Get set for the winter blast

It’s getting colder, so get ready for the bad weather now to avoid being caught out later

Are you feeling super-prepped for winter? If not, find some inspo by checking out our winter to-do-list to make sure you’re on it and ready to face winter head on.

Prep that pony

Is your pony a good-doer through winter, or does he tend to lose some condition? If he’s a pony who struggles with keeping his weight on through winter, try to think ahead to see if there’s something you can add to his feed or change in his feed to help him. If you’re stuck, ask your yard manager to help guide you on what’s best for your pony.

Everybody freeze!

Help stop water troughs, pipes, and taps from freezing by asking the yard manager to insulate the pipes and taps. To help prevent your water trough from freezing over, partially cover it and take some hot water with you to the field to pour over any ice that might have built up.

Spring away

Now summer is well and truly behind us, now is the best time to put all your spring/summer rugs into storage and have any equipment cleaned and popped away for winter. The great thing is you’ll know when spring arrives, you’ll have everything your pony needs at the ready.

Dusty times

Spending more time in the stable and eating hay can cause some ponies to develop a cough due to the dust particles going into their lungs. If this is something your pony struggles with, do not fear, because there are ways to help put a stop to this. You could ask your yard manager if your pony can swap to a dust-free bedding, and you can soak hay or give him haylage, too.

Wiggly worms

December through to February is the perfect time for worm larvae to try to worm their way into your pony. Check with your yard manager to see what wormer your pony will need and when to help prevent him giving any worms a home.

Walking in a winter wonderland

Surfaces in the winter can be icy and super-slippery, so, to help prevent surfaces becoming worse, never let taps overrun when filling buckets and try not to spill any water when carrying buckets to your pony’s stable. If your yard has some, ask the yard manager to pop grit down on walkways, too.