if everyone has gotten what they need.

Keeping a whiteboard with a feeding chart in the barn can make sure no feedings get skipped – and that no one gets double feedings. You can add notes about which horses need medication or supplements, as well as a check box to make sure that’s been handled. This keeps everyone at your barn in solid communication and your horses on a regular feeding schedule.

3. Stall Mats

Horse bedding is all well and good, and it’s an important part of maintaining a healthy and comfortable stable. But we think we can all agree that mucking out a stall is one of the least pleasant tasks in caring for horses.

Rubber stall mats can make the job a lot more pleasant, as well as reduce the amount you have to spend on bedding.

Rubber stall mats add a little more cushion and grip to your horse’s stall and manage moisture better. All you should need to do each day is a quick scoop and sweep, and your horse will be good to go.

Every so often, it’s a good idea to do a deeper clean with a pressure washer, but you can save that work for days when you have more time.

Cashman’s carries a wide-variety of quality Horse Stall Mats, everything from straight edge mats, interlocking mats, portable show mats to wash mats, we have it in stock at the lowest prices. If you have more questions about what the best stall mats might be for your horses be sure to check out our Best Stall Mats for Horses article by Lisa Kiley.

4. Two-Wheel Wheelbarrow

If you’ve ever had a one-wheeled wheelbarrow go out of control on you, you’ll know how valuable a two-wheeled model can be.

A wheelbarrow is a must-have for any barn, whether you’re moving soiled bedding or bringing in new feed. You need a sturdy model that can handle the bumps and swerves that come with maintaining a stable. 

You’re going to want to look for a wheelbarrow that has plenty of space in the bucket and solid handles that will give you good control over the load. You’re also going to want larger tires that will make it easier to navigate bumps and mud.

5. Washing Machine 

Although it may seem like a luxury, having a washing machine on your horse farm is going to save you a lot of time and headache.

Saddle pads, blankets, boots, and other such equipment are going to get dirty and sweaty and need cleaning. Hauling these items back and forth from your house to the farm can be a hassle, and there’s nothing worse than realizing you don’t have the piece of horse equipment you need at the barn.

You don’t need the fanciest new Maytag at your farm – any old washing machine will do. You can look for a good second-hand option at local resale stores, or you can get a cheaper new model. It is a good idea to read reviews before you buy, since you do want a model that will be able to take a beating.

6. Mud Grids

There are few things more unpleasant than wading through ankle-deep mud at your barn during the wetter months of the year. Your horses get dirty, your boots need to be washed, and your yard becomes a mud pit. Mud grids can help to keep you and your horses out of the muck during the winter and spring.

Installing mud grids is as simple as laying them out in the areas that get the most foot traffic. We recommend putting them down around your gate areas, loafing sheds, and feeders. You can also move them around if you notice some areas aren’t getting enough coverage.  Check out all of our highly effective mud solutions here.

Find the Best Equipment for Horse Farms

Running a horse farm takes a lot of equipment, but having the right tools can make your job a lot more pleasant. Cameras and feeding charts can give you peace of mind, while *stall mats and mud grids will keep your horses happy and clean. A two-wheeled wheelbarrow and a washing machine will make daily chores much easier and more pleasant to manage.

If you’d like to find the best equipment for horse farms, check out the rest of our site at Cashmans. We offer horse equipment and a fast and convenient drive-through feed store with one of the largest stock inventories you’ve ever seen.

Shop our barn and stable equipment today for the best deals. If you have any questions, call us at (740) 363-6073 and our highly experienced staff will be able to address any questions you have.