Sirius Equestrian Life Hack #2

There’s nothing like a quality equestrian life hack to save you some time!

Horse Nation contributor Melanie O’Neill, an event and dressage rider from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, shared this recent mind-blowing equestrian life hack. We’ve all had that moment of panic after we leave the barn, get home, kick off our boots and finally settle into a comfortable position. You know the one — it hits you like a punch in the gut as you think, “Oh my gosh! Did I leave the water running???!!!!”

Inevitably, the answer tends to be yes.

Melanie found a cheap and easy way to prevent that moment from happening ever again. So here it is, in Melanie’s own words and photos:

How often do you leave the water running when you are filling a trough? For me it seems like every time. I promise myself I will wait but end up walking away. It’s so frustrating when I create even more mud. Wasting water when you have a well is rough.

Photo by Melanie O’Neill

I needed some way to remember even while I was busy doing barn chores.

Photo by Melanie O’Neill

I had an idea…

Photo by Melanie O’Neill

I used a lanyard; I get them free at conferences and clinics. I hung it on the water pump. I have to force myself to put it on when I turn on the water. I needed something to hang on it to give it weight. I thought about a bell but won’t admit to that level of forgetfulness. I just used an extra clicker.

Photo by Melanie O’Neill

It’s not perfect, I still get some overflow. But at least I don’t go to bed and leave the water running all night…