Fun at the barn

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Things Your Barn Manager Will Never Say in Winter

Horse in the snowIt was a chilly 21°f (-6.1°c) this morning at the barn. And, it's supposed to get down to 4°f (-15.6°c) next week here in North Carolina. This is tiresome even for the most dedicated horse people.

So far this winter has been a combination of either mud or ice. Our northern neighbors like to mock us when we complain about the cold temperatures but we just don't have the infrastructure to cope with it for days on end.

The extreme cold makes everyday chores take much longer than usual and requires more energy and physical strength. If you board your horse please take a few minutes to thank your barn manager and barn hands for their hard work in all weather conditions.

So, as we patiently wait for a thaw from this frozen tundra here is a lighthearted look at some things your barn manager will never say, in winter.

  1. Oh good a snow day.
  2. I love freezing weather.
  3. Breaking ice off of water troughs is my most favorite thing to do.
  4. Mucking out twice, and sometimes three times, in a day because the horses can't go out, is awesome.
  5. Going through twice as much hay because the horses are in all day makes me so happy.
  6. I love it when the ends of my fingers turn blue, it really sets off my perfectly manicured nails.
  7. Dragging water to the barn in coolers because the pipes have frozen is so much fun.
  8. I wish it would snow again.
  9. Changing blankets every five minutes because the temps keep changing helps to tone my biceps.
  10. I can't wait to ride my bi-polar mare, who's been standing in her stall for days.
  11. I think I'll call in sick today.
  12. I wish the weather could stay like this forever.

Taking care of horses is a labor of love and looking forward to spring is what is currently keeping me going.

Here are five MUST-HAVES to help you get through the winter months.

  1. Thermal underwear is an absolute must. Wearing layers helps to keep in the warm air that your body generates and also gives you the option of stripping off layers as it warms up.
  2. Heated water buckets. Unless your barn is really, really well insulated there is a possibility that the buckets will freeze during the night. This is harmful to your horse as they need 24/7 access to water.
  3. Heat Cable Kit. We have these on all the faucets in the barn. They heat the pipes if the weather goes below freezing. No need to keep taps dripping all night.
  4. Phone friendly gloves. Most of us, nowadays, carry our smartphones with us wherever we go. With these gloves, you can use your phone without having to take them off.
  5. Yeti Rambler. Carry your cup-o-joe to the barn with you and keep yourself warm from the inside.

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know some of the things your barn manager never says in winter and follow us on Facebook.

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White Rose Equestrian is a small, private, full-service equestrian facility located in Iron Station, NC. 

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The Difference Between Barn Time and Regular Time

Barn TimeThis blog isn't really intended for equestrians as we already know and understand that time spent at the barn is very different from time spent anywhere else. This post is meant to help the partners and friends of equestrians who don't understand why a quick trip to the barn can take a good few hours.

Sadly, barn time isn't some quirky time loop that allows us to gain back the numerous hours we spend with our equine friends. It is, however, a vital part of our life that can not be overlooked or underestimated.

In order to understand how barn time works you must, firstly, understand why it is important.

Why Barn Time is Important

barn time sunriseI have heard so many people say that the time they spend at the barn is therapeutic. Here at White Rose Equestrian, it is very important that our barn is tranquil and drama free. We have a wonderful barn family who is caring and supportive of each other and for that, I am very grateful.

Being outside and close to nature also helps. Even when the weather isn't cooperating, most horsey people would still rather be outside. It gives a sense of freedom and connection to the earth.

And of course, we can't overlook the calming nature of our equine partner. Horses are majestic, trusting, noble, and know how to keep secrets. The act of caring for another living being is also very rewarding and cathartic.

So, now you know why barn time is so important to us let me try and explain how it works.

How Barn Time Works

How many times have you heard the words, "I'm just nipping to the barn," and know that it means you won't see your significant other for at least two hours (probably more)? Many times I would imagine. You are not alone.

No two days at the barn are ever exactly alike so it is difficult to accurately describe how hours can slip by unnoticed but I will attempt to explain an average trip to the barn.

Arrive and pull our horse out of the field or stable. Tell him how wonderful he is and how much we've missed him as we secure him in the cross-ties. Carefully overlook him to check for lumps, bumps, cuts, and any other mishap he might have managed to get into since we last saw him.

barn time rideGive him a treat as we begin our regular grooming routine. Pay particular attention to his beautiful face as we meticulously follow the direction of hair growth with the softest brush we own. Detangle his mane and tail applying the more-expensive-than-gold but must-have Cowboy Magic Detangler. Pick-out his feet and apply hoof oil. All the while we are talking to our best friend about our day, our life, our problems. His kind eye and inquisitive ears make everything feel better.

Now it is time to ride. Tack-up slowly, methodically, taking care to make sure our companion is comfortable and happy.

The ride is the highlight of our day. It fills us with comfort, lowers our blood pressure, releases the tensions of everyday life, makes everything feel good again.

Inevitably, it is over too quickly. We untack with the same precision as all your other tasks. Another treat and a quick rub down. In summer we spend a fun time rinsing ourselves and our partner with fresh, cool water.

Our two-legged barn friends are interested in how our ride went so we swap notes and experiences. We take advantage of this time to carefully clean and supple our tack ready for the next time we will be able to squeeze in some barn time.

Maybe our tack trunk needs tidying, or we decide our horse just has to have a bath, or decide to spend just a little more time with our ride and hand-walk him around the greenest parts of the barn. He is grateful and we are content.

All this time we have never once looked at our watch or the barn clock. Time is irrelevant. As we leave we are already looking forward to the next time we can visit the barn.

How do you like to spend your time at the barn?

This post is written from the perspective of someone who boards their horse and visits the barn a few times a week.

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