10 Ways to Be an Eco Friendly Horse Owner

Do you ever wonder if there are any ways to make your yard more eco friendly? Whilst we all strive to live our lives in a more environmentally way, it can be difficult to change our day to day habits. Here we have come up with just a few easy ideas to make us more eco friendly horse owners. If you can think of any more points to add then do ping us an email!

1. Check the spray bottles and supplement tubs you are using to see if they can be recycled. Once finished take these home and put them in your recycle bin (rather than in the yard general waste bin).
2. Make a change from using horse shampoo that comes in plastic bottles. Horse Shampoo Bars come in a paper wrap and are just as effective as building up a good lather. We have tried and tested this one and all our horses love it.
3. Use a large water butt to collect rain water from the stable block. Through winter you’ll be surprised by how much you can collect and reuse around the yard.
4. Buy fly sprays, lotions and potions in large refill bottles if possible. You could even pair up with someone at the yard and share one to split the cost. Buying a large refill bottle of fly spray saves a few pennies too and you can easily decant it into an existing spray bottle. If you buy a 500ml bottle of fly spray every couple of weeks imagine how many bottles you go through by the end of summer!
5. Car share when you can. This saves money for everyone too!
6. See if you can buy refill pouches for supplements rather than buying a new tub every time. If this isn’t possible buy a larger tub that is going to last a long time.
7. Kick your bottled water habit. It’s important to stay hydrated when your riding and doing jobs at the stables but get into the habit of taking a refillable bottle of water to the stables with you every day. That way you are less likely to go and grab a drink from the shop on your way home.
8. Invest in some solar lights for the yard. There are plenty to choose from and they can create effective light in the hay barn or feed room now the days are getting shorter.
9. Review your bedding choices. Wood pellets have risen in popularity as they are easy to use but they also decompose quickly. There has been a big increase in price of these this year though so straw pellets may be a good alternative.
10. Let your muck heap build up and turn into useful compost for gardeners. If you wont use it yourself advertise in your local community and I am sure it will be gratefully received! Why not save all your horse feed bags then it can be easily bagged up when ready to use.