As the days grow longer and the scent of fresh hay fills the barn, spring offers us the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and realign — not just with our horses, but with how we live alongside them. Whether you’re refreshing your routine for spring or simply aiming to lighten your barn’s footprint, now’s the time to let your horsekeeping reflect your values. Let’s talk sustainability, compassion, and how to be a truly ethical equestrian.

We love horses for their wild hearts and deep instincts — but often, the ways we care for them can unintentionally harm the very planet we ride across. From synthetic tack and plastic grooming tools to chemical-laden fly sprays and single-use supplements, modern horsekeeping can be surprisingly wasteful.

The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your entire setup to make a difference. Just a few conscious swaps and seasonal shifts can ripple out in big ways — for your horse, your land, and the future of riding.

🏅 Introducing the Barngoddess Good Horsekeeping Seal of Approval

We’re thrilled to introduce our Good Horsekeeping Seal of Approval, a new rating system to help you shop with soul.

Each featured product is scored across five pillars:

🐎 Horse Welfare - Prioritizing the health, happiness, and dignity of our equine companions.

🌿 Earth Stewardship - Minimizing environmental impact through sustainable practices and materials.

✋ Fair Hands - Ethical labor practices, craftsmanship, and mindful sourcing.

🛠️ Longevity - Durability, craftsmanship, and heirloom-worthy quality.

❤️ Community Care - Brands that reinvest in equestrian, environmental, or artisan communities.

Scoring System:

1–5 Horses awarded based on how strongly the product or brand aligns with each pillar:

• 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎 = Exceptional Stewardship (Earns the Good Horsekeeping Seal)

• 🐎🐎🐎🐎 = Strong Ethical Alignment

• 🐎🐎🐎 = Mindful Choice

• 🐎🐎 = Partial Alignment, Room for Growth

• 🐎 = Falls Short of Values

When you see our seal and rating breakdown, you’ll know it’s a product we’ve thoughtfully vetted and often use in our own barns. Some links may be affiliate links, which help us keep The Barngoddess Chronicles running (at no extra cost to you).

🌱 Ethical Equestrianism in Action: 10 Ways to Green Your Barn Life

1. Spring Clean with Intention

Before you toss old gear or chemical cleaners, take inventory. Can that old halter be repaired or donated? Could you use natural vinegar-based solutions instead of bleach? Download our free Tack to Tail Spring Cleaning Checklist to reset the barn the mindful way.

2. Choose Natural Grooming & Care Products

Look for balms, fly sprays, and shampoos made with clean, biodegradable ingredients. Better yet, try making your own with natural ingredients and pantry staples. Your horse’s skin and the soil will thank you.

Bonus: Barngoddess DIY Herbal Fly Spray Recipe

Many commercial fly sprays rely on synthetic insecticides and artificial fragrances that may cause skin irritation, contribute to resistance in pests, and leach harmful residues into your soil and waterways. This gentle, horse-friendly recipe uses hydrosols (plant-infused aromatic waters) to offer effective insect deterrence without harsh chemicals.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1 cup Witch Hazel (alcohol-free preferred)

• 1 cup Lavender Hydrosol

• 1 cup Lemongrass Hydrosol

• ½ cup Cedar Hydrosol

• 1 tsp Unscented Castile Soap

• Distilled Water to top off

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a 32-oz spray bottle.

2. Shake well before each use.

3. Spray over your horse’s body, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes. Reapply as needed.

Why We Use Hydrosols (Not Essential Oils)

Hydrosols are gentler than essential oils, making them safer for regular use on horses’ sensitive skin. While essential oils are highly concentrated and often require careful dilution, hydrosols offer a softer, water-based approach that still carries the beneficial plant properties, without overwhelming your horse or the ecosystem.

The Importance of Organic Ingredients

Choosing certified organic and sustainably produced ingredients isn’t just a luxury — it’s a responsibility. Organic hydrosols and base ingredients are:

• Free of pesticides and synthetic additives that can irritate skin and harm soil

• Grown and distilled without harmful solvents or chemical byproducts

• More likely to come from ethical, small-scale producers who care for the land

While DIY can save money, it’s important to invest in ingredients that uphold the same values you bring to the barn: compassion, sustainability, and long-term health for all beings.

When shopping for fly spray ingredients:

• Look for USDA Organic or certified cruelty-free labels

• Thoroughly clean and reuse spray bottles when possible

• Prioritize small producers or herbalist-made hydrosols when you can

Even your grooming tools and tack accessories can often be made from wood, leather, and natural-fiber bristles rather than plastic.

Featured Product: William Leistner Natural Fiber Grooming Brushes – View on Amazon »

🏅 Good Horsekeeping Score: 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

🐎 Horse Welfare

✅✅✅✅✅

Comfortable, effective grooming

🌿 Earth Stewardship

✅✅✅✅

All-natural, biodegradable materials

✋ Fair Hands

✅✅✅✅✅

Made by ethical artisans in Germany

🛠️ Longevity

✅✅✅✅✅

Built to last decades with proper care

❤️ Community Care

✅✅✅

Supports small-batch, family-run manufacturing

3. Durable > Disposable

Let’s face it, barn life isn’t always tidy or plastic-free. From supplement tubs to treat bags and shavings packaging, plastic has long been part of the everyday routine. And sometimes, it’s the most practical option. But even small shifts toward reusability can make a meaningful difference over time.

Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for better. Can you rinse and reuse that fly spray bottle or supplement container? Could your barn group coordinate to buy organic oats, bedding, or treats in bulk to cut down on packaging (and cost)? Buying together from local farmers or feed stores not only reduces waste, but it also supports your community.

When plastic is necessary, choose durable over disposable, and recycle what you can. The goal isn’t to shame what’s been working, but to find ways to make what works a little kinder to the planet.

Featured Product: Draw It Out® Liniment Spray Concentrate – View on Amazon.»

🏅 Barngoddess Score: 🐎🐎🐎🐎☆

🐎 Horse Welfare

✅✅✅✅✅

Gentle formula, no burn or sting — safe for sensitive horses

🌿 Earth Stewardship

✅✅✅

Concentrated = less waste, but packaged in non-recyclable plastic

✋ Fair Hands

✅✅✅

U.S.-based brand, but lacks transparency about labor or sourcing ethics

🛠️ Longevity

✅✅✅✅✅

Highly effective, versatile, and long-lasting when diluted properly

❤️ Community Care

✅✅✅

Popular among holistic practitioners, but with limited local sourcing support

4. Opt for Quality Over Quantity

Ethical equestrians know that one well-made, responsibly-sourced saddle pad is better than five cheap ones that fall apart in a season. Choose high-quality gear when possible — a bonus if it’s made from natural fibers like wool or organic cotton.

Featured Product: Montana Saddle Pad by Southwestern Equine – View on Amazon.»

🏅 Barngoddess Score: 🐎🐎🐎🐎☆

🐎 Horse Welfare

✅✅✅✅✅

Contoured spine and wool felt promote comfort, breathability, and fit

🌿 Earth Stewardship

✅✅✅

Natural wool base, but uses synthetic materials and dyes in top design

✋ Fair Hands

✅✅✅

Made in the USA, though limited transparency on labor sourcing practices

🛠️ Longevity

✅✅✅✅✅

High-quality materials designed for heavy, daily use

❤️ Community Care

✅✅✅

Supports a family-owned Western company with strong regional roots

5. Compost Manure the Smart Way

Got poop? Of course you do! Set up a compost system (or partner with a local farm or gardener) to turn that waste into a gift. Healthy soil = healthier grazing pastures and less waste sent to landfill.

6. Support Ethical Brands

Do a little research on the brands you support. Are they transparent about materials, labor, and sustainability? Put your purchasing power behind businesses that align with your values.

7. Connect With Your Land

Sustainability isn’t just about what you buy — it’s about how you live. Plant native species around your barn, rotate pastures mindfully, reduce chemical use, and honor the rhythms of the land as deeply as you honor your horse.

8. Collaborate with Local Farmers

You probably already source your hay locally, but have you ever asked if it’s organically grown? Building relationships with nearby organic or regenerative farmers is one of the most impactful ways to green your horsekeeping. Whether you're seeking low-spray hay, whole oats in bulk, or herbal ingredients for homemade fly sprays, salves, or treats - sourcing locally:

• Supports healthier soil and ecosystems

• Reduces emissions and packaging waste

• Keeps money circulating in rural communities

• Builds a network of like-minded land stewards

• Gives you better insight into what’s fueling your horse

Buying bulk grains, hay, and bedding from trusted local sources allows you to reduce your dependence on mass-produced, plastic-wrapped materials and deepen your connection to the land and people around you.

9. Wear What You Stand For

Your riding clothes should feel good in every sense — for your body, your horse, and the earth. Whenever possible, choose natural fibers like:

• Organic cotton (breathable, compostable)

• Wool (naturally odor-resistant, thermoregulating)

• Linen and hemp (durable, moisture-wicking, low-water crops

• Silk (gentle and temperature-adaptive, especially in underlayers)

Try to avoid synthetic materials like:

• Polyester, nylon, spandex (even the recycled versions often shed microplastics into soils and waterways and off-gas toxic chemicals that can disrupt hormones after prolonged exposure)

• Performance blends are marketed as “eco” but lack transparency

If you're on a budget or can't find new natural options, secondhand is a powerful choice — keeping usable gear out of landfills and reducing demand for new production.

We're compiling a Natural Fiber Riding Apparel Guide, so stay tuned!

10. Train With Heart, Not Force

Being an ethical equestrian isn’t just about reducing waste — it’s about relationship over dominance. Natural horsemanship emphasizes communication, consent, and emotional intelligence. It’s a lifelong practice of listening, adjusting, and showing up as a trustworthy partner for your horse.

Exclusive Interview with Tim Hayes
Tim is the author of Riding Home and a powerful advocate for heart-led horsemanship. We talk about how to communicate with our horses in their language, strengthening our relationship and, thus, our partnership with them.

Check out his book:

Riding Home: The Power of Horses to Heal – View on Amazon »

Ready to Ride into Spring, Sustainably?

Earth Day isn’t the only day to make a meaningful impact.

Every mindful moment in the barn — every choice to repair instead of replace, compost instead of discard, or listen instead of demand — is a step toward a more sustainable, sacred bond with your horse and the land you share.

Download the free Tack to Tail Spring Cleaning Checklist to begin your seasonal reset with purpose.

Tack To Tail Spring Cleaning Checklist (1)

8.54MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Ride with heart. Care with intention.
The earth and your horse will feel the difference.

Stay wild, stay grounded,
—The Barngoddess

Thoughts on Shoeing Your Horse

Just the other day, while Pirate and Denver were being trimmed I was talking to my trainer about putting shoes back on my Saddlebred, Denver. For most of his life, Denver wore shoes year-round. In addition to ring work, we went trail riding, and participated in a hunter pace or two. A few years ago, I started giving him a break from shoes during the winter months. I’m mostly a fair weather rider, so I thought he would enjoy being “foot loose and fancy free.” Well… as things seemed to be going okay, I refrained from putting shoes back on him at all. He’s been shoe-less now for several years.

The only downside that I’ve noticed is a tendency for him to be a little “ouchy” on gravel roads. Interestingly enough the smaller stones seem to bother him more than the larger ones. Since I’ve decided to increase my time on the trail this year, I’ve been considering whether I not to have him shod.

Pirate, who is a Gypsy Vanner, has the rock solid hooves of a draft breed. He has never worn shoes &  I’ve taken him fox hunting over some pretty rough terrain here in the mountains of Western Pennsylvania. He did just great with all of it, but I did notice that just like Denver, he is a little “ouchy” on roads with small stones. Last year, I decided to shoe Pirate on the fronts. 

Horses wearing shoes creates difficulty…as we all know. They come off or loose at the most inconvenient times. It’s not always possible to get a farrier out when you need them…even if they’re on speed dial! 

Horse’s feet are meant to flex, in order to absorb the concussion of landing, and are also designed to slide a little before gripping, to protect the bones of the foot and the more precious bones and ligaments above.

And without shoes, there’s the benefit of the horse’s own natural gripping mechanism. The horse’s hoof is beautifully designed to function on all surfaces when healthy. A concave sole with a pointed toe allows the foot to dig in for extra lift. The fully developed spongy frog provides grip, slows the sliding and acts as a cushion shock absorb-er, a bit like Nike Airs, that also helps to pump blood back up the limb. 

Keeping ridden horses barefoot also ensures that they have the benefit of optimal proprioception when we humans are on board.  Proprioception is ‘the perception of awareness of the position and movement of the body’, and a key component of the information required for the horse, or any animal, is the ability to feel the ground beneath their feet. The ability to access and use that information to adjust to uneven or challenging terrain is an essential part of balance and of healthy movement.  Our human shoes are mostly supple and flex with our feet; horseshoes generally are not. I often think being shod must feel like being permanently stuck ski boots with a completely rigid sole that does not flex at all.

And can you remember how cold your feet get in ski boots, or even in wellies, in winter? That feeling when your feet are like blocks of ice, solid lumps with no fine touch sensation and it’s difficult to wriggle your toes? And you feel like you are walking on chunks of solid flesh rather than a fully functioning foot? That feeling is caused by impaired circulation; in the cold the blood flow to our extremities is reduced to prevent us losing excessive heat from those areas. The foot goes numb, and is less functional.

Thermal imaging allows us to compare the temperature difference, and therefore blood flow, between a shod foot and a barefoot hoof.

Immobility leads to impaired circulation. When your feet are cold you wiggle your toes to get the blood going; likewise a functioning equine foot flexes and contracts as it contacts the ground, pushing the blood around the hoof and limb.

The horn is still a living substance, more solid than our foot but certainly not rigid as we are led to believe.

What do steel horseshoes do? The rigidity of the steel limits the natural flexion of the foot, converting a conformable, dynamic structure into a fixed, immobilized structure. The nails and the tightness of the shoe impair circulation; even if the shoes are beautifully fitted to the hoof on day one of the shoeing cycle, as the hoof grows, the shoe and the nails become restrictive. Just observe how much the hoof grows out of shoes during your winter shoeing break compare to how slowly it grows in between shoeing cycles.

The impaired circulation from restrictive shoeing mimics chilled toes; the horse therefore suffers from impaired proprioception, both from cold feet and from being deprived of crucial mechanical contact between the sole of the foot and the ground.

In a healthy foot, the frogs act as extra pumps, moving blood around the foot and back up the limb, and also acting as a hydro-static shock absorption mechanism. A cadaver model has actually shown that a barefoot hoof absorbs nearly ALL the concussion created by landing the limb, and therefore very little force is transmitted further up the limb, minimizing damage and wear on the rest of the joints.

Another interesting fact is that steel horseshoes vibrate at the exact same frequency that causes the industrial injury “vibration white finger” in humans. It’s a frequency that causes necrosis or tissue death. Not all shoes do this- Cytek and other plastic shoes don’t have this effect, nor do aluminium racing plates. But steel horseshoes do.

My first horse, “Wimsey” had a propensity to overreach with his hind foot and pull off his front shoes. This led to hoof damage, and countless rounds of experimenting with different shoes and trimming. We finally found the answer in aluminum shoes! I have no experience with plastic shoes, but they may be a good alternative.

What are the disadvantages of keeping ridden horses barefoot? The main problem that I have observed is that we get instant feedback about how fit, well and sound our horses are.

Keeping ridden horses barefoot gives us really accurate information about our horse’s fitness to work.

When keeping the ridden horse barefoot, we also get instant feedback about our horse’s general health. Event lines in the horn of the hoof document times of metabolic challenge. You will see a line for each dose of wormer, each vaccination, every flush of grass. If you’ve moved yards, or if your horse has had an injury, or another reason for a period of stress, there will be a ripple visible.

Is the horse footy on stones? Mostly it will have had too much sugar in its diet, or have a pro- inflammatory process going on.

Diet Makes a Difference For Every Horse!

Both Denver and Pirate are “footy” on stones. A little too much sugar in the diet? Well, they have both been getting less treats since last summer, so we’ll see if that makes any difference this year!

So the main disadvantage of keeping ridden horses barefoot is that you will inevitably become much more in tune with your horse’s body. Once you start listening and observing, I warn you now, not all the information is welcome. You may have to adjust your plans and ambitions to fit in with the horse’s schedule, their current capabilities. Your ego may have to step aside. You may have to train at their rate. You may have to learn new skills, such as a little light hoof trimming. You may have to become a feed geek, or a grass geek , or get a whole degree’s worth of knowledge from bitter experience!

Feet reflect both what’s going on inside the horse and also above in the system.

Nic of Rockley Farm wrote a brilliant blog back in 2013 about flares and deviation.

http://rockleyfarm.blogspot.com/2013/03/flare-deviation-and-does-it-really.html

If the horse has funny looking feet, it’s likely because it needs funny looking feet, or because, at this moment, it can only grow funny looking feet. Fix the diet, treat the whole horse, allow and correct the movement, and beautiful feet will grow.

Asking the Right Questions About Horse Hooves

http://rockleyfarm.blogspot.com/2017/10/ask-how-and-why-and-dont-be-afraid-to.html

Asking How? and Why? of any horse care professional is your right, and your duty as guardian of your horse.

If you are not yet ready to not shoe, do please burn this image on your brain. And give those feet a good long shoeing break every year, to keep the feet looking more like the healthy foot on the left of the picture than the right.

Educate yourself. Turn into a hoof geek. And a horse health geek. Ask questions. Be honest with yourself- what do you see when you look at your horse’s feet?

And remember- no foot no horse.

Or as I like to say…”No Hoof-No Horse”  I’m all about alliteration!

I’m going to continue doing more research on this issue, and I’d love to hear from you! To shoe, or not to shoe? What say you?

The post How To Know If Your Horse Should Wear Shoes appeared first on The Barngoddess Chronicles.

Shedding out! It’s that time of year!

Shedding season has arrived, and with it comes the annual ritual of pulling what feels like an entire second horse out of your own. I started on our Gypsy Vanner, The Pirate King, this weekend, and after about an hour, I looked down to find I had nearly created another one at my feet.

Time… not Temperature

When I first entered the horse world and experienced “grooming throughout the seasons,” I was amazed to learn that it’s time, not temperature, that triggers shedding. That is, as daylight stretches further into evening hours, horse biology says, “get rid of that winter coat!”

And, boy, do they ever!

There are some things that can speed up the shedding process, like keeping horses in work. Regular exercise can help move the process along, as increased circulation supports the skin and coat. But at its foundation, a healthy shed begins from within.

From the Inside Out

A good coat starts with good nutrition. Balanced oils and essential amino acids play a quiet but essential role in coat condition, shine, and overall health. When the inside is supported, the outside follows.
(Click on any photo to purchase!)

CocoSoya

CocoSoya is a great addition when you want to support coat condition from the inside out. It helps reduce dust in feed, improves palatability, and adds a steady source of calories that supports overall condition and shine.

Tri-Amino Supplement

I like including a Tri-Amino supplement when I want to support overall condition from within. It provides key amino acids that help maintain healthy hooves, a strong coat, and good muscle tone, and it’s one of those small additions that really shows up over time.

The Ritual of Grooming

There’s nothing quite like a proper spring grooming session.

This is the season for tools that can keep up. Whether it’s a well-designed shedding blade, a trusted brush, or a pair of gloves that actually make the process easier, the goal is the same: remove what’s ready to go while stimulating circulation and distributing natural oils.

And if you’ve ever found yourself covered head to toe in hair, you know the right tool makes all the difference.

HandsOn Gloves for Grooming

I’ve been using these grooming gloves for years, and they’ve made a noticeable difference. They work wet or dry, don’t hold onto hair, and make it much easier to reach tricky spots like legs and faces. The horses seem to enjoy them too. It feels more like a massage than a chore, and somehow my hands stay clean in the process.

WORLD’S #1 PATENTED GROOMING TOOL: SleekEZ

The SleekEZ has been another go-to this time of year. It’s incredibly effective at removing loose hair but still feels gentle on the coat. I also love that it doesn’t just stop at grooming. It works just as well on saddle pads, blankets, and even around the barn where hair seems to collect everywhere.

Electro Groom

For a more heavy-duty option, the Electro Groom is one of those tools that really earns its place in the barn. It’s powerful enough to handle serious dirt, dust, and shedding, but still versatile for different areas of the horse. The wheels make it easy to move around, and the attachments help switch between brushing and blowing out coats. It’s a bit of an investment, but if you’re grooming regularly, it can save a lot of time and effort.

Figura Clippers

The Figura clippers are a great all-around option to have on hand. They’re quiet, lightweight, and easy to use, which makes them especially nice for sensitive horses. The cordless design is a bonus and makes quick touch-ups much more convenient.

Haas Diva Exclusive Grooming Brush

The Haas Diva brush is one of those tools I always come back to. It’s soft, beautifully made, and gives the coat that final polished shine. It feels as good in your hand as it looks, and it’s easy to keep clean after use.

Bathing & Skin Care

With warmer days comes bath season… and the chance to truly reset the coat.

A good wash does more than clean. It brightens, lifts, and restores, especially for lighter coats that have endured a long winter. And as the rain rolls in, so do seasonal skin challenges.

Mane ‘N Tail Shampoo & Conditioner Combo Set (32 oz Each) For Horses & Humans!

Mane ‘n Tail is a true classic. Tried and trusted for decades, it’s one of those staples that always delivers a clean, soft, and manageable coat.

Vetrolin Bath

Vetrolin Bath is one I reach for when I want a coat to really come back to life. It brightens, lifts, and handles even the toughest stains, all while leaving the coat soft and well-conditioned.

Shapely’s M-T-G

Shapley’s M-T-G is one of those longtime staples I keep on hand this time of year. It’s especially helpful when dealing with seasonal skin issues like rain rot, supporting the skin while helping keep the coat in good condition.

ShowSheen

ShowSheen is one of those finishing touches that really makes a difference. It helps keep the coat clean longer, cuts down on grooming time, and leaves everything smooth and manageable. I can’t be without this for detangling Pirate’s long mane and feathers!

Don’t Forget the Hooves

Spring conditions can be just as hard on hooves as they are on coats. Moisture, mud, and fluctuating temperatures make consistent hoof care essential.

Conditioning and protection now go a long way in preventing cracks, dryness, and long-term damage.

Farnam’s Horseshoer’s Secret

I like keeping Horseshoer’s Secret on hand, especially in the spring when hooves need a little extra support. It helps maintain moisture and keeps everything looking and feeling healthy.

And Now For The Rest Of It!

Spring always feels like a reset for the horses… and for us. To make the transition into spring a little easier, I’ve put together a simple Tack to Tail Spring Cleaning Checklist. It covers everything from grooming and tack care to barn and seasonal prep, so nothing gets overlooked.

Download the checklist here:

Tack To Tail Spring Cleaning Checklist

8.54MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Happy Spring!
- The Barngoddess