When you think of preparing your horse for the winter, most of us think about getting blankets cleaned, laying in a good supply of hay and finding our warm riding clothes! But winter has a significant affect on your horse’s hooves. Being mindful of these changes can help your horse keep his hooves healthy.
Photo credit: Equine Ink,
If you live in an area which receives significant snowfall each winter, it’s important know how much snow weight that your barn roof can support. Barn collapses can be devastating, but they’re also usually avoidable. These tips can help you determine if your barn is up to the challenge.
Do you Know Your Local Snow-Load Requirements?
Do your research and find out your local snow-load requirements. These requirements are based on the climate and past snowfall, and can better inform you about the conditions that your barn will need to be able to withstand. While it’s a good idea for your barn to meet these requirements, it’s an even better idea to make your barn stronger and able to withstand more rigorous requirements, just in case.
Did You Communicate With Your Barn Builder?
If you are just building your barn, make sure that you have a conversation with your barn builder about the importance of the barn being able to withstand heavy snow loads. Many local builders should be aware of this issue and should be able to advise you on building techniques to use. They may also have advice on how to "beef up" your roof if your barn has already been completed.
Did You Use A Metal Roof?
If you want to avoid snow sitting on your barn’s roof for long periods, then opt for a metal roof instead of a shingled roof. Snow melts off of metal roofs faster, reducing the amount of time that your barn will need to support the full weight of a snowstorm. Additionally, make sure that your roof is properly pitched to encourage the snow to slide off.
Did You Use Machine Stress-Rated Lumber?
If you want to ensure that your barn is strong, then use machine stress-rated lumber in its construction. Whereas most lumber is visually rated, machine stress-rated lumber is machine tested to identify its true strength. By using machine stress-rated lumber, you can avoid weak spots and will know the actual strength of the materials that you are using.
Did You Add Additional Bracing?
Adding extra bracing can further strengthen your barn so that it is able to withstand a major storm, or a series of storms. Consult with an engineer to determine what types of bracing would be most beneficial for your barn.
Did You Incorporate Drainage Around Your Barn?
Including proper drainage around your barn to help direct snow runoff away from the foundation is important to your barn’s overall strength. If runoff water is allowed to pool around your barn, it can actually affect the stability of your barn’s foundation. Be sure to use gutters and drain pipes to move water away.
Whether you're just planning your barn, have already started building or are using a previously built barn, there is still time to make sure your barn roof can withstand a heavy winter snow.
Whether you are building a new barn or redesigning your current barn, adding technology components can make your barn safer and your work more convenient. Consider adding these types of technology to your barn this year.
Intercom
If you have a large barn, you might want to consider installing an intercom system. An intercom can be useful for quickly reaching anyone in the barn with important messages. From asking grooms to bring out certain horses to reminding students that their lesson starts shortly, a barn intercom spreads information quickly and efficiently no matter how large your barn is!
Video Surveillance
Video surveillance is one of the most important technological investments that you should consider installing in your barn. Video surveillance can help to deter thieves, and may even reduce the cost of your property and business insurance. If you’re operating a boarding or training operation, the fact that your barn has video surveillance can be a reassurance to owners.
Stall video surveillance is another option. Can't remember if you blanketed that last horse? Check via video. Anticipating a new foal? A video can keep an eye on the process until it's time. Worrying that your horse may colic? Use a video to watch him through the night.
Hardwired Fire Alarm
If you’re not already planning to install a hardwired fire alarm in your barn, you should. The risk of fire in barns is significant, and you should absolutely invest in a quality fire alarm system. Additionally, contact your local fire department and find out if it’s possible to wire your fire alarm so that it sounds directly in the fire station itself. This feature can save valuable time in the event that a barn fire does break out.
Stereo Systems
Consider installing a stereo system in the viewing room so that anyone observing a lesson or training session in your indoor arena can hear the instructor’s comments. As long as the instructor uses a microphone, installing speakers in the viewing room can be a useful tool which allows everyone to clearly hear the session.
Many people enjoy riding to music. A stereo system for the arena can allow for dressage freestyle competitions. It is also useful if you are going to be holding shows at your facility.
Tack Room Alarm
Installing an alarm in your tack room is an excellent way to deter thieves. An alarm system offers your tack valuable protection, and provides you and any other horse owners with peace of mind each night. Installing a keyed alarm means that you can give the code to anyone who needs to access the tack room. With tack being one of the easier (and more valuable) items in a barn to steal and resell, the value of a tack room alarm can’t be overlooked.
Automatic Feeders
Making sure your horse has food throughout the day can sometimes be difficult. Using automatic feeders can insure your horse always has something to nibble on throughout the day.
Wi-Fi
Installing wi-fi at your barn is a great option to keep your boarders happy. Once they are done riding, they can keep up to date on emails and social media.
Technology products keep getting better and better while the prices keep dropping. You CAN afford to add technology to your barn!
Having the option of having your horse on pasture board or turnout during the summer is great not only for your expenses, but for your horse as well. Horses are happiest being able to graze all day, preferably in the company of other horses.
While we all dream of a big, beautiful, brand new horse trailer, sometimes the reality of finances has us looking at used horse trailers instead. The end of horse show season is often a great time to search out good used trailers, but you may have to look hard and long (and often near and far, too!) as well as be able to compromise on your dream list.
Leasing a horse is an ideal way to see if you want the responsibility of owning your own horse. You have the responsibility of caring for the horse in addition to riding it and you can see if the time required to own your own horse fits with your lifestyle. Too often people are quick to buy a horse and then realize it’s too much work. Sometimes the horse suffers from neglect when stuck in his stall for days, or the owner wants to quickly sell the horse and isn’t that concerned about the buyer.
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. But don't take for granted that your "bombproof" horse will stay bombproof in the colder weather and the appearance of more woodland wildlife. Consider taking these steps to have a safe trail ride.
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 a fungus that enters the skin 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 be a clear liquid substance leaking from the area.
As many long-time equestrians get older, our taste in horses begin to change. Where once we all rode big Warmbloods or Thoroughbreds, we start to notice just how high it is to mount and dismount these breeds. Many of us have problem knees that the horse's height can aggravate. Finally, some of us may want to try other equestrian sports, such as combined driving. Check out the breeds that might the needs of the riders "of a certain age" and you will probably come across the Haflinger.
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