How to Organize Your Feed Room

In the May 2006 issue of Horse & Rider, we take a tour of Cherry Hill and Richard Klimesh's expertly organized tack room. Here, Cherry offers organizing tips for the feed room.

By Debbie Moors

A feed container like this one will be rodent- and moisture-proof. Photo by Debbie Moors

In Cherry Hill and Richard Klimesh's barn, the couple's organization skills are evident around every corner. The feed room is no exception.

As Cherry and Richard point out, whenever possible the feed should be kept in a separate, secure room. Across the barn aisle from their tack room, and within handy distance to their stalls, the feed room has a solid hinged door that fits tightly enough that mice and other rodents can't wiggle their way in.

(Richard's tip for the tack room door is also appropriate here: If there's a gap between the floor and the bottom of the door, tack or nail a rubber strip along the bottom of the door so that it sweeps along just above the floor, and provides a rodent-proof seal at the threshold).

Make sure that whatever latch you use for securing the door, it's one that your horse's lips can't flip, wiggle or somehow open. If you don't have a separate feed room, the same goes for the container you use: make it rodent and horse-proof (and waterproof).

In Cherry and Richard's feed room, grain bins and garbage cans keep feed secure and fresh. They also added a large counter, shelves and storage units for other items:

• A wide counter at one end offers a work surface where they can mix supplements, measure rations and place buckets.
• A scale makes sure that rations and supplements are measured accurately.
• A dry-erase board near or above the counter provides clear instructions on each horse's ration.
• A cabinet with secure doors (purchased at an industrial-supply store, thrift shop or office supply store) provides additional storage space for overflow blankets, out-of-season items or small supplement items.
• Some feed containers are set on low platforms to minimize the amount of bending needed to scoop out rations.
• Wooden pallets help keep grain bags off the ground to minimize mold--an important consideration if you don't have a concrete floor or if you live in a humid climate.