Winter arrived in the Northeast this week — just in time to ensnare drivers heading off for Thanksgiving. We only got a couple of inches, but I’m just not ready.
I’m not ready for the snow causing the electric tape to sag. I’m not ready for the horses to have wet blankets. I’m not ready with a barn full of hay — it’s hard to get hay to the lower barn when there’s snow on the ground and it’s already getting difficult to find a reliable supply. I’m not ready for overnight temperatures to approach the single digits. And I’m not ready for winter riding.
I love riding in the snow. It can be so exhilarating. But not when your horse doesn’t have properly prepared feet. My horses are still wearing regular shoes. No snow rims, no borium. My plan is to pull their shoes early next week. A barefoot hoof offers good traction and no issue with snowballing. But for now, the are walking on snowshoes (Freedom was perched on some snow stilts today) and neither they or I can enjoy the snow.
Ugh, I feel your pain! Miles got his snow pads on last week 🙁
I know how you feel. I have a pile of fire wood that was distend for the cellar. It’s now a giant heap of ice outside the door. I’m going to have to whack it with a sledge hammer and chuck it in. 🙂
yea… this weather is too early!! hopefully my mare will be getting snow pads in a week or two too!
I hear you! I am already having to break ice in 50 water troughs every morning 🙂 Gotta figure out a more advance system for that one. My personal horses are always barefoot though (knock on wood, it’s worked so far).