Time to winterize…

It never seems to end…

Work around the farm that is.

I love the seasons, but it seems that with every season there is something new that needs to be done and something else that needs to be completed.

No matter how long I’ve worked on the property, there always seems to be more to do. And it usually needs to be done on a timeline.

Well, the farm that I’ve been leasing was just sold and I’m now looking for a new training facility.

In the meantime, I am moving Apollo to a beautiful boarding facility close by.

However, it’s much harder to find a place to board stallions, so Kit and Danny are still on hold as to where I can place them.

For now, they all are safe and will be ok for the upcoming winter.

But…

Since I always like to make sure that my horses are well taken care of, I needed to do a little “fixing up” at the new boarding facility for Apollo.

Just stuff that will help winterize his new area:

• Adding insulation and more wood panels inside the run-in shed
• Repairing the roof
• Filling low spots in preparation for the snow, ice, and mud and adding rubber mats
• Checking and repairing fencing to prepare for the heavy winter storms
• Preparing the saltwater bottle fixes for de-icing of the outside water troughs
• Reinforcing the barn stall, evening out the stall floors, cleaning the rubber mats, and adding lots of warm shavings.
• Getting the updated Fall vaccinations
• Getting the winter supplements, hay rolls, and winter grains in place
• Clearing down tree limbs and making sure the pathways are clear of fallen debris
• Cleaning the Fall and Winter blankets

Etc, etc..

And that’s just for Apollo’s new place.

I’m sure you know the drill.

There are things I have to accomplish to make sure Apollo is more comfortable during the winter.

Some people may say that I’m “babying” my horse, but I say I’m making sure he is happy and healthy.

• Do you do certain things right before winter every year to make sure your horse is taken care of?
• Do others tell you that you are “babying” your horse?
• Do you do a lot for your horse to make sure he or she is happy and healthy?

My personal opinion is that my horses have done so much for me, that I can never repay them and if I can do something to make them happier and healthier…

I’m all in!

I don’t believe that you can love your horse too much or do too much for them.

It is all about what makes you and your horse happy to be together, live a healthy and long life together, and grow stronger together.

So, if that means putting in some manual labor using a lot of elbow grease and doing whatever it takes for my horses to feel loved and be safe…

I will always be there for my horses!

Because they are my family.

I would do the exact same for my human family. So, it’s not any different for me for my fur family. I love them all dearly.

And I’m sure you feel the same way about your horse.

You will do whatever is necessary to ensure your horse’s happiness. I think that is what drives most of us.

Our horse’s happiness.

But, isn’t it true that when our horse is happy, so are we?

This week’s training advice is simple…

Be happy, be you, and keep going!

• Don’t think twice about “babying” your horse and keep doing what’s best
• Be grateful for what you have now
• Go for it and reach for what you really want
• Don’t be afraid to bring your dreams into reality

And…

Thank you all for your dedication to your horse’s happiness!

I’m so proud and grateful to be a part of this lovely horse community that shares thoughts and experiences and helps each other out.

This community has empowered me, and I hope it has empowered you as well.

I always love to hear your comments, so please share in the comments section below. Thank you.

PS… Here’s a little tip that I do to keep my outside water troughs from icing over in the winter and features my beloved Jazz who is sadly no longer with us.