Winter Farm Care Checklist

As the vibrant colors of autumn fade into winter pale, we find ourselves readying our barns, equipment, and horses for challenging weather. Randy Eubanks, owner and manager of Green Tree Equine Facility in Longmont, Colorado, where he cares for 100 head of horses, is fond of saying, "Be prepared and have equipment and plans ready rather than having to react to a sudden situation."

 

Eubanks and Liz Scott, DVM, of Idaho Equine Hospital in Nampa, share with us their time-tested steps for cold weather readiness around the barn.

 

Water Concerns

 

A critical element to keeping your horse healthy in winter months is ice-free water. A horse that stops drinking is more likely to suffer from impaction colic (caused by an obstruction in the bowel), or he might eat less. In winter a horse generally consumes about five to 10 gallons of water per day, and more if exercised.

 

Tank heaters keep water ice-free and less cold. Heaters with elements that immerse to the bottom of the tank, where a horse can't easily access them, are safest. Before the onset of winter, check that tank heaters are operational and are not passing electrical shocks through the drinking water (use a voltmeter, or schedule a visit from an electrician). Horse-proof electrical cords in protective casing by running cords through plastic pipe or securing them out of reach of inquisitive mouths.

 

To minimize fire risks and steep electrical costs associated with running dozens of tank heaters around a property, consider solar-powered freeze-free water troughs. Eubanks suggests using a bank of solar panels to run the tank heaters directly or to put electricity back into the commercial grid for credit to your account. You will, however, need to make sure panels do not get covered in snow.