Barn & Horse Tips for a Safe & Healthy Winter
10/30/2009
Barn & horse tips for a safe & healthy winter!
1. Make sure that all heat lamps are securely hung with chain and that all lamp bulbs are covered with a metal mesh cover.
2. Check all heated water tubs to ensure wiring is intact and that there are no cracks in the wire insulation.
3. Although everyone loves a warm barn, please make sure that there is adequate ventilation for the animals as well as for all stored hay, straw & grains.
4. Consider using mineral supplements and salt blocks to encourage your animals to drink enough water during the cold weather.
5. While horses prefer cold water, they will actually drink more water in the winter if the water is slightly warmed.
6. Make sure that you have working fire extinguishers in several locations.
7. Check your feed supplies now so that you’re not looking for more hay in April.
8. Ensure that all water lines are adequately insulated against the colds and draughts.
9. Winter weather means dry hooves – check your horses hooves daily if possible, applying a moisturizing hoof dressing throughout the winter.
10. Clean out those cobwebs and sweep out the barn while your horses are outside – a dusty barn is hazardous to your horse’s long-term respiratory health.
11. Get to know every inch of your horse. The best way to detect injury or illness in your horse is through regular grooming.
12. Deworm your horse regularly and rotate the use of specific medications to reduce resistance to dewormers.
13. Don’t kill with kindness – a horse that stands in the barn all day doesn’t need grain.
14. Although hooves grow slower in winter, have your farrier out every two months to trim all hooves.
15. Check all straps on horse blankets & rugs to ensure that they are secure and able to be properly fastened. Repair all defective straps and cinches.
16. Go to the barn right now and spend some time with your horse. As the saying goes, there’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a human.
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