Colorado is no stranger to cold weather. Also, our horses are just as resilient when it comes to dealing with more severe winter storms. However, climate change has made things a little more difficult. No, we’re probably not going to see another ice age. But polar temperatures finding their way down to Colorado like it did this February could occur more regularly. Continue reading for some things to think about when preparing for winter storms. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.
The Water Supply During Severe Winter Storms
The biggest worry for your horses during severe winter storms is water. The average horse needs around 5 to 10 gallons of water a day. This becomes a problem when the water freezes. If your pasture has a larger stock tank than your stables, then it might be smarter to turn your horses out. The more water, the longer it takes to freeze. Another upside to this tactic is that you can probably use a vehicle to bring more water to the trough. This will be easier than lugging buckets to the barn in negative degree weather.
Another problem that arises is that older well pumps don’t like to work in severe winter storms. But if you have snow, you have water. If it comes down to it, you can melt snow to refill your troughs. However, a 5-gallon bucket of snow does not yield a 5-gallon bucket of water. This job can be labor-intensive, so ask a family member or neighbor to help you. If warmed water is unfeasible for all water supplies, there’s an alternative. Consider using a water heater in your barn. Warm small batches for water and rotate your horses through to offer them warmed water. It’s a hard job, but remind yourself that the weather will warm up and things will get back to normal.
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