10 Non Horsey Items That are Yard Essentials

What on earth could you need at the yard that you can’t buy from a tack shop I hear you cry? Well over the years I have found that there are quite a few yard essentials that you can mostly pick up at the supermarket or our favourite bargain store B&M. Here are my personal top 10 but what else can you add to the list? I must say that obviously none of these products are designed to be used on horses so if you want to try any of these ideas it is at your own risk and always be sure to do a small patch test on your horse to make sure no reactions occur.

1. Nappies! No not for the baby you might be dragging to the yard with you but nappies can make a very useful hoof bandage for a horse that has a hoof abscess. Once you have applied the poultice to your horse’s hoof you can then grab the nappy to cover the whole hoof and fix it in place using the nappy tapes to hold it in place.
2. Duct Tape! Following on from above idea duct tape is the ideal solution to make the poultice/ nappy stay in place and help prevent your horse wear through the bottom of it. We have found it’s best to ready make a duct tape star that you can put on the sole once the nappy is in place, using the ends of the tape to come up over the hoof to keep everything in place.
3. Aqueous Cream. Do you have a cob or horse/ pony with full feather? These types of horses tend to be susceptible to a condition called Mallanders and Sallanders. This presents itself as dry crusty scaly (and itchy) skin on the back of the knee and front of the hock. This condition will need continually treating and monitoring and there are various products on the market to treat this. However it is worth trying Aqueous Cream as many people have had success with keeping the condition under control with this cream. You can pick it up at most supermarkets, chemists or often in your local bargain store!
4. Cetraben Cream. Another good option for treating Mallanders and Sallanders. I have had great success with this and it is easy to get hold of in Boots. The bigger size comes with a pump dispenser which is really easy to use.
5. Kettle. No yard should be without a kettle! Not just for making drinks but an essential for helping clear the ice in winter, making a warm dinner for your horse or getting a hot poultice ready for your horse’s hoof.
6. Tyre. Use to keep your horse’s water bucket secure in the stable or even as a feed bowl holder. Tyres are also useful for doing raised pole work in the school.
7. Avon Skin So Soft. This can act as a handy midge repellent for both you and your horse. I know quite a few horse owners who find this effective and water it down before use. Have a look on google for various ideas as to how to use / make a suitable fly spray but be sure to always do a patch test on your horse first.
8. Sudocreme. Yes this is actually a nappy rash cream but I think most horse owners have a pot of this at the yard somewhere. Most likely in their first aid kits. I use it on minor cuts/ scraps as it antiseptic healing cream and the thick consistency creates a bit of a barrier.
9. Blue Fairy Liquid. If you have a horse with a white tail that has tinged yellow a spot of blue fairy liquid can help get the bright colour back. I use a small amount just on the ends of the tail and build up a good lather. Some people are worried about the chemicals in Fairy which I totally understand so I only ever use it on the ends of a very dirty tail. As an alternative I have also heard good things about baby shampoo!
10. Sieve. A handy little tool to get out the bits of grass or bugs that seem to end up in our field water troughs even though they are still full of water and don’t yet need emptying and cleaning. Grab the sieve and you will clear all the little bits out in seconds.