The Pony Bloggers would like to help you organize one of our favorite rooms in the stable: the feed room. We have some great tips to keep everything neat, tidy, and safe for all.

The feed room should be a separate, secure room. It should have a clean concrete floor with a drain. Rodents and pests can come through a wood or dirt floor. It should also include a solid hinged door with a latch that fits tightly enough that critters can’t get inside. Be certain the latch is horse proof also and that it can’t be easily flipped open.

All containers holding feed should also be rodent and horse-proof. Grain bins and garbage cans with tight fitting lids keep feed secure and fresh. Be sure all containers are waterproof as well. And don't forget to label everything!

Include a large shelf with a wide counter for mixing supplements and include shelves for storage. Accessories that are must haves include a scale for measuring and properly labeled measuring scoops. A dry erase board above the counter should provide clear instructions on each horse’s ration and supplement.

Do not allow cats in the feed room. Their feed bowls can attract critters. Parasite proof all holes and cracks and cover windows and vents. Include a little refrigerator for medications and again, be sure everything is labeled properly. Power and light are a must for the feed room as well.

Please remember when emptying a new bag of grain to remove any older leftover grain from the bottom of the bin. Once the bin has been refilled with the fresh grain, put the remainder grain on top to use first. Check all bags thoroughly when opening for any mold before dumping feed in the bins.

Most important ‘Of Horse,” audience is to check and recheck labels, expiration dates, horse names, rations and supplements. A neat and organized feed room is a safety precaution for all of the horses in your barn. Be safe all and ride on.