Monday, February 4, 2008

Its all uphill from here!

This is what I keep telling myself.......the days are getting longer, this is our coldest month, soon we will have heat in the sun, soon we will have daytime melting-it's all uphill from here!

Logically, this means we must be, um, at a low, right? And boy howdy do we have LOW. Low temperatures that is!

Over the past weekend, the highest I had at home was -4 on Saturday. The bottom has dropped out since, it was -21.7 when I fed the horses this morning. It's -23 here at work. A quick scan of local weather stations this am revealed temps down to -30 in other areas. And no end in sight of this pattern either-until these lows get bumped onwards, or the jet stream moves.

I grabbed my very old cold weather suit and tossed it into the car, just in case. Even the clutch was stiff for driving-but I am lucky enough to have space inside the heated shop here, so there it sits. I did inventory as I drove up-no way do I want to be out in that for even a couple minutes (if I can help it!) and I don't expect much to happen today except phone calls.

If the winds pick up as forecast, blankets will go on, period. As it is, the horses have hay 24/7, and a warm mash with extra salt at least once a day. All we can do is endure.

6 comments:

Cedar View Paint Horses said...

Sounds like WI. Our cold snap has snapped, and now we're receiving snow upon snow, with a forecast of freezing rain all nite. At least -20 won't produce freezing rain. How's that hydrant working?

suvalley said...

The hydrant works wonderful, even at -15!! I am so happy it's working properly. The very thought of managed 400 foot of hose at these temps is.....well, scary ;)

We topped the stock tanks yesterday as we are going through quite a bit of water due to the amount of hay being fed.

horse snob said...

Blankets. My nemesis this winter for sure. I hate to use them because, #1. I have two youngsters that love to play, including yanking on tail flaps and a lot of rearing. I worry about someone getting a leg caught in a blanket. #2. When I take them off, their coats are so mashed down that the natural insulation takes a while to re fluff, even after a vigorous brushing. Since the temps have been so cold this past month, I worry about them getting chilled when I take the blankets off.
Worry, worry, worry, worry,....

horse snob said...

A HYDRANT!!! O how I envy you!

suvalley said...

I have not blanketed, as yet. IF we get any winds with these frigid temps, it will have to be done.

I generally don't worry about the coat being compressed when I take them off, as their coats will stand right up in an hour or so if I am patient. Truthfully, I don't brush much in the winter either-just the legs, lightly on the neck, and down the back and over the croup. I try not to disturb the hairs if I can help it.

Naturally this means I have the dirtiest horse come breakup, but...the coat is very very good! I kind of winced when I watched a boarder work like the dickens, breaking off icicles-and hair too.

Yes, water I know all about-the subject of a number of posts here on this blog ;) Its been a long battle and an expensive one, getting a functioning hydrant actually at the barn. Now, I can use one 50 foot hose, which will coil up nicely in the back of my little SUV. I used to haul water for ten head, so I know your struggles and how much work it is. As Bill Clinton would say "I feel your pain" lol

horse snob said...

I guess I never thought about doing damage to the coat by brushing them in the winter. I don't seem to get much lose hair, but i sure do manage to bring up a lot of "scurf". I use a soft rubber curry and a soft bristle brush. Hope I'm not doing more damage then good.