Great Cold Weather Tips from the Barn Faerie
Submitted by: Judy Samuel
Date Added: 12/10/2004
Hello Horse Lovers! Cold weather can be hard on your equine pals, so
give them a little extra TLC to help ward off frigid temperatures.
* Be sure to keep fresh water available at all times. Inside the barn
this may not be difficult, but water troughs in pastures can be a
little trickier. There's a wide variety of inexpensive trough heaters
but, they require electricity. If there's no place to plug in one of
these handy helpers, try putting a large ball (found in most toy
departments) in the water trough. When your curious horse nudges the
ball it will safely break the ice and give him access to water. Be
sure to keep the trough filled with enough water that the ball floats
well above the bottom.
* Keep those tummies happy with a simple warm feed - just add hot
water and a bit of molasses to your horse's regular grain, stir well
and let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the grain has
softened. Check to be sure the mixture isn't too hot - don't want to
burn sensitive mouths! For a special treat add some chopped apples or
carrots, mmmm...
* Remember to check blankets - a dry blanket is cozy and warm, but a
wet one is heavy and robs your horse's body heat very quickly.
* Reduce the formation of ice balls by spraying the bottom of your
equine's feet with vegetable oil-based cooking spray.
Now, let it snow!
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