This is a discussion on Snow within the Horse Grooming forums, part of the Keeping and Caring for Horses category; Hello,
I bought my first home and I am finally going to be able to buy a horse but the ...
I bought my first home and I am finally going to be able to buy a horse but the area where I bought gets heavy snow. Up to 6 ft thick! I understand that I will have to buy hey for food but how do the horses get out for excercise in the field when the snow is so thick?
hey,is there anywer nearby that doesnt get as much snow that you could keep your horse at?or maybe y dont u get a stocky heavy horse that can cope with those harsh weather conditions?
xxx
I was planning on getting a couple of quarter horses but looking into a hardier breed is definately an option. Once I move to British Columbia I will talk to some of the local horse owners and see how they deal with the thick snow. They probably board there horses at one of the commercial stables located in a town at lower elevation.
I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. We have extreme cold and a lot of snow some years. I brought my stallion up from Alberta, He is 15 hands. We have two other quarter horses of the same size and a mix, also of that size.
Honestly, if you have a designated paddock or pasture that you keep your horse(s) in the whole winter, the snow should not be a huge problem for the horse. The horses pack down their regular used areas really well. I once boarded at a place with a shetland and a miniature horse who also did just fine in the snow. I even ride actively in the winter - I just ride the same trail and in the same arena to keep it packed down well.
The hardest part about a lot of snow is feeding, moving hay, and cleaning manure. Try to figure out a system for all of this to make your life easier before the snow flies. :)