Our first snow came early this year, and with it an extreme temperature change. The horses were already having a difficult time with summer temperatures greeting fall, their winter coats had arrived and they were getting too hot and now we are all getting too cold, too soon!
Snow brings with it, a mix of emotions, some cozy and some dreading the work required in the cold. Eventually we all get acclimated, but until that moment, it's hard on everyone.
The horses went from no blankets to their heaviest weight blanket providing the most warmth. I love blanketing, it the mothering part that comes out, and reminds me of tucking little ones in each night and wishing them sweet dreams.
Unfortunately with a quick weather change, colic enters into the horse caring equation and one of our dear horses did. He made it through but is still under special watch as he recovers. With weather change, herd dynamics come into play. Some will not eat or drink in bad weather, some will just eat and not drink, if one does not eat, the others may get more then they need and then may not drink. Drinking water is the magic during a cold weather change. From now on it's Bran Mash for all at the start of a storm...
With the passage of the storm, the flowers leave. Above is a bank of wild sunflowers, their seed pods emptied by the finches and ready for the horses to eat. It's like candy for them and a treat when we pass by.
To the good and the bad that comes with change, and to the journey through.
~ Deb
P.S. Don't forget to enter our Super Mathemagician Giveaway!
*Last time in Barn Stories: End of Summer Garden
