Are you ready for winter?

By Jennifer Kunz, AnimalForum.com staff

Despite our protest, winter is almost upon us. It seems like summer just began days ago and already it's time to think about preparing for the cold weather. Your horses need some attention before the snow flies too!

It's important to address certain issues before the weather turns nasty. No one wants to be out in frigid temperatures trying to handle frozen tools. Here are some suggestions for preparing yourself, your horse and your property for winter.

Make a checklist. Write down all of the things that need to be done and check them off as you complete them. Edit the list as you go then save it for next year!

Clean the tack room. Throw or give away anything you don't use or need, then clean and repair everything else as needed. Store summer items like fly sheets.

Dig out winter blankets, hoods and any other winter supplies. Check for needed repairs early, before you need to use the item. You don't want to put a blanket on your horse in a sudden cold snap, only to find missing straps or a big hole in the blanket.

Decide who's wearing what. Figure out which horses will be blanketed, hooded, or left au naturel. Then make sure you have the supplies to go around. Post the blanketing information in the barn(s) if applicable. Now is the time to pull shoes if your horse goes barefoot for the winter.

Assess the water situation. How are you going to water your horse over the winter? Eating snow will not do. Check the waterers and make sure they are functioning properly. Turn off the water supply to unused lines and drain them to prevent freezing and cracking. If you water with buckets, ensure you have an adequate supply of them. Black rubber ones tend to resist freezing.

Buy feed. Purchase and stack hay before the snow flies to keep it dry. Try to have extra bags of your grain, complete feed and supplements on hand in case of a big storm. Extra salt and mineral blocks too!

Check the fence. Drifting snow can cause fence problems. Hard packed drifts next to a fence can enable a horse to walk right over! Assess and repair your fences as needed, plan for drifting snow if applicable. Oil gate hinges.

Plan for snow and ice. Decide where shovelled snow is going to be piled. Buy a supply of something to throw down on slippery icy spots. Cat litter, sand, and salt all work reasonably well.

Inspect the barn. Improve heat retention in the barn by repairing any broken windows and closing up the drafts. Barns do need some air circulation though so don't seal it up tight! Test and repair indoor and outdoor lights and motion sensors. Oil door hinges.

Service your trailer. After a long summer of hauling your horses, your trailer is likely due for some maintenance. Perhaps it needs winter tires, or window replacements for the colder weather. Service according to the manufacturer.

Find your gloves! Your body needs to stay warm, too. Head down to the basement or up to the attic and find those cold weather clothes needed for doing chores. Gloves, mitts, boots, scarves, parkas -- make sure you're ready.

Dealing with the cold nasty winter weather isn't much fun, but being prepared goes a long way in keeping you and your horse safe and cozy.