20 Helpful Tips to Get Your Barn Organized

Save time and energy with an organized barn space.

There’s nothing worse than having to hunt down a pitchfork or grooming tote. A disorganized horse barn can be a nightmare to work in. Not only will you waste time searching for things, but a cluttered barn can be a dangerous one. The last thing a barn owner needs is equipment and tack scattered everywhere!

Yes, you may have to sacrifice a few hours to get organized, but it’ll be worth the effort! Pick a day this week and make it your goal to organize the barn. It’s not a bad idea to purge unused tack while you’re at it

Horse Barn Organization Tips

1. Go through your entire barn and get rid of broken or unused equipment.
2. Create designated spaces for everything- feed, tack, blankets, barn supplies, etc.
3. Keep items out of the aisleway. Buckets, hoses, and wheelbarrows should not be
   laying around. They can easily become a tripping hazard.
4. Use clear plastic bins to store items. It’ll be easier for you to see what’s inside of
   them.
5. A peg board with hooks can hold all sorts of things like girths, bits, and helmets.
6. Label your tack and supplies with your horse’s name or a color code system (each
   horse gets their own color).
7. Your horse’s stall should only have the basics- a space for their halter, lead rope, fly
   mask, and any blankets or sheets. Some barns allow boarders to put a tote in front
   of their horse’s stall. This can be helpful, but everything should stay inside of it not
   on top.
8. Get into the habit of cleaning regularly. This includes sweeping the aisleway and re-
   organizing anything that has lost its place.
9. Rotate seasonal equipment like heated buckets or fans. There’s no reason they
   need to be out if they’re not being used.
10. Get the most out of your tack and feed room space by utilizing wall shelving. You
    want to keep things off the ground.
11. Frequently used items should be accessible and easy to grab.
12. A feeding chart, stacking drawers for supplements, and rodent-proof containers are
    all a must for feed rooms.
13. Every grain bin should have its own scoop. Leave the scoop in the container.
14. Create a blanket storage system. Wall-mounted bars, blanket bags, or labeled bins
    can be useful. During the off season, use vacuum-sealed bags.
15. Display a whiteboard and calendar in the commons area. Your farrier and vet
    schedule should also be listed here, along with reminders and barn rules.
16. Organize your grooming supplies with a tote. It’s important you clean and
    disinfectant your horse’s brushes on a regular basis.
17. Have a designated space for a first-aid kit. It should be clearly marked and easy to
    access. Throw away old or expired medications.
18. Important documents like health certificates or registration papers should be stored
    in a waterproof binder or file box. If possible, keep a digital copy of them.
19. Keep a trash can and recycle bin inside your barn.
20. Rolling utility carts can be useful for storing grooming supplies, wash stall items like
    shampoo and sponges, and tack used frequently.

You will save so much time with an organized barn!