Please someone tell me I am not the only one who has been 100% ready to jack horses in this year. 25 years of riding and 16 years of horse ownership and never have I ever been this fed up.
Our fields have been underwater since late November, meaning turnout has been impossible, even on the limited turnout they have had, has still lead to a battle of mud fever and thrush.
I wanted to protect the paddock as much as possible for spring, but it got so trashed that we will now have to use our hay fields for summer grazing, meaning no free hay this year.
As for mucking out, I haven’t shaken the smell of ammonia out of my clothes for 4 months and can’t remember the last time my socks weren’t covered in straw!
I remember 3 days in total where the ground started to dry and we didn’t have a puddle on the yard. The reason I remember those day so clearly is because I was nearly blown away when my tonne bag filled with air and nearly lifted me like a kite, that’s right because on the days it was nearly dry we had 2 storms!
I have absolutely no where to ride at home – Gosh my own school cannot come quick enough! So I am lucky if I ride twice a week, requiring me to box up and travel to arenas.
I have forgotten what other footwear exists than wellies and have adopted strong skiing skills from being dragged around by pent up horses on wet grass.
But it’s March, it MUST be nearly time the clocks went forward, it MUST be nearly time for the rain to stop, it MUST be nearly time for the horses to go out, it MUST be nearly spring, right?!
We had another couple of busy weeks both with work and the horses – don’t know where the time has gone!
We managed to get two lessons in, one on each weekend for Bob. The first one was fantastic, we did some bounce fences (which yes I was worried he would revert back to his old ways and jump as a spread instead of a bounce – but luckily he didn’t!)
Now that Christmas and the New Year are behind us, along with the shortest day, it is time to start thinking ahead to sunny days and planning shows!
Upkeep of your horsebox is not only key to maintaining the safety of your vehicle but crucial to keeping your horses safe and sound. When it comes to horsebox maintenance, much of your focus should be on the floors and walls of your vehicle.
Owners need to check their horse’s health and wellbeing all year round, but winter can be an especially challenging time. From the cold unpredictable weather, to sparse fields and animals being more prone to illness, your horse will need more care and attention over the winter months.