dixie_belle
Well-Known Member
This is our first full winter here in Kentucky. And it is proving to be a real doozie! The temps here have been below freezing for days and last night it was 5 degrees. I shudder to think of what they were when you figure in the wind chill. But here is my problem. We are originally from Texas. I am not used to this kind of cold. The horses don't seem to mind, but I am a real worry wart. As soon as it gets below freezing, I bring them into the barn. Am I over-reacting? I guess what I am really wondering is this: At what point is it still safe to leave them out? They don't seem to be bothered by the cold, but I cannot imagine that 5 degrees is a safe temperature for them. And I worry. They are all real furry this winter, I guess they anticipated the cold weather, and they may be a tad overweight, as well. OK, OK, so maybe more than a tad. But all that fat should insulate them, right??? (I'm working on the fat issue even as I type.) I see pictures of other people's horses outside in bitter temperatures so I wonder if I am being over-reactive?? I would rather be safe than sorry but I don't want to keep them in if I don't have to as they much prefer to be outside. I should mention that when they are outside, there are two protected areas for them. There is a barn down at the end of the pasture with a huge run in for them, and another one up near the house that is very sheltered. So when I say they are outside, they have access to two very protected areas.
Just wanted to know what other people do.
Just wanted to know what other people do.