The key to a money savvy stable is purchasing quality products once that will last, like Red Gorilla’s tyre rubber feed bins. © Red Gorilla
It’s an undeniable truth that having horses can be an expensive hobby or business. From the feed and equipment to the transportation and farrier bills, horses seem to pull money out of your bank account quicker than a Shetland pony can swallow a carrot. However, there are ways to lessen that impact on your hip pocket — as well as do your part for the planet.
There are many hacks horse owners can use around the yard that help work towards a money-savvy and eco-friendly stable.
Tips for keeping costs low for feed, equipment, and stabling
One of the biggest expenses for owning horses is feed and equipment. Depending on your discipline and the size of the property, this cost can vary greatly. But purchasing products that are made to last can reduce your waste, is better for the environment, and saves you money in the long run.
When it comes to feed, depending on the size of your herd and your storage space, bulk buying can be a great option. As long as hay is kept dry and doesn’t go mouldy and your hard feed is secure, bulk buying can save you hundreds of dollars every year. On the other, if you only have a few hungry mouths to feed, shopping around for the best deal is the way to go so nothing accidentally goes to waste in the shed. Whichever way you go, ensure your feed is stored securely to prevent mice or the weather from destroying it. Keep you hard feed in durable, rodent-proof bins and stack your hay on pallets.
Knowing exactly how much feed your horse or pony is getting will save you money and Red Gorilla’s colourful range of scoops and tubs will ensure you always know which equipment is yours. © Red Gorilla
Remember, the feed shed isn’t the only place where that hard-earned food can be wasted. Use slow feeders in the paddock or hay nets in the stable to maximise that precious hay by making it last longer and preventing horses from trampling and spoiling forage that has fallen to the ground. It is also a good idea to use a proper feed scoop to measure exactly how much feed your horse is having. For instance, products such as Red Gorilla feed scoops have exact measurements so you can be sure you’re not underfeeding your thoroughbred or overfeeding your miniature.
When it comes to your tack and equipment, make sure it is out of the weather and, particularly with leather items, covered to stop dust and general exposure from ageing them prematurely.
Other typical items around the stable are unavoidably exposed to the dirt, water, and weather which will have an impact on their integrity. Equipment such as bedding forks, buckets, and tubs will break down quickly unless you decide to fork out for good quality items that work better and last longer. Cheap buckets will become brittle and will typically break right when you don’t want them to… covering you in feed or water! Flexible buckets such as Red Gorilla’s Tubs and Tyre Rubber Feed Skips have become extremely popular to use around horses as they are easier to work with and, if a horse tries to jump up and down on them, are less likely to break under stress. Plus, Red Gorilla has a fantastic range of colours and limited-edition patterns so you can always be sure all your equipment is matchy-matchy!
A good quality bedding fork will save you time and money. © Red Gorilla
If you keep your horses stabled, another item that is well worth bulk buying is wood shavings. Depending on how long your horse spends in its stall, one horse can go through around $20 of wood shavings per week if not more. One way to tackle high wood shavings usage is to keep your horse in the paddock as often as possible. If this isn’t an option, being able to thoroughly clean the bedding is paramount. Try to muck out regularly and before manure becomes trampled and broken apart, which can make it very hard to collect. Having a strong and well-designed bedding fork makes a massive difference in saving you time and money. There are many designs on the market, but the Red Gorilla Straight Handle Bedding Fork is a popular choice in many stables for picking up those tiny manure pieces. Its slightly raised sides mean once you’ve picked it up, the manure will stay on the fork while you remove loose shavings. Another trick to economise on bedding is using rubber sheeting around the lower half of stalls to stop shavings from being kicked out and it can also reduce the risk of equine injury – possibly saving you a visit from the vet. You may even be able to find rubber sheets second hand which your bank account will thank you for.
Making your energy and water count
Living in a drought-prone land, Australian riders should already be aware of how much water one horse can use – however, there are some tips for making every drop count. When cleaning out troughs or water buckets, collect the left-over water and use it on your garden, pasture, or to even clean the stable flooring. During bath time or filling buckets, a spray nozzle attached to your hose is a great way of controlling your water usage and preventing waste. Check all of your hoses, pipes, and taps for leaks, especially where leaking water may ruin fresh stall bedding. You can even collect rainwater from your stable roof in a small tank for horses drinking water and washing purposes.
Quality flexible tubs like Red Gorilla will last longer than cheaper options and their colourful selection means you can always be matchy matchy. © Red Gorilla
If you have electricity in your stable, you may be able to save money here as well. Energy isn’t cheap, and by changing your light bulbs to some longer-lasting, eco-friendly options, it will save you money and it’s better for the planet. Installing solar panels is another great way to save money and energy by getting the sun to power your lights and any hot water systems you have on the site.
So whatever your equestrian needs, there are always tricks you can use to save a little time and money. Going second-hand and buying in bulk is a great way to save, but when it comes to products you will be using every day – such as bedding forks, feed bins, and buckets – a good-quality brand like Red Gorilla has got your back.
To find out more about Red Gorilla and their range of equine products, check out their website here.
This article was written in conjunction with Red Gorilla.
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