Golden Spike Farm's Plog

Today I received a request for to answer some questions about this winter for a human interest story for PSU Extension Equine newsletter.  So I figured I would share with you.

Name and location in state: Golden Spike Farm; Quakertown, PA

How many horses are you caring for? 10 horses and 2 mini donkeys

What challenges has the harsh winter conditions in January 2014 caused for you?

• Frozen water buckets in the stalls
• Frozen water hose
• Barn doors frozen shut
• So cold your hands and feet hurt so you minimize your time outside (horses not receiving as much attention)
• Horses not being brushed as much so a wound was missed.  I am now dealing with the abscess.  Twice daily wound care plus antibiotics (topical, oral, intramuscular injection)

What changes have you had to make this year that are different from past years to manage and care your farm and/or horses? 

• Horses are in the barn more.
• Barn is closed up at night.
• Donkeys hang out in the aisle, because they don’t have a stall.
• Boiling water in the stall water buckets every night.
• Breaking ice out of buckets every morning.
• Buying new things to make life easier:
  • Allied Precision Bucket Heater – didn’t heat up the water as fast as I thought it would (http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/037835-allied-precision-bucket-heater.html#.Uup3YPldU0g)
  • Water bucket Cozy – this does work, in the morning there is less ice in the 2 buckets that have them on (http://www.wildangelcozy.com/cozy.php)

Personal Comment on Winter of 2014: 

Everything takes longer starting with getting ready to go outside.  I usually can be found wearing 3 layers on the bottom and 5 layers on top, hat, gloves, and my Columbia cold weather boots.  Luckily I have help; all my boarders share the work load.  I am originally from Miami, so I have jumped into this the hard way but we are getting through it and I am looking forward to warmer temperatures this weekend.

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