Tips to Keep You & Your Horses Safe, Happy & Warm this Winter
Te weather outside this winter can certainly
be frightful, but never fear… we have you cov- ered with a slew of winter weather tips for you, your horses, and your farm! Te tips on this page have been compiled from Equiery reader submissions, Equiery staffers, Maryland Horse Council members, the University of Maryland Equine Studies Program, and the American Association for Equine Practitioners. If you have a tip or winter weather hack you’d like to share, email
editor@equiery.com today!
TIPS FOR YOUR FARM from UMD Equine Studies Program
Tese tips will improve the safety, comfort,
and care for both your horses and the farm as a whole during winter. Proper planning can help avoid winter-related stress and challenges. 1. Ensure Farm Access: Winter weather
can make moving around a farm much more challenging, especially when snow and ice are involved. Tink about all the places that you need access to in order to maintain daily func- tions on your property. Clearing driveways and parking areas typically comes to mind, but re- member that pathways to paddocks or turn out lots, as well as feed and hay storage areas, all should be cleared so you can perform essential tasks. Consider all the people who may need access to your farm (farm workers, delivery drivers, boarders/clients, vet, farrier) and make sure they are able to safely get to the spaces re- quired. if heavy snow is forecast, leave as many gates as pos- sible open, so snow clearing equipment can more easily clear gateways. 2. Prepare the
Trailer: Don’t for- get the trailer! Even if you do not typically show or haul horses in cold weather months, you never know when an emergency situa-
tion may arise where you will need to be able to load a horse and get your trailer out on the road. Make sure you have clear access to your trailer and clean off any snow accumulated on top. Check tires and lights regularly. 3. Maintain Hay, Grain & Bedding Sup-
ply: Plan to store some additional hay, grain, and bedding just in case you cannot get out of the farm or a delivery cannot come to you in bad weather. You certainly don’t want to run short of these essentials! Most horses should consume 2% of their body weight in feed each day, with the majority of that being forage or hay. Check out this UMD Exten- sion publication to learn more.
https://
extension.umd.edu/ resource/calculating- your-horses-winter- hay-needs 4. Winterize Wa-
ter: We know horses need access to fresh water at all times, and that can get tricky in cold temperatures. Whether you use tubs or automatic waterers, check them often to be sure they stay free of ice. Drain hoses after each use so ice does not accumulate. If you use heaters in your waterers, make sure that they are func- tioning properly. Check automatic water heat- ers and electrical connections. For water tanks or tubs, select heaters that your horses cannot
play with or move around, and disconnect them before cleaning tubs. Remember, if you are drawing from a well, you need to have a plan in place to get water to your animals in case of a power outage. In addition hoses should be dis- connected from hydrants in freezing weather to prevent the hydrant itself from freezing. 5. Verify Electrical Integrity: We use elec-
tricity differently in winter than we do in sum- mer, but this is a good time to make sure all of your electrical items are functioning properly and safely. You may use lights more for riding and chores as it gets darker sooner, and you might be using heaters for water. Check your outlets. Make sure any extension cords have the ap- propriate weight rating for their use. Do not daisy chain electrical cords, select the proper lengths needed. Dust all cobwebs off any light fixtures. Consider investing in a generator to maintain well water access and for essential barn tasks during a power outage. 6. Clean Roofs and Gutters:
TIP: Be sure there is plenty of ventila- tion in your barn when keeping horses in during the winter.
If you have not already, check your barn and shed roofs for any needed repairs and clean out all gutters. Roofs should be designed for the snow load expected in your area. Snow and ice can cause water backup and damage to gut- ters that are already clogged with
leaves or debris. Make sure all gutters are drain- ing away from the buildings and walkways to prevent icy areas. 7. Minimize Wet Areas: Any place that accu-
mulates water in warmer weather could be icy in cold temperatures. Consider ways to manage mud and standing water before temperatures drop. Heavy use pads for high traffic areas in paddocks (rubber mats and even mulch layers) can help keep footing from becoming too slip- pery and harsh for both horses and humans! 8. Provide Adequate Ventilation: While we
TIP: Be sure to clear all paths and roadways to and from your pastures and all around the farm to make access easier and safe for staff and emergency personnel.
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may feel comfortable in a cozy, tightly closed up barn, those buildings still need ventilation to remove moisture and prevent condensa- tion. Ventilation methods depend on the type of structure. Tose with open sides or vent and eave openings use natural ventilation and can provide a draft free, comfortable environment. Heavily insulated buildings will require me- continued...
THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION | JANUARY 2025 | 15
Rachael Elizabeth
Wyndham Oaks
Amy McKenrick
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