Summer Chore List

The official start of summer is still a few weeks away, but the days are warm for most of us and it is time to start thinking about our summer maintenance program.

Summer Pasture Maintenance:

Horses should be grazing by now and the grass will be growing, unless drought or other conditions prevent it. Now is a good time to:

• Apply nitrogen if you have not already, provided that the grass is receiving plenty of moisture, whether by irrigation or rainfall. Lime, phosphorous and potassium can also be applied in the summer if they were not applied in the spring. Hopefully you have already consulted with your county extension agent and had a soil test performed. Soil only needs to be tested every three years

• Continue to monitor pastures for weeds and remove and new weeds

• Always be checking for any holes or rocks and be sure to check fencing, especially after a storm

Summer Barn Maintenance:

• Blankets should be washed by now and put away. Attend to any repairs, which should be done before being stored. Store where bugs and rodents cannot destroy them

• Check your first aid kit and discard anything that has expired. Now is the time to order your sedatives in preparation for the Fourth of July

• Check electrical wiring for rodent damage

• Clear cobwebs from ceilings and rafters

• Clean fans

• Inspect smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

• Clean gutters

  If you live in the Southeast, the weather forecasters are calling for an active hurricane season. There have already been numerous wildfires in the West, not to mention flooding and unusual tornadic activity throughout the Midwest and the Northeast. Be sure you have a disaster plan as well as a fire prevention plan and be sure to practice your plans. Please visit my blog site for disaster and fire prevention blogs.

With any luck, the weather where you live will be cooperative and you will get to enjoy lots of time in the saddle!

Tally Ho!