Feeding Time

Prepare Today, Save Time Tomorrow

One of the easiest ways to make your daily yard routine quicker is to spend a few minutes preparing feeds in advance. Whether you're rushing to the yard before work or trying to get home after evening stables, a little organisation can save valuable time every single day.

Here are three simple habits that can make a real difference.

1. Prepare Your Horse's Feeds in Advance

Instead of measuring feed every morning and evening, prepare several days' worth in one go.

A great way to do this is by using labelled freezer bags or reusable feed bags. Simply measure each horse's feed into individual bags and clearly label them with the horse's name and whether it's a morning or evening feed.

When it's time to feed, all you need to do is empty the contents into a bucket and add any soaked feed or water if required.

Not only does this save time, but it also reduces the risk of forgetting supplements or feeding the wrong quantities.

Stable Smart Tip

Store prepared feeds inside a sealed feed bin or secure container. It keeps them dry, organised and, most importantly, prevents the local stable mice from helping themselves before your horses do!

2. Make Up Hay Nets in Advance

Filling hay nets every evening can quickly become one of the most time-consuming jobs on the yard.

Instead, set aside 20–30 minutes once or twice a week to prepare several hay nets at the same time.

Having a week's supply ready means your evening routine becomes much quicker, especially during the winter when daylight is limited and horses are spending more time in.

It also makes it much easier if someone else needs to help with yard duties, as everything is already prepared.

3. Save Your Back with a Hay Net Filler

Anyone who has wrestled with a floppy hay net while trying to fill it knows how awkward it can be.

Using a hay net filler holds the hay net open at a comfortable working height, making the whole job faster, cleaner and much kinder on your back.

Instead of bending over, fighting to keep the net open and dropping hay everywhere, you can simply fill the net quickly and tie it off with minimal effort.

Sometimes the biggest time savings come from making the job easier, not just faster.