Breezing Through Winter

White, crisp snow, warm breath, and thick sweaters; the cold smell of winter is becoming more and more potent every day. For horse enthusiasts, this means extra time bundling ourselves, and sometimes our horses, up to brace for the short days and long nights. Most horse owners are no stranger to reaching into a frozen water bucket to painfully pull out slabs of ice, and standing out in a cold wind chill to fix a broken fence. So, as winter continues to blow its way back into our lives, now is the time to start double-checking all our winter horse care supplies.

First, before you go grabbing your gloves and coat, sit yourself down with a calculator and start checking your budget. One of the most important factors to consider is how you are going to pay to feed your horse throughout the winter. Are you prepared for a blizzard that prevents a quick trip to town for extra grain? Have you already purchased the estimated number of bales it will take to feed your horses throughout a stark winter? Control the random element now to prevent a disaster later.

Once you have sufficiently guaranteed that your horse will not starve under any circumstances, now you can take the time to ensure their safety, as well. Check each pasture your horses might be in this winter for broken fences, loose posts, or any garbage out in the field that may pose a risk. Many objects that are not a threat during the summer, when they are readily visible, may become extremely hazardous if they are covered up by snow. Also, after checking for pasture dangers, remember to check for any sharp objects that have developed over the summer in your horses’ shelter.

Finally, once satisfied that your horse will make it through winter fed and uninjured, you can take yourself back inside and hunt for your favorite gloves and coat. Keeping a horse during winter might be a colder experience, but it does not have to be an overly difficult one. Shorter days mean less sunlight to work with our horses, so the only problem that should arise is how to get out of work and out to the barn earlier. With the proper preparation, financially as well as physically, getting out on the trail can still be a breeze—maybe a slightly chilly breeze, but a breeze nonetheless.