Comes Again
We are about as prepared as possible here for the Arctic blast.
Today the temperature brushed 50 F.(10C) Tonight it's supposed to drop to 8 F(-13C) or less.
The Boys are all wearing their winter blankets. I'm not too pleased with the brand new ones I put on Toby and Tucker because they are a little short on the sides. They reach belly level but no farther. I think they will be OK, but I need to invest in some more generous ones. Trouble is, I hate to spend a fortune on blankets as my Boys have proven rather destructive--even with supposedly rip stop fabrics. I may add a sheet over the blankets later tonight when I go out for late feed. Chance is fine as his blanket fits really well. It's just a matter of finding the right brand for each horse.
I am not locking the Boys in the barn. The research I've done on weather related colic suggests that often a change in routine, especially closing the horses up in the barn when they are used to turnout can be a problem. As well, the more they can move around the better.
I'm making sure they have plenty of hay. The water trough is heated and full, and I am feeding wet feeds. It's the same food they always get, just soaked in warm water.
The forecast calls for one very frigid day tomorrow, some moderation on Wednesday, and then rising temperatures for the rest of the week. By then it will be back up into the 40's F.
I know most of the US is suffering from the same cold that's going to hit here. I hope each and every one of you has a warm place to stay. I've made a pot of chicken soup to warm my insides and I have a full complement of warm coats, hats, boots, gloves, etc. to snuggle up in when I need to go outside.
Oh yes, by the way, the snow I had to plow the other day is virtually all melted. That's just how warm it got last night. When I woke up this morning, aside from the piles I'd pushed aside with the tractor, the ground was bare. Amazing.
The best part is that my solar panels are clear again too. Now all we need is some sunshine and I'll be producing power once more.
Stay warm!
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It sounds like you are as prepared as possible. It's probably a good idea to put and extra sheet on Toby, as long as it's generously sized.
ReplyDeleteI think some sunshine about now would be nice. Crazy weather we're having.
ReplyDeleteStay warm. With our wind chills in the -40s, all the horses are locked inside and not very happy about it. We probably won't be back out until Wednesday.
ReplyDeletehope you stayed warm! We are unseasonably warm here. and low on snow in the mountains!
ReplyDelete- The Equestrian Vagabond