Farm & Garden

Last updated: 2018.12.01

The Winter Way of Doing Things

Should we add liners under their sheets or put the horses in their mediums? Translated, the question is whether the horses should be turned-out in their thin jackets with an extra polyfill liner, or is it cold enough to wear their medium weight jackets? Either option would actually provide about the same level of protection. The forecast did not include rain. The concern today is the wind, gusting at 30-35 mph. The weather and the amount of daylight factor into every activity on a farm.

Since we had to remove the sheets to put on another article, we opted for the medium weight jackets - only one article to put back on, not two. The horses were already wearing sheets, so they were clean underneath and would not require currying, brushing or vacuuming - necessary if they get dirty. Horses like to roll in mud, even in winter.

The seasons significantly affect the way we do things on the farm, especially winter.

Winter conditions make almost every activity more complicated and longer to complete, especially when it's precipitating or in strong wind. Just dressing to go outside takes longer due to the number of extra layers required - relevant to humans and horses.

Sailor in a Jacket

Working in the barn isn't so bad, shetlered from the wind, snow or rain, and the body heat of several horses warms it up. During the night, horse body heat can keep their water buckets from freezing, but interestingly, not the hose used to fill them. In winter, water hoses must be thoroughly drained after every use. At least daily. Even a small amount of water will create an ice blockage, rendering the hose useless.

Filling water buckets in the stalls

When working outside, eyes water, noses run, fingers and toes go numb, and exposed skin burns in the freezing wind. In the rain or snow, and when rinsing/filling buckets, shoes, socks and gloves frequently get wet. The toes and fingers inside begin to freeze, but the work has to be completed.

Water trough with properly working tank heater

Prior to winter, the water troughs should have been outfitted with tank heaters, the water hydrants and electrical outlets checked and serviced. In the freezing cold, finger dexterity doesn't last long enough to replace or repair those items.

An ice block removed from a water trough.

A full trough will freeze more slowly than one that is only partially full. However, if the electrical outlet or tank heater fails, an ice block can form overnight. After a couple of days a 100 gallon tank will be a solid block of ice.

Tristain, our hay supplier stocking the loft

Having a hay loft stocked full of fresh bales is a warm feeling, figuratively speaking. Ordering hay and loading it into the hay loft are part of the preparation for winter. Depending on the number of horses, 2, 3 or 4 hundred bails will need to be tossed up and stacked in the loft.

Bali and Neuf eating hay from the hay tub

Hay consumption goes up in winter. The horses always eat hay while they are in their stalls, no matter what time of year it is. In winter however, there is less grass so hay must also be provided outside.

Leading a horse into the barn at night

In winter, our horses come in at night and go outside during the day. It's reversed in summer. The horses are brought in as late as possible and turned out early to minimize the amount of barn clean up. Consideration is always made for the weather though. If it is particularly inhospitable outside, then the horses are brought inside, regardless of the season.

Winter sunrises are often spectacular, and we see many. With the horses inside all night, cleaning stalls is part of the morning routine. The longer they are inside, the messier the stalls will be and the longer it takes to clean them. So in winter, it's best to start before sun-up when the horses begin to stir. Incidentally, dawn is the coldest time of day.

Evening ride in the arena

With farm work, our day jobs, and because there is so much less daylight in winter, often the only time available to ride is after dark.

Pat preparing the tractor before a snow storm

Just like anyplace else where it snows, sidewalks and driveways have to be cleared. Farm driveways are longer, but the equipment is bigger too.

Picture of chickens with their artificial light

From late fall until early spring, the chickens need additional hours of light to continue laying eggs. Chickens naturally begin laying eggs in the spring when the hours of daylight increase, and stop in the fall when there is less dayight. In November, we install a timer and lamp in the coop to give the birds that extra light.

Shepherds pie, fresh out of the oven

Another winter way of doing things - baking. While summer may be the season to grill outdoors, winter is the season to use the oven. Making pies and casseroles in the oven is not only gastronomically and aromatically satisfying, the extra heat generated gives the kitchen a warm cozy feeling.

The driveway after an especially heavy snow

The extra effort that goes with winter is potentially stressfull and discouraging, and does not need to be. When confronted by a daunting situation, we always work it out. But it's perfectly appropriate to go back inside for a hot cup of tea first.

Christmas morning, looking out at the arena

Every season has it's moments of sublime beauty, even winter. On these occassions, the fitting thing to do is pause and appreciate the view.

Horses rolling in the snow