Protect your horse with these safety tips.
Many would agree that their least favorite part of winter is ice. Horse owners have the challenging responsibility of managing ice on the farm. Slick and slippery conditions prove to be dangerous to horses and their caretakers. A nasty slip can result in bruising, soreness, or even a broken bone! You must be proactive and take the necessary precautions when ice arrives.
Ice Management Strategies
Focus on high-traffic areas:
You won’t be able to tackle the entire property, so focus your attention on gates, areas around water troughs and hay, barn aisles, pathways to the manure pile, and your parking lot.
Creating traction:
You want a safe yet effective de-icing plan. Choose materials that your horse can safely step on, while avoiding the overuse of rock salt or calcium chloride. You don’t want to dry or irritate your horse’s hooves. Safe options include sand, stone dust, wood ash, or fine gravel. Some even have success with sawdust, manure, and old bedding.
Use a tractor:
Your farm tractor should be able to remove ice from your parking lot or walkways. Try to remove snow before it has the chance to ice over, which usually occurs during the night. Depending on how thick the ice is, you may be able to drive your tractor around your horse’s field to crunch it up.
Proper preparation:
Before a winter storm arrives, make sure your gutters are clean and clear. They should direct water away from your barn and horse pastures. This prevents water from freezing and pooling in high-traffic areas.
Your safety:
The safety of you and your barn staff is number one! Make sure to wear good boots with traction or even ice cleats. Dress appropriately and take breaks in a warm space like a tack room or lounge as needed.
Your horse’s safety:
Your horse should be barefoot or have snow pads on. Shoes can be slippery! Make sure to regularly pick out their hooves to avoid snowballs from developing. You may need to limit turnout or choose a smaller, safe paddock. Fields with sun-exposure are more likely to melt quicker.
Frozen water:
Nothing is worse than frozen water buckets! While you can break the ice with a mallet, this option isn’t ideal because it will likely freeze over again. The Ultimate Drinking Post Waterer by RAMM is a non-electric, frost-free watering system. It provides fresh, clean, 50°F water year-round. You can also use heated buckets or submersible tank heaters. It’s very important your horse has access to drinking water at all times.
Shelter:
Freezing rain and sleet can cause a horse to catch a chill. During icy winter weather, make sure to offer them shelter. Ideally, this will be a run-in shed or stall. You may even decide to put a blanket on them. A wet horse will have more trouble staying warm! Putting hay in your horse’s run-in will encourage them to stay inside.
Most are counting down the days till spring! Warmer weather will be here before you know it, but until then make sure you’re prepared for whatever winter throws your way.
