With the cold, wet weather and darker days, it becomes more difficult to get yourself to the barn and into the saddle. Finding that initial motivation to go ride can be a real challenge, so here are some tips to get yourself to the barn.

Do you have a New Year’s Resolution? Are you stumped on just what your goals for this next year should be? We’ve come up with some great ideas for some barn-related New Year’s Resolutions. Take a look and see if one of these ideas might be right for you.

Before there was Santa Claus, there was Saint Nicholas and Sinterklaas. Before there were reindeer, these holiday gift-givers used the ultimate off-road “vehicles” - HORSES! 

Hopefully your horse has been on Santas nice list. Finding a gift for the horse who has “everything” can sometimes be a challenge. But here’s an idea – the perfect gift for your horse may be a little bit of pampering. We know you already pamper your horse with good food, a great stall, and lots of treats, but here are some extra ways to make him/her feel extra special.

A horse’s hooves grow slower in the winter. Slower hoof growth is good news for some people – this can mean fewer visits from the farrier. But for others who are waiting for a crack or other hoof problem to grow out, this reduction in hoof growth can mean a long wait. With less riding and turnout typically in the winter, there’s less circulation to the hooves to facilitate growth. 

Your horse has been your partner and your friend for many years. But now, for whatever reason, you have to find a new home for him. You may have outgrown him, or it may be for financial reasons. Or his age is catching up to him. But don’t despair. There are a lot of great homes and options out there for your equine friend. Here are a few you can consider.

Pastern dermatitis, often known as scratches, is a common problem of inflammation of the skin behind or around the pastern of the horse.  In most cases, the infection is caused by bacteria or fungus that entering through any openings in the skin – small wounds, cracks or even chapping. The most common signs of scratches are scabs and crusting around the pasterns. There may also be a clear liquid substance leaking from the area.

Trail riding this time of year is a treat for both you and your horse.  Cooler temps and beautiful fall colors, followed by a winter wonderland.  Consider taking these steps to have a safe trail ride.

Keeping horses off rain-soaked or frozen pasture is critical if you want to maintain healthy grass. During the winter, plants stop growing and horses will continue to graze pastures down until little grass is left.  Soon you’ll be left with bare spots that will turn to mud as soon as it starts to rain.  

This weekend we turn the clocks back an hour. While it’s great that we get to sleep in an extra hour, it means that days are going to start getting darker sooner. Shadows and poorly lit areas can make stall cleaning cumbersome and inhibit observation and care of your horse. In order to get all the riding, horse care and barn work accomplished, it’s a good idea to look at ways to add extra light to your barn.