[AlabamaHorseMom]

Ok, I know all of you up north are going to laugh at me, but what do I do with the horses during the "snow storm" we're about to have? We are only getting 2-3" but still, the national weather service even issued a Sever Winter Weather advisory! This is South Alabama, we arent even supposed to HAVE a winter!

We've never had stow before that acutally stuck since I've lived her, and so I have no Idea what to do for them... if anything...

They are blanketed as of now, and I will leave them blanketed during the whole thing, but do I put them in the stall? Can they stay out?

Remember we're talking about 90 miles north of Panama City Florida, so this will most likely be the first snow these horses have ever seen, not to mention this first snow their MOMMA has ever seen too! :shock:

Ok, you can commence the laughing at me now...:wink:

 

[White Foot]

I have to admit, I did giggle, a little xD

No but seriously, 2-3inces is nothing to lock your horse away forever for. I would let them out during the day but put them in at night. If they have blankets on then I wouldn't worry. They can play in their first snow! What is the temp?

 

[AlabamaHorseMom]

Ok, you'll probably laugh again, its only supposed to get down to like 38 tomorrow during the day, and then like 25ish tonight and tomorrow night.

I'm a worry wart... I hate to envision my babies out there shivering!

 

[My Beau]

I agree - leave them out They'll probably love rolling in it! Not to mention all the "run/buck/farts" they can do

Mine are in right now, but we have about 34" inches on the ground from 2 blizzards this past weekend. As soon as we can shovel the gate out they're getting kicked out into it!

 

[White Foot]

I would surely put them away during the night leaving their blanket on, I would only put a light sheet on during the day when it is 38 degrees.
Don't feel bad, I love when my friends that are from different countries and states come to visit me in Upstate NY, they freak out when they see that we have a few feet.

If it makes you feel any better you made my whole night.

Melanie, those are always good. Haha

 

[wyominggrandma]

I live in Wyoming and my horses stay out during snow storms, blizzards and cold as low as -25 F... I just make sure they have plenty of hay to eat and my water tanks are heated to give them plenty of water. They have loafing shed to go into, but I rarely see them in it, even in complete whiteouts. I realize your area doesn't see snow very often, but make sure they have stalls to go in if they want, lots of extra hay and plenty of "warm" up water to drink . You will probably be surprised and see them outside playing in it.

 

[Plains Drifter]

I live in Wyoming and my horses stay out during snow storms, blizzards and cold as low as -25 F... I just make sure they have plenty of hay to eat and my water tanks are heated to give them plenty of water. They have loafing shed to go into, but I rarely see them in it, even in complete whiteouts. I realize your area doesn't see snow very often, but make sure they have stalls to go in if they want, lots of extra hay and plenty of "warm" up water to drink . You will probably be surprised and see them outside playing in it.

Same here.

I did chuckle cause right now 38 degrees would be a heat wave for us.

Horses are alot hardier than alot of folks give them credit for.

 

[satrider]

I'm in SW ARkansas/NE TX border, and it is snowing here right now. I'm not too worried about my four, I'm sure they can handle it. After all what if they were in the wild.

 

[crazyequine]

This is a legitimate question if you aren't used to snow storms!

Your horses will LOVE it!!!! I live up in Northern Canada and my horses love a fresh snow. Your babies will find it especially interesting! Depending on how cold it gets, just throw on a waterproof light blanket or sheet and keep them dry. It's the wind combined with cooler temps and getting wet that will give them the chills! If they have a shelter or can access their stalls, let them do as they wish...if they don't like it, they will go inside! Good luck and enjoy the weather!!!

 

[Maverick101]

Im sure they will find it fun to play in....

That being said...they wont be used to colder temps though, so just ensure they have hay in front of them which will keep them warmer, and if need be, throwing light blanket on them may help.

My horses are out in -40c and are fine, but they are accustomed to that, not all horses would fair well in cold temps if not used to it.

But yes, a little snow didn't hurt anyone...a.bout time you people get to share it w us

 

[rockaway]

Oh Canada - how we love you at -40!. You have gotten the best advice. The only thing I also do when it gets colder is give warm soaked beet pulp with oats added in. The oats give more heat because of the way they are digested (can make some horses a little silly they say but I do not find that when they need the energy for heat) - the beet pulp to help balance calcium to the phos in the oats plus has minerals and is so safe for any horse ( of course there must be an exception out there); the soaking also gives them water if they won't drink in the cold weather. I heard the vets at zoo where feeding beet pulp to help their animals in a cold snap. Keep warm - we wish we were there!

 

[AlabamaHorseMom]

Thanks everyone!

-40... Good Grief, I wouldnjsut give up all hope of living in the temp.

I'm glad I could supply some good laughs! I'll add some pics of the horses later, but here's some of the doggies.

The first one is my American Bulldog, the second is of the church across the street.

 

[Annaland13]

Haha, leave them out they will love it!

 

[AlabamaHorseMom]

was just going to say, so no one thinks my dog lives outside, Patrón is an inside dog!

Didnt want anyone thinking "Sheesh she blankets her horses, but makes her nearly hairless dog sit outside in the snow"

 

[Eastowest]

All good advice from everyone. Mine are out 24/7 and not blanketed, through storms and when its 0 degrees and everything.... but they are used to it, have coats like yaks, and have hay available 24/7.

One thing I noticed this week when we got 8 inches of snow over a 24 hour period Tuesday-Wednesday is that my horses drank only about half the water they usually drink. I have a watering schedule and they routinely drink, as a herd, 300 gallons every 2 days, but yesterday when I went out to water the tanks were still 1/3 to 1/2 full. I suspect at least some of them must have been enjoying the fresh snow for more than just playing in!

 

[Walkamile]

All good advice from everyone. Mine are out 24/7 and not blanketed, through storms and when its 0 degrees and everything.... but they are used to it, have coats like yaks, and have hay available 24/7.

One thing I noticed this week when we got 8 inches of snow over a 24 hour period Tuesday-Wednesday is that my horses drank only about half the water they usually drink. I have a watering schedule and they routinely drink, as a herd, 300 gallons every 2 days, but yesterday when I went out to water the tanks were still 1/3 to 1/2 full.I suspect at least some of them must have been enjoying the fresh snow for more than just playing in!

Interesting.....same thing happens with mine after a fresh snowfall.

 

[Walkamile]

Alabamahorsemom, your doggie looks like he is enjoying the snow! Mine liked to bury his entire head in the snow and tunnel through it. :lol:

 

[ridergirl23]

i live way up here in canada, and my horse is blanketed during the winter, and comes half in a night, im sorry, i did giggle a little when you said 38,
i would be very jealous, but we have been having some great weather up here (about MINUS 6!!!!) haha