We had a nice warm up last week and I actually got to sit on my horses like three days in a row! Then the snow returned. But that's to be expected it IS winter after all. Currently it's 9 degrees outside without the wind chill this morning. So needless to say, nothing is melting out there. Supposed to get into the 30's later though. So that's good news.
This weekend is bringing more single digit temps and there's a possibility of a foot of snow Sunday into Monday. Not my ideal weekend. But you can't change the weather! The timing is a little unfortunate because I am just a few weeks out from needing my manure bin emptied and a new load of hay delivered. It would have been nice to have the driveway clear for both of those things. What can you do though? Not much. Have the tow company on standby I guess? Wouldn't be the first time I had to have someone winched out of there.
But back to last week. January thaw was LOVELY. I rode my horses. They got shoes on the warmest day so I could have the barn doors open and it wasn't so stinky. Sometimes the weather aligns with your needs! (Rarely. But it happens!)
Since we're not riding much, we've been doing a lot of grooming. Everyone is shedding which they may regret come the weekend and next week. But it is a welcome sign that spring will come.
I'm trying to come up with some enrichment exercises I can do with Al in the barn. Anyone have any ideas? I know he'll get bored, more so than Shiny and Eros. Shiny is perfectly happy to hang around and eat. Eros is too for the most part, but he can get bored sometimes. So maybe both boys need something to keep their brains more busy. Maybe I'll get some treat balls or something. Ideas welcome!
I guess that's about it from here. I don't have much else going on. If any of you know any anti snow dances, send those my way! I'm hoping this big storm stays south. Fingers crossed!
Ughhhh ditto on the anti snow dances… forecast is calling for TWO FEET WTF in Maryland this weekend omg …
ReplyDeleteUgh, did you end up getting that much?! My sister-in-law's sister got over two feet in Boston. Crazy! We had about 14-15". It was more than enough.
DeleteI really like the Horseman's Pride "Amazing Graze" treat dispenser. I put low calorie/forage based treats in one for Pyro's stall enrichment, and it has held up well, with a good balance of being challenging, but not TOO challenging.
ReplyDeleteFor exercises in the stall/barn aisle, I often ask myself what day to day skills could I work on perfecting with Pyro? Can I halter him without him raising his head? How softly can I get him to yield over in his stall? Can I ask him to wait before diving into his feed pan? Can I ground tie him in the aisle while I pick his feet? Lots of little things!
I'll check out that treat toy! I had the ball one but was actually really hard to get the treats out of.
DeleteThose are great exercises to work on and can be done anywhere. We've been working on ground tying. Eros used to be so good about it, but I think they're all so bored they just are struggling with impulse control. But hey, something to keep working on this winter!