I LOVE WINTER! Cozy sweaters, roaring fireplaces,
snuggling up with a warm-blooded friend: furry pooch, cuddly guy, and
affectionate horse, all equal and welcome in my house and my arms! Roasting
marshmallows over my outdoor fire pit, inviting friends, family and neighbors
over to burrow beneath blankets under the stars and full moon are also two of
my favorite winter pass times.
I sit on my balcony, watching the branches vibrate, the
leaves rustle, and try to guess which bird from my morning feeder is hopping
about in the treetops. To say, I was skilled enough to identify birds by sight
would be a big, fat lie. I wish! So I name them, according to color and try to
hone in on their chirps. My own little version of musical chairs and American
Idol all rolled into one. Which color bird is in which tree singing which
chirpy tune? Go…
Thankfully, identifying your horses’ needs in the cold winter
weather is much easier. Paying attention to your equine friend’s signals and
instincts will help you figure out how to gauge who likes to play in the snow,
who prefers a blanket to cozying up under his own natural, long winter coat and
who prefers to be inside his stall altogether, taking in all the action from
the safety of his own warm barn.
In the cold days ahead until that first flowering bud sprouts
this upcoming spring, just keep in mind, that your horse is as individual and
unique as any human friend who’s company you may enjoy. He has particular tastes,
wants and dislikes that all inform his preferences. Keep vigilant watch and he’ll
tell you what he needs and when he needs it.
Some useful items to keep on hand while you figure out
exactly what your equine friend prefers are:
-
Stable
sheets
-
Lots
of warm water
-
Loads
of fresh hay, straw or wood chips for him to snuggle up in when in his stall
-
Heated
feed buckets will keep his grain warm and tasty
-
For
particularly freezing temps, blankets will help insulate his body heat as long
as his coat isn’t turning wet from sweat beneath it
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