The fall season is definitely upon us and with fall weather comes the incentive to prepare for winter conditions. According to Equine Guelph, here are important preparations to make around your barn and stable before Jack Frost shows up.
Maintaining your horse's environment before the leaves fall
According to Equine Guelph, here are important preparations to make around your horse barn and stable before Jack Frost shows up including fence lines, pasture maintenance, roof leaks, and manure management.
Inspecting fence lines - Check for any rotten posts on your weekly fence line walk. It is easier to replace them now than wait until one breaks in frozen ground.
Preserve pasture - Overgrazed paddocks do not fair well through the winter. Give grass a chance by resting paddocks when necessary. Mid-August to mid-September is the perfect time to evaluate the state of your pasture, test soil, fertilize and consider if reseeding is required.
Ready the sacrifice paddocks - Early frost and hoof traffic are the ideal recipe for a crater-like surface that can rival the moon! Be ready to use your sacrifice paddocks to avoid decimating next year's grass yield and to keep the footing level, reducing chances of soft tissue injury.
Look for leaks - It is untimely to find out your hay storage area is not waterproof after the wind and snow arrive. Schedule repairs before the wet weather and rodents move in.
Manage that manure - If that pile has become sky high, it is time to make a plan. Read about composting