Limited Pasture Time
September 26, 2011
Pasture time is becoming limited with rainy weather. We don't close down the pasture until it becomes too saturated for safe turnout. However, on days like today (high winds and rain) horses will not go on pasture. On days where it is calling for possible scattered rain showers, horses might go out into pasture. If it is a coin toss as to which way the weather is going to go for the day, we will air on the side of caution and leave them in. Sometimes we make mistakes and the horses are caught out in a short rain shower.
We watch the weather radar very closely for what is best for the horses. If the squall will pass quickly, we let them stay in the pasture. Reason being, by the time we get them all in during the downpour of a squall, it is dry again once we finish and they could have enjoyed a few more hours of pasture time. If we get heavier rain than we expected (forecast isn't always right) then we bring them in during the downpour. Sometimes an unexpected rainstorm comes when we are not on the farm. If this happens, we get home as soon as we can to bring the horses in from the pasture. If you prefer to not take this risk, you can let us know you prefer to stop your horse from pasture time until next spring.
Ever wonder how the horses feel about being in the pasture during a rain? Find some time to do nothing but sit and watch the horses during the rainy season. Even when horses have their shelter option, they stand with their butt to the direction if the storm and stand in the open. Many times they stand happily grazing in the rain. The rain isn't as bad as people think. People are often spoiled by being protected from the weather all the time. When you live outside, you are acclimated to the conditions of the indoors. When you are outside, you acclimate to those conditions. What seems horrible to a person that works indoors isn't always that bad to a person that works outside. Many times people see me doing chores in the rain and feel so bad for me... well don't! Take today, for instance. I had several say something to the effect of, "I bet you wish you didn't have to work outside in this! It's so cold and horrible out there!" Honestly, it wasn't bad at all. Sure I hate the wind but the rest was just fine. Of course, I have the clothing to protect me so it is just like any other day. In fact, I don't sweat or tire out nearly as quickly as I do in the summer. So long as I have my really good rain gear (breathable, waterproof, and the right weight) I am just fine. Sound familiar? That is why quality blankets are important for your horses.
Remember to refresh your memory on blanket use as we go into colder weather.
We watch the weather radar very closely for what is best for the horses. If the squall will pass quickly, we let them stay in the pasture. Reason being, by the time we get them all in during the downpour of a squall, it is dry again once we finish and they could have enjoyed a few more hours of pasture time. If we get heavier rain than we expected (forecast isn't always right) then we bring them in during the downpour. Sometimes an unexpected rainstorm comes when we are not on the farm. If this happens, we get home as soon as we can to bring the horses in from the pasture. If you prefer to not take this risk, you can let us know you prefer to stop your horse from pasture time until next spring.
Ever wonder how the horses feel about being in the pasture during a rain? Find some time to do nothing but sit and watch the horses during the rainy season. Even when horses have their shelter option, they stand with their butt to the direction if the storm and stand in the open. Many times they stand happily grazing in the rain. The rain isn't as bad as people think. People are often spoiled by being protected from the weather all the time. When you live outside, you are acclimated to the conditions of the indoors. When you are outside, you acclimate to those conditions. What seems horrible to a person that works indoors isn't always that bad to a person that works outside. Many times people see me doing chores in the rain and feel so bad for me... well don't! Take today, for instance. I had several say something to the effect of, "I bet you wish you didn't have to work outside in this! It's so cold and horrible out there!" Honestly, it wasn't bad at all. Sure I hate the wind but the rest was just fine. Of course, I have the clothing to protect me so it is just like any other day. In fact, I don't sweat or tire out nearly as quickly as I do in the summer. So long as I have my really good rain gear (breathable, waterproof, and the right weight) I am just fine. Sound familiar? That is why quality blankets are important for your horses.
Remember to refresh your memory on blanket use as we go into colder weather.