Preparing for Winter: Fall Horse Chores

Now that it is officially fall on the calendar (and the weather has been a bit fall-like recently), horse owners should take a bit of time and get busy with preparations for winter.  Of course, that means additional chores to do, so get the lists ready.

There are some items that need attention indoors, and some outdoors, so we’ll cover both sections in turn.   The first item that needs attention is to check the inventory of hay, bedding, and feed. See if there is enough hay and bedding, at least, to get through the winter feeding months.  Since a horse will consume 1.5% to 2.5% of its body weight per day – depending on if it is just lounging around or in early lactation – the horses’ weight can be used to estimate dry matter intake for the total ration.  That can be further refined for the amount of hay needed by subtracting out the pounds of grain fed per day.  For example, let’s say that a gelding weighs 1,100 pounds and is working hard enough to need about 2% of its body weight in the daily ration.  If the horse is used for light or moderate work, 2% is a good number to use.  That translates to 22 pounds of feed in the ration.  If three pounds of grain are fed, then the horse will need about 19 pounds of hay per day.  If 50-pound square bales are used, then one bale will feed the horse for two and a half days.  If the winter feeding period lasts 100 days, then the number of bales needed to get the horse through the winter feeding period can be calculated.  In this case, it will take 38 bales for this one horse.  This calculation can be made for each horse, then totaled.  Make some allowance for those bales that don't weight 50 pounds, or consider buying the hay by the ton and make sure that the loads get weighed.  This keeps the purchase fair for buyer and seller.

If there is not enough storage space, then the horse owner may want to go ahead and contract for hay to be delivered at intervals through the winter and take advantage of lower prices when hay supplies are more plentiful.  The same estimate can be made for bedding needs.  Just figure out how much bedding is needed per day and calculate.

Check the horse’s winter blanket (if blankets are used).  Horses that are shown or clipped to ride through the winter will need to have a good blanket.  Check all the blankets and make any needed repairs.  If one is just too worn, is full of rips and tears, or is just too thin, then consider replacement.

Take a few minutes to spruce up the barn before cold weather sets in.  Replace any old light bulbs, get a new water hose instead of making yet another repair on the old one, or maybe put some fresh gravel around the barn, especially if there are some holes to be filled.  Check any rubber mats to see if they are in good shape.   These tasks are easier to take care of in warmer weather than when an icy wind is blowing.

Make sure that the storage area has the supplies needed for winter work.  Some items might include gloves, ice melt, and other equipment.  Clean the storage area out and reorganize it going into winter weather.  Make sure deicers, water heaters, and any heated water buckets are clean and ready to use.

A grooming vac or blower is a good tool to have handy to dry horses after rain or snow, or after heavy use.  Getting the horse dry quickly can head off respiratory infections or other illnesses.  Getting the wet horse under a dry blanket also helps in these cases even if the horse does not use a blanket most of the time.

Winter calls for the use of rubber buckets (these are good year round).  Plastic buckets tend to break and shatter in cold weather, especially when ice forms and has to be removed.  Rubber buckets can stand a good deal of abuse and still be usable.

Outdoors, get soil samples taken and sent in to plan the next year’s fertility program.  Get any overseeding done, if needed.  Check with your County Extension Agent about varieties of grasses and legumes recommended for your area.

Check the fences and make any needed repairs.  Remove any large branches or tree limbs that may fall on the fence during the winter.  Again, this chore is more easily done without an icy wind blowing or before the horses have escaped through the downed fence.

Take note of any low or wet areas around gates, waterers, or in high traffic areas.  Some preventative work here can prevent ice formation, which in turn leads to skidding and falls of both horses and people.  Avoiding one vet or doctor bill by leveling low areas will more than pay for any gravel needed to fill holes.

Take a look around and make note of anything that might need to be taken care of before temperatures fall for the winter months.  Being a bit proactive on maintenance and winter preparation can save a lot of time and effort later on.

Contact your local Cooperative Extension Agent for more information on any of the topics covered in the NC Horse Blog.  Contact information is available through the Contact Our Writers link on the right side of the page near the top.