01/25/2026
๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฅ: ๐๐๐ฑ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง โ๏ธ
When freezing temps, snow, and ice hit Texas, most barns are not built for it. Having a plan ahead of time prevents emergencies and a lot of unnecessary stress.
๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด
Check tanks multiple times a day and break ice as soon as it forms. Only break a small spot, the rest of the ice will insulate the tank and keep the hole from freezing over as fast! If you do not have tank heaters, floating basketballs or jugs can help slow freezing by keeping water moving. Insulating tanks with straw bales around the base also helps.
๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐บ๐๐ต
Hay digestion creates internal heat and is the safest way to help horses stay warm. Do not cut hay during cold weather. Blanket based on the individual horse. Wet plus wind equals cold stress quickly. If snow or ice is sitting on your horseโs back and not melting, that is actually a good sign. It means the horse has a healthy winter coat that is insulating well and trapping body heat instead of letting it escape. If snow melts quickly, that can indicate heat loss and a horse that may need extra support, especially if wind or moisture is present. Wind protection matters more than temperature alone. Even a basic windbreak can make a big difference.
๐ ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฒ๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐
Bring medications indoors. Many injectables and liquids can freeze or crystallize and become unusable. Do not assume a thawed medication is safe. Heated hoses, backup extension cords, and a plan for power outages are important in Texas where cold weather infrastructure is limited.
๐ช๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ
- Shivering that does not stop
- Decreased water intake
- Reduced manure output
- Lethargy or dull attitude
- Signs of colic
Texas winters may be short, but they are intense. Preparation keeps horses healthy and avoids emergencies when help may be delayed.
๐๐จ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ
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