Ringoes, NJ

If this is your first winter with horses on a home farm, a key question in winter horse management is "should I turn my horses out in this weather?"  When the temps fall and your turnout is deep in snow or slick with ice - what do you do with your horses? The answer, as usual, is "it depends". 

Are your horses shod?  If so, do they have snowpads to prevent snowballing and/or traction devices like borium or caulks?  Snowpads prevent snow from freezing to the metal horse shoe and stressing your horse's tendons as they walk (think about wearing high heels!). 

Talk to your horse's farrier about borium or caulks as well - borium is a "permanent" traction control option (as least as long as those shoes last), while caulks can be screwed into drilled out holes in the shoes as need demands.

How old are your horses?  Youngsters may not tolerate confinement in a stall while you wait for the weather to improve, but turned out on a slick surface, may hurt themselves falling.  Speaking of falls, your senior horse may not be able to get up if he falls.  And, just like us, oldsters are more injury prone when they do fall.  But again, your senior horse may need to be out and about to manage stiffness that comes from standing in a stall in bad weather.

So what are your choices?  If possible, have smaller turnout areas for bad weather that can be readily cleared of snow with your tractor or plow.  Add sand, stone dust, or even used pelleted bedding for more traction if need be.  Avoid salt since it can splash up onto your horse's legs when the ice melts and irritate the skin. If a smaller turnout area isn't an option, but your driveway or path is clear and dry, take your horse out for a walk (remember to lead safely to manage exhuberant spirits) just for a stretch. 

If you do opt to keep your horses in while it's slick out, pay close attention to water consumption and know the signs of an impaction colic.  You can add well-hydrated hay cubes to their ration to make "hay soup" to boost hydration and help manage colic risks. 

You know your horses - have a plan in place for winter horse management so you're not caught unprepared.  Here are a few more tips from the American Association of Equine Practitioners on Managing Horses in Icy Conditions. 

Do you want to own a small horse or hobby farm in New Jersey or Pennsylvania?  I'm a professional realtor licensed in both NJ and PA with a lifetime of horse experience.  As a small farm owner myself, I know what makes a small farm a dream - or a nightmare - to own.  I can help you find the perfect farm in NJ or PA or provide a quality referral to a knowledgeable colleague in other parts of the US.  Visit me at Janet Weber.com.

Photo taken By Christine O'Shea 12/2008

All Rights Reserved

Hunterdon County is rich in history and farming. It is a "Right to Farm" County, which means that the residents that do not farm have to respect the farmers and their rights, in other words, do not run a tractor off of the road if you get stuck in back of it. Do not complain about the sounds and smells of someone's farming or the noise from a tractor lopping along on a summer day.

Hunterdon County is a great place to live, close to Pennsylvania, Philladelphia and New York. Flemington is the County Seat, also rich in history.

Thinking about real estate in Hunterdon County or Central New Jersey, contact me, coshea@nationsrealtors.com

The annual Hunterdon County 4H and Agricultural Fair runs thru Sunday, August 24th. It is located on 179 in Hunterdon County at the Fair Grounds.

This fair has all of the makings of an old fashioned County Fair. Included are "Pig Races" and "Tractor Pulls". There are rides including a super large ferris wheel.

Fireworks are Friday Evening at 9:00 pm. Every evening there is live entertainment featuring the Tim Giles Band 7:30 on Friday at the main stage.

The cost is $10.00 per car load and there is plenty of entertainment and education for both young and old.

You will get a look into true "Country Living" in beautiful Hunterdon County.

Hope to see you there!!!

Photos courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art