Snow next week?

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Sandstone1

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Depending on which weather forecast you listen to we may be getting snow next week.
How do other horse owners prepare? Horses in or out?
 
I don’t turn out my oldie in the heavy snow as usual because I worry the snow will ball up (shod) and he will be walking on stilts for 12 hours whilst I’m at work. I’m hopeful it will be light and he can go out like normal, if not I’ll leave inside but take for at least 2 walks a day for 20/30 minutes a time
 
Mine are in at night at the moment (normally out 24/7) but generally I would keep in at night and turn out during the day when it snows
 
As long as the yard is not really slippery they go out it is getting across the concrete and road to get to the fields that is the dangerous element. If there is black ice that is more of a problem than snow. They will salt the yard to try and get the horses out but we don't have snow forcast just cold.
 
Depends whether it's snow or ice. I'll turn out in snow and watch to check they go off grazing.

Main prep is to fill some water containers and put them in amongst the hay bales for insulation.
 
Mine will go out as usual - she likes a good roll in the snow.
If necessary she will come in early but hopefully, it will just be a normal snow day and not the snowmageddon event that the media seem to be pushing!
 
Out, but this year he’s in a turnout pen with a round bale, so worst case I’ll just rake the snow off. But previously I’ve turned out with hay in the field. I think they’re better out especially if it’s a nightmare to get to yard for a few days at least they can move around and forage. Then it’s just water to worry about.
 
Mine go out dawn to dusk in any weather, with the exception of one day a few years ago when we had extreme winds and YO was worried about trees coming down. If it is truly awful I might bring them in a couple of hours early, but with proper rugs and a shelter they seem fine.
 
Ponies are in at night so have been putting down a path to the field made from old shavings/bedding in case of ice since the frost arrived so will be adding to that. We do this most winters so ponies know the drill and even if it snows on top there is usually still some grip for feet.
 
I have a reasonably long walk on our drive to get to the fields which gets very slippery if snow is for more than a day or so.
So they stay out - it's either all out or all in, so for me out is better. They are used to being out 24/7 and climb the walls stuck in.

Nothing worst than trying to get out a fire breathing dragon who's been stuck in for a few days - across a slippery icy yard / track! Then they run around like idiots and fall over ! I find less madness if they are stuck out rather than stuck in.

They are unshod so snow balling is less of an issue - I've used cow salve as a cheap Vaseline alternative to smear on soles to prevent balling in the past to reasonable effect.
 
We only had one occasion on the 18 years on the livery yard when the horses didn't go out and that was when it was heavy snow and ice for three days.
I have a video somewhere of Bailey loose having a play in the menage as it was the only 'safe' place where they could kick up their heels a bit.
 
Mine will be out, they prefer it, but the shod ones will have Stockholm tar on the soles to stop the snow balling in the feet. I always fill up as many water containers as I can find, partly in case the pipe freezes, and partly so they can have water that's less cold than straight out of the tap.I already have winter tyres on the car. I've topped up the hay and feeds thus week, but need to buy more wild bird food and fat balls. I find, if I prepare, it never happens, which is sad, I love snow!
 
Mine are out and will stay out, although I am really hoping it doesn't snow as I find dealing with water a real pain! Both are unshod and will have plenty of hay. I may or may not rug (natives) depending on whether it's dank wet snow or bright crisp snow.
 
Usual routine for mine - out in the day and in at night. It’s not slippy walking them to the field and I try to keep their routine the same as much as possible, especially if it’s too bad to ride.
 
I bring in at night as then I can be sure their water is not frozen. It concerns me that the water butts in the field will be frozen for 12 hours plus so they won't be able to drink. During the day I can add hot water or break the ice.
 
Depending how the weather is it's either turnout for a short time while we muck out the stables & then bring in. Keep them in if it's really bad. If it comes down lightly we'll put them out as normal. Turning out in bad snow isn't good, as someone else has mentioned if your horses are shod then the snow balls up in the shoe & that can cause problems. Our boys don't care what we do as long as they've got plenty of hay.
 
Out 24/7 as usual. But always with extra hay and car grease painted across the soles of their feet if they look to be collecting ice balls. Hopefully we won't get any but just ordered some extra hay in case.
 
I live on a hill in NE Scotland so if theres a wiff of snow we get it. Mine live out 24/7 with open stables they can go in anytime they want, they just choose not to. They're barefoot so snow doesnt really ball up in them. Nothing different other than Ive filled up as many big water tubs as I can (my tap will freeze) and will be putting out extra hay nets for them. Upped their rugs a bit. To be honest, I dont find snow that bad, the horses seem to hate rain and wind far more.

We've got snow forecast for the next 3 days which is annoying as I need to go to lunch in Glasgow (3.5 hour drive each way) with my brother who has flown in from Dubai for the day, havent seen him in ages! Cant go if snow is bad :(
 
MagicMelon said:
I live on a hill in NE Scotland so if theres a wiff of snow we get it. Mine live out 24/7 with open stables they can go in anytime they want, they just choose not to. They're barefoot so snow doesnt really ball up in them. Nothing different other than Ive filled up as many big water tubs as I can (my tap will freeze) and will be putting out extra hay nets for them. Upped their rugs a bit. To be honest, I dont find snow that bad, the horses seem to hate rain and wind far more.

We've got snow forecast for the next 3 days which is annoying as I need to go to lunch in Glasgow (3.5 hour drive each way) with my brother who has flown in from Dubai for the day, havent seen him in ages! Cant go if snow is bad :(
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I hope you and your brother have a wonderful time together and i hope you can get to Glasgow for the lunch
 
We've got snowmaggeden forecast here. They'll stay out, with hay, as long as the snow is fresh and powdery. As soon as it starts to melt and re-freeze we are completely scuppered and they'll be in for a week. 😭
 
I am not missing having a horse so much in this weather. I hope it does snow, living less than a mile from work I can walk in and would really enjoy it. I love the snow.

I just worry about Lari beingbout 24/7 in it but I'm being daft, sure he will cope!!.
 
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