November 2014
Winter Ready
Checklist to Get your Horses, Barn & Equipment Ready for Winter
Greetings!  

Winter preparation is important to make sure you, your horse, and your barn are ready for the coming winter months. This checklist will help you prepare for those short, cold days.




Buy enough Hay to Last the Winter &  

        Stock Up on Feed/Bedding

Winter weather can unexpectedly prevent you from reaching the feed store.  If you normally keep one week's worth of feed and bedding on hand, keep enough supplies for at least 3 weeks to keep your horse fed and dry.
Check Gutters & Downspouts on your  
Barn

Remove leaves and debris that would cause blockage.  

 

Clean Cobwebs in your Barn

If you are inclined to close or partially close the doors on your barn during the winter, knock down those cobwebs. Dust accumulates in cobwebs and knocking them down will help control dust. They are also a fire hazard.

 

Bring Anything in from your Barn that will Freeze

Fly spray, shampoos & any liquid that will become ineffective when it freezes and thaws.   

 

Unhook your Hose when you are not using it, especially Overnight 

Frozen hoses and buckets can be a problem in the winter. It is important your horse has fresh, clean water.  Stay away from plastic buckets during the winter, they tend to become brittle and crack.  You can also use heated buckets or trough heaters, just make sure that things are wired properly or plugged into a GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlet. 
 
Check Indoor/Outdoor Lighting

Make sure you have checked bulbs and have spares on hand - shorter days means doing your barn chores when it is dark.  

 

Check your Barn & Run-In Sheds  &  Stalls
Your horses will be spending a little more time under cover and in their stalls.  Check for anything remotely sharp on doors, feeders and racks and fix it. Check stall walls for any loose, split boards and repair or replace as needed.
 

 

Walk your Fence Line and Repair as needed
Check your posts and fencing before the temperature plummets and the ground freezes.   
Clean & Repair your Tack
Chances are you will most likely not be riding as much as you did in the warmer weather. Now is a good time to check your tack and make any repairs and clean it well.

If you blanket your horses, make sure they are cleaned and repaired if needed.

Check fluids & batteries in tractors and other farm equipment.  Make sure you have a full can of diesel fuel and/or gasoline on hand.   

 

Winterizing your trailer is important.  Protect your tanks and lines from freezing by draining them and then pump lines with RV anti-freeze. 

to find products & services that will help you get Winter Ready!