How to prepare your yard for winter

There’s no denying it – winter has arrived. With all the snow we’ve had over the last few years, it’s vital that we get ready for more of the same and that means that, as well as wrapping the horses up warm, the yard needs to be prepared too.

Prepare your wardrobe
Well in advance of the winter months descending upon us, its best to ensure that your horse’s wardrobe is up to the job of fending off the cold. After being neglected over the summer, it’s easy to forget about any rips or tears in winter rugs that may have been caused when last worn and while in storage they collect dust and even mould.

Find a rug cleaner near you and send the contents of your horse’s winter wardrobe off to be scrubbed and mended. Check with other people on your yard to see if they want to do the same – companies often offer discounts on bulk orders.

Stay ahead of the weather
Keep an eye on the weather reports. As soon as there’s news of an imminent frost get your yard armed. Frozen taps and water pipes are such a hassle so wrap them up. This can be done with anything from feed bags to bandages, but it’s unlikely they will remain completely unfrozen so keep a kettle in the tack room so you can defrost them with boiling water. If you know there isn’t any tap nearby that won’t be frozen in the morning, remember to fill the kettle up the night before.

Another thing to keep handy for when it gets icy is a big bag of salt, which can be bought from most DIY stores. Spreading it across patches of ice causes them to melt as the salt dissolves, lowering the freezing point. This makes the yard safe for both humans and horses to walk to as it also provides a gritted surface.

Stock up
Keep stocked up on hoof oil as well because this also melts snow and ice. Painting it on the inside of your horse’s feet and on its shoes will make venturing onto the yard easier and safer. For when the weather gets more extreme and the snow starts to fall it’s a good idea to have a shovel and broom handy to clear paths.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to turn your horse out during the coldest months, remember to take hay or haylage out for them as frozen grass is associated with both colic and laminitis. Also do not forget to crack the ice on top of their water bucket or trough.

Hints and tips
If you know extreme weather is coming:

•  pick up, or have delivered, enough feed, hay/haylage and bedding to see you through to avoid being stranded with none
• get the number of a local plumber who can come out in an emergency should a pipe burst or the water stop completely
• keep a spare pair of gloves at the yard so if the first pair get wet you fingers won’t turn to icicles
• don’t pour out water onto the yard as it will freeze and form slippery ice
  

Remember to arrange with a friend at the yard to look after your horses for you if you’re ever in danger of being snowed in.

If you have any more useful advice on preparing your yard for winter leave a comment below.