How to Keep Tidy at an Agistment: Tips for a Happy Horse and Community

Practical Advice for Maintaining Order and Respect in Shared Horse Facilities

Whether you’re new to agistment or a seasoned hand, keeping tidy is part of being a good agistee and a responsible horse owner. Shared facilities run smoother, safer, and friendlier when everyone pitches in. Here are my top tips for staying organised and considerate at your agistment property.

1. Use Bridle Hangers and Keep Tack Neat

Nothing says “organised” like a well-hung bridle! Most agistments provide hooks or bridle hangers, so make sure you use them rather than leaving gear draped over fences or lying about. This keeps gear in top nick and prevents it from becoming a tripping hazard. Take a few extra seconds to neatly coil reins and wipe down sweaty tack after rides – your future self will thank you.

2. Always Clean Up After Yourself – and Your Horse

It’s simple: if your horse makes a mess, it’s up to you to clean it. That means picking up manure in arenas, round yards, and tie-up areas, as well as sweeping up loose hay and dirt. A quick tidy after each visit keeps the place looking great and prevents accidents. It’s just good agistment etiquette and shows respect for others using the space.

3. Shared Area Etiquette

Shared spaces like tack rooms, wash bays, and arenas work best when everyone pitches in. Put equipment back where you found it, wipe down surfaces after use, and avoid spreading your gear into communal zones. If you borrow something, return it promptly and in the same condition. Remember, a little courtesy goes a long way!

4. Communicate About Visitors

Bringing a mate, family member, instructor, farrier or veterinarian onto the property? Let the agistment manager and other agistees know in advance. This helps with security, parking, and scheduling (especially for busy arenas or shared facilities). Plus, it’s just polite to keep everyone in the loop about who’s on-site.

Extra tip, if you need your horse handled (i.e. retrieved out of the paddock or stable and held whilst an equine professional is visiting), please ensure you make arrangements with the agistment manager in advance.

5. Keep Your Feed, Hay, and Tack Areas Organised

Whether you’ve got a locker, feed drum, or just a corner of the shed, keep your area tidy. Stack hay neatly, label your bins, and make sure nothing spills into walkways. Regularly check for old feed or broken gear that needs tossing. An organised space saves time and shows you care about the property.

6. Check and Clean Water Troughs

Clean, fresh water is vital for your horse’s health. Make a habit of checking troughs and buckets every visit – scoop out leaves, top up water, and scrub any scum or algae. If you notice a problem (like a leak or a dead possum – it happens!), sort it out or alert the property manager ASAP.

You may be lucky if you are a part of an agistment that cleans the troughs for you! Regardless, it is good practice to check that the fur kids have clean, fresh and sufficient water and report any problems.

7. Report Safety Hazards Promptly

If you spot something unsafe – a broken fence, loose wire, aggressive dog, or anything else that could cause harm – let the agistment owner or manager know straight away. A quick heads-up might prevent a nasty accident for someone else’s horse or a fellow agistee.

Final Thoughts

Keeping tidy at your agistment is about more than neatness – it’s about safety, respect, and teamwork. By doing your bit, you help create a better environment for your horse and a friendlier community for everyone. Plus, you’ll make life easier for yourself and your fellow horsey folk. Happy riding!