Friday, July 27, 2007

What To Do Before the Snow Falls

By MaryKay Ruble

As the leaves change color, and a chill wind begins to blow, a few simple steps need to be taken before winter snows fall. While this may not be a complete list, it is intended to be a starting point, and certainly, different areas with varying weather conditions will prepare in manners specific to impending conditions.

1) Move all liquids, sprays and temperature-controlled items into the house, basement or heated lounge or tack room to prevent freezing and rupturing of containers. This will save time and money next spring between clean-up and replacements of bottles and sprayers that have frozen, split and then drained their contents in your barn or tack box.

2) Do a maintenance check of all doors, sliding and hinged, latches, water heater, area heaters, feed storage containers, fence chargers, mechanical systems and fire extinguishers. None of these items are fun to change out when the temperatures have dipped into the single digits and wind chill is measured in the negative.

3) Put up, or line up a steady, reliable supply of good hay. In cold weather, your horse will derive more body heat from hay than grain. Supplying adequate amounts of hay during winter turn-out may keep horses from pawing through snow for forage. In the early spring months, supplying hay during turn out may save your pastures from becoming mud bogs as the horses move around in search of grazing areas. This movement during muddy conditions may bury or destroy any new grass growth.

4) Check tack and blankets for any repairs or cleaning that may need to be done. Repairs to leather may require that the item be shipped out to a professional. Winter may be a time for you to do this; you may not be riding as often, or may be willing to ride bareback for the added warmth and can relinquish your saddle to the postman. Blanket repairs will need to be done in advance of colder weather so that they are on-hand when needed. Keep a roll of duct tape in the barn for quick repairs when you can’t send the blanket out for mending.

5) Check with your vet to see what vaccinations are recommended for the fall or winter months. This may also be the time for an equine dental check-up. Keep up with your worming schedule, supplements and farrier visits. Although hoof growth generally slows during cold weather, and while most shod horses are left barefoot for winter turn-out, regular trims are still ideal.

6) The fall season is also a good time to check fence lines for maintenance, add strands to existing fence, or put up new fence. The ground may be more workable at this time, and you won’t have bugs, heat or humidity to contend with during the hard work.

7) If you own a trailer and tow vehicle, now is also a good time to do any scheduled or necessary maintenance on them.

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