Things Your Barn Manager Will Never Say in Winter

It 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.