Preparing for a blizzard

As the mid-Atlantic states brace for one of the largest snowstorms in years, Equihab has spent the whole day preparing the farm for the horses’ comfort & safety.

Here are some of the things to do before a big storm hits:

• Be sure ample hay is on hand.   For a few days following the snow, the road may be too slick to drive on with a truck full of hay.
• Be sure plenty of hay is in front of the horses. In Equihab’s case, roundbales were put out to ensure the horses had food, even if we couldn’t easily get the tractor to them tomorrow.
• Top off all water troughs.   If you have 2 troughs, set up and top off both; if you’re on a well, you may lose power which means no water.
• Plug in tank heater, if you have one.
• Drain hoses.   Unhook and start at the uphill end, holding it in the air as you work your way to the other end.  This ensures all water is out, so it cannot freeze.    If you use hydrants, disconnect the hose to protect the hydrant from freezing.
• Check fencing, gate, electric charger to make sure there are no weak points.
• Blanket any horses who might need extra protection.
• Snow by itself isn’t slippery, but do watch for ice in days following a snow as it melts:  some horses may be sensible but some may be prone to slipping on ice.
• If you have a horse on medication, check to be sure there is enough on hand for at least several days.

During the storm, check on the horses regularly.   One danger of a snowstorm or thunderstorm is that a large falling limb brings down a section of fence.   A high powered flashlight is an excellent item to have on hand, and it enables you to see further down the fenceline.

Keep halters and lead-lines somewhere easily accessible.   It may not hurt to keep them in the house.   If something happens (eg. fence knocked down) and you need the halters immediately, you don’t want to be trudging through 3′ deep snow drifts and digging out the tack room door.

Equihab recommends having the number of a good 24-hour vet on speed-dial.  Even if the roads are so bad the veterinarian cannot travel, he/she will immediately call back anytime day or night.  Your vet can also make suggestions as to what medications and first-aid items you should keep on hand, taking into account your specific situation & individual horses.    For example, some keep on hand banamine, bute, and/or sedatives in case of emergency.    Vet wrap, gauze, wound cleaner, and general first aid supplies are always good to keep around.

Be aware that a heavy snow load is usually when roofs fail.  A roof doesn’t have to be ancient to be susceptible to collapse.   If you have any doubts, it may be safer to leave the horses turned out.

Charge your cell phone.  If power goes out for a long period of time, while you’re snowed in, the cellphone may be your only way to reach others.

And take care of yourself, because if you get sick or hurt, you can’t care for your horses.  Don’t overdo it when snowshovelling.    Invest in a good pair of waterproof boots.     Do ask for help in digging yourself out of the snow; when a person is exhausted, he/she is more likely to get hurt.    Take frequent breaks when working outdoors —  and keep warm.