Winter yard jobs

Winter can be a hard time for managing your pony and getting yard jobs done. However, there are plenty of things you can be doing to make it easier for yourself and they’ll keep your pony in tip-top condition through winter, too!

Planning ahead

When hanging out at the yard on the weekend, make up a load of haynets for your pony to last him for a few days or through the week. This will save you sooo much time when you’re in a rush after school, which means you’ll have more time to ride!

Stock up

While making up haynets, it’s important to remember that your pony may drop weight through winter and that he has less grass time. Make sure he’s getting the correct amount of forage for his condition – he needs at least 1.5% of his bodyweight in dry matter each day – ask your yard manager or instructor to help you work out how much hay he needs if you’re struggling.

Stay ahead

Make up your pony’s night feeds in the morning. This can help save time when you’re at the yard after school – especially when the nights are so dark!

Did you know?

Cold weather can cause your pony to drop weight because he’ll be using more calories to stay warm.

Keep an eye out

It’s worth speaking to a nutritionist to find out if your pony requires more, or a different, feed during winter. Ponies naturally lose weight in the colder months, but if he’s struggling to maintain good condition, they’ll be able to advise on dietary changes.

Beat the weather

Check your weather app to help you choose the right rug for your pony. Remember that ponies don’t tend to feel the cold until the temperature drops below 5ºC, and they don’t like to be too warm. For help on picking the right rug, click here.

Fluff the bed

Adding extra bedding to your pony’s stable will make it sooo cosy on crisp nights and help prevent his bed from getting too wet, which can increase his risk of hoof problems. Look for absorbent bedding that will soak up the extra wet in his bed that will come from him spending more time in his stable.

Ice breaker

Remember to break any ice in your pony’s water bucket or trough, and remove it. You can help prevent this by adding warm water or insulating the bucket with special material.

Scrub up

Make sure you keep on top of your cleaning jobs throughout winter – good hygiene is essential all year round! Cleaning feed bowls, water buckets and your pony’s kit will help keep him happy and healthy.

TOP TIP

If your pony is a mud monster but you’re short on time to ride, just groom the areas that his tack will sit to prevent rubbing.

Blow away the cobwebs

While you’re waiting for your pony to finish eating, why not put your time to good use? Grab a brush or broom and de-cobweb his stable.

TOP TIP

Why not ask a friend to help you prep haynets at the weekend? That way it’ll be done much faster and it will be waaay more fun!

Foot first

Pick out your pony’s feet before leaving the stable. This will save you time later because you won’t need to sweep the whole length of the yard because of his dirty feet, plus it will help keep his hooves in great condition!