Runners-up receive a Country Vet ECO-Stall natural stall, barn and trailer odor neutralizing foam kit. The runners-up were Sandra W. of Lunenburg, Mass.; Seva P. of St. Louis, Mo.; Sydney V. of Elkins, Ark.; and Carole B. of Onsted, Mich.

Sandra: The best way to keep a clean barn is to start with a good clean barn. Some ways to start with a good clean barn: get the dirt out of those hard to reach places by using a blower. Address issues especially involving safety (for humans and horses alike). Ensure water and food buckets are cleaned properly as they will be easier to clean once scrubbed thoroughly. Thoroughly clean the windows and check for any cracks. A fresh coat of paint if possible will also make you want to keep it clean. If able to stain the walls, do so as the more beautiful the barn looks, the more you will want to keep it this way. Once you have a clean barn, maintaining it will be easy. Don't allow clutter to accumulate. Have a designated room for extras. Label and properly store everything, that way anyone can put anything away and there will be no question as to where it belongs. Have a Lost and Found area and when not claimed donate to charity. Make sure to have a backup supply of cleaning supplies in case of breakage, by having the proper cleaning tools readily accessible, people will be more apt to use them. Post the barn rules for all boarders and lesson takers, primarily to clean up after themselves. The harder you work to start with a good clean barn the easier it will be to maintain.