Life can be extremely complicated as it is. When you add a horse into that life, things get a lot more complicated (and expensive).
Soon enough, you will find that your horse is your life. What if there was a way to "cheat", so to speak, to make life easier?
That's what 'life hack' means: "A strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way". We've found some of the most helpful life hacks for horse people that we hope will help you save you time and money...
For some horses in cross ties it is better to attach the quick release side to the wall, not to the horse. As it's a lot harder to grab it on a panicking horse. A simple solution? Buy extras of the quick release buckles so both ends are quick release.
Retractable cat brushes are FANTASTIC for brushing out fleece girths and saddle pads. They also work well for a finishing touch on a groomed mane to help it lay flat and shiny.
You know those foam bumpers they sell to pad coffee table edges for babies? Those are perfect for doing the inside top edge of your trailer. If a horse throws his head while backing out the top is now cushioned. You can also use pool noodles for this hack.
Luggage tags for your saddles. If your horse runs off and someone finds it they have your name and number. Another option is a dog tag on their halter and/or bridle with your name and number.
Fishing vests make great long distance trail ride accessories. They hold your phone, snacks for you, a whistle, and whatever else you want on you and not your horse should the two of you become separated.
Pallets attached to the wall are great for storing and organizing rakes, brooms, etc... Smaller pallets hung on the wall can make great shelves in wash racks for holding shampoo bottles and more.
If you have a steel trailer you can put heavy duty magnets on trailer tack doors to hold extra hoof picks, latch pins, and more.
Lay a tarp under your horse’s grooming area or during feedings. This makes clean-up easier by collecting hair, hay, and other debris, allowing for a quick and efficient tidying process.
Keep empty wormer tubes and fill them with molasses, and give your horse a couple molasses-fake-wormings between every real one. They'll quit fighting it almost immediately.
Use the blue SOS pads to get your horse's hooves nice and clean during baths..especially before a show!
Untangle manes and tails with your fingers instead of a comb
Preparation H prevents proud flesh and helps with capped elbows.
Create your own fly spray using a mixture of vinegar, water, and essential oils like lavender or peppermint. This natural solution is effective and safe for your horse while being gentle on their skin.
If you have leftover pool covers, use them to cover your hay bales outside. This will protect the hay from rain and moisture, keeping it dry and mold-free.
Attach a carabiner to your saddle or tack room to quickly swap out reins or other equipment. This allows for easy adjustments without fumbling with buckles or clips, making transitions smoother.
Bonus hack for the winter...
Invest in lots of haynets and fill them up at the beginning of the week so that it's quick and easy to feed on dark winter days when you are dashing to work.
I hope at least some of these horsey hacks help.