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jaybird
Gold Member
 France
1192 Posts |
 Posted - 31 Dec 2009 : 12:19:49 PM
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Hi all
I know that we have all been having a bad time this year in regard to this nasty weather, I have read some tragic stories both on here & elsewhere regarding accidents where horses are slipping over and indeed it is difficult to deal with, but I have in the past seen some very foolhardy acts that put both lives of people and horses at risk and that is people empting thier horses water buckets right outside thier stable doors or onto the yard where it just freezes over creating ice rink conditions, I never change horse water in snow & Ice just keep topping it up until the thaw I also put loads of salt onto any patches and tracks to the field, lay a trail of old straw to the muck heap, I have seen yards where they do nothing so it's always best to ask YO permission before salting and making a mess but it's safety first that counts for yourself & others, take care.
We have been forcast for another lot on Sunday...Oh Joy!
Beryl
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Edited by - jaybird on 31 Dec 2009 12:24:15 PM
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shah
Gold Member
England
1356 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2009 : 12:32:14 PM
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Completely agree - safety first!
Our YO did absolutely nothing about the snow and ice more than close the lane once several people had crashed. The ice on the yard was appauling, bringing in horses was too dangerous when it was really bad as the road outside the stables was like an ice rink. Black ice at the top part made the lane tricky to drive unless you have experience - but no one sanded, salted or did anything to the conditions despite the yard having a tractor.
A hungry horse crashed through the fence into our field several times because we have ad lib hay - no one has seen the owner of this horse for days. Fence hasn't been mended, a nail has been put in by someone's husband to try and prevent further problems.
I'm absolutely appaulled at how badly yards can be run! Needless to say I am looking for somewhere new but it's very difficult to find something with the same excellent location for hacking. |
West Sussex |
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Kazzy
Platinum Member
England
3335 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2009 : 12:56:07 PM
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Wise words Beryl.
You cant beleive what some people do in the snow and ice.
Safety first for you and the horse, more importantly the horse, I always say I can recover from a broken leg but my horse might not.
Janet |
     
Sunny Cheshire |
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kathleen
Platinum Member
England
1835 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2009 : 1:26:08 PM
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On our yard some people risked their horses across our ice rink every single day and then one morning they put their horses out in a padock right behind my foals stable and left them there and went home my poor filly so upset she was kicking out at the walls crashing in to the door
some people are unbelivable until you see it |
http://www.jollyfryer.com/ Great British Fish & Chips
susan.oliver70@ntlworld.com
    
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jaybird
Gold Member
France
1192 Posts |
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troystar
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
63 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2009 : 6:36:08 PM
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| my god y don't people just leave their horses in the stable. it only snows a few times a year if we get it, and there is no grass good or bad at this time of year, at the yard i keep-ed my mare they all walk down the ice two let there horses out in two a flooded mud filed fileds, with little grass, a few piles of hay were you got more chance of your horses breaking a leg bye being kicked than a fall, god help us if it get like a cold country, were it snows four months on end, |
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Di Ellis
Silver Member
United Kingdom
415 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2009 : 9:12:05 PM
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A tip I have learned over the last few days is to wear a large pair of wool socks over my boots - it has let me walk on bad ice safely - I just wonder whether it might work on the horses hooves as well for those that have to be led out.
I was amazed how much grip they gave me over the top of my muckers. |
D.S. Ellis
Somerset
marbonarabians@yahoo.co.uk |
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kathleen
Platinum Member
England
1835 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2009 : 9:48:36 PM
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Troystar my girls are normaly out one 27/7 but my just weaned foal got stuck in for a few days longer as her weaning couple of days clashed with the snow and ice we had cars stuck in the lane one lad put his car in the ditch, we had to get as close as poss and try and walk to the yard as the private lane owned by the estate was impassable,I have a 4x4 which i got stuck on the lane trying to go round a stranded car as one of my wheels got stuck in a hole and my toyota hilux was rotating round on the spot as the ice was so bad. The field i use is off this lane you have to walk a good 10 mins (with no ice) along this lane with passing cars that where hardly staying in control with a 6 month old foal.
If we had snow for months on end i am shore that we would be better equipted to deal with it and i would not have to tow people out of the lane as it was not gritted.
And the news from Di Ellis lossing her lovely mare star as a result of her slipping over on the ice brings home how quick it can happen. |
http://www.jollyfryer.com/ Great British Fish & Chips
susan.oliver70@ntlworld.com
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jaybird
Gold Member
France
1192 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2010 : 10:11:57 AM
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Hi
I'm afraid leaving them in a stable is not always an option, and definately not good for the horses, even access to a sand school beats the boredom, I have found that hay piles in the field preferable but again not always an option in large livery yards, I have in the past heard of more 'accidents' happening whilst horses are tied up outside thier stables slipping on the iced up concrete after thier water buckets have been tipped out, also sweeping snow away encourages iceing over, and the antics of finally releasing them from the stables after three or four days is a feat in itself, better to try a little each day with whatever facilities you have and are allowed to use, I know one yard where horses were never allowed in the school unless being ridden, but sometimes in exceptional circumstances maybe.... if people are willing to help and clear up, which is usually the cause YO's reluctance to cooperate.
Beryl |
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kathleen
Platinum Member
England
1835 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2010 : 11:49:45 AM
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| I wish i had a sand school and my own yard would be nice i am in a yard that has people that can not even sweep up after the farrier has been let alone moving snow off the yard before it turns to ice and that would still not of done anything for the lane in 2004 a friend broke her wrist very badly walking up the lane from her cottage at the bottom of the lane it took so long to repair it resulted in her lovely mare going back to her owner |
http://www.jollyfryer.com/ Great British Fish & Chips
susan.oliver70@ntlworld.com
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Kharidian
Platinum Member
England
4297 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2010 : 12:43:57 PM
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Can I just say that my YOs have been great - sanding/gritting as necessary and putting ad-lib hay out in the paddocks and ensuring the water troughs are working. We have been able to turn out every day.
Oh yes, we also have electric lights, hot/cold water in toilet AND an open door policy so we can always go into the house for a cup of coffee (and a piece of cake)! It's a lovely yard and I've been there for over 30 years.
Caryn |
Kharidian (Prince Sadik x Khiri)........ Alkara Cassino (H Tobago x Rose Aboud)
aka "Roger".................................... aka "Chips"
     
The first image is from an original painting by Pat Shorto.
South-East Essex |
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kathleen
Platinum Member
England
1835 Posts |
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troystar
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
63 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2010 : 9:24:52 PM
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| its hard time of year I'm sure we all can get thou it Summer is on its way, 2010 good i never now ill live this long, joys of getting old, and my old dog is 17 now and still going strong, the problem i had that the snow builds up it the foot couldn't pick it out maybe rubber boots for horses ? are the horses that slip shod or unshod, |
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jaybird
Gold Member
France
1192 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 07:32:56 AM
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Hi
Sadly all creatures slip two legged or four, I have found that shod horses may not slip but do get Ice Balls in thier feet which then causes problems for them to even walk, this happens less with unshod horses, I was constantly checking Guinness in the field and he had none at all and could even manage a good gallop and buck without any mishap (only to my nerves)I just kept thinking that there are many countries that have alot more snow than us and they cope with horses, but I think unshod is better.
Beryl |
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Gerri
Platinum Member
England
4211 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 08:44:22 AM
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Hi, we used to put vaseline jelly in the horses feet when they were shod to stop the snow forming ice balls in the feet, it seemed to work, but your right I think it was only with the shod horses |
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moatside
Platinum Member
England
3224 Posts |
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honey
Platinum Member
N. Ireland
2634 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 10:05:02 PM
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| this weather isn;t ideal, but i can't believe that some people would risk walking there horses over ice rink conditions. yes horses need turn out but i would much rather leave them in for a couple of days with plenty of roughage to keep them happy than risk them getting injured on the ice. |
    
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jaybird
Gold Member
France
1192 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 08:45:55 AM
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Hi all
I have tried everything on shod horses to stop Ice Balls forming and sadly nothing worked the snow collects in the concave and freezes solid, would be interesting to hear if anyone has managed to overcome that problem successfully...we have had a forecast change and are now expecting just rain...hurrah!! wet & warm.
Beryl |
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carole ferguson
Silver Member
United Kingdom
457 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 09:46:20 AM
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My six usually go out every day - but for the first time ever - they had to stay in for three days as my yard and the tracks to the fields were like glaciers.
I salted and gritted - but then we had rain which froze again.
I am luckily taking another week off from work - so should be able to get them out later in the day with this latest lot of ice.
Although I get fed up with the mud - at least they can have their freedom then. |
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bexr
Gold Member
England
818 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 10:18:04 AM
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yesturday was the first day in 21/2 weeks I could actually drive up to my horses, we have been forced to walk 11/2 miles from where we can get the car to and where the horses are. Making it a mammouth task each day.
Most of mine are out but my stabled girls are straight into the paddock. Working on big yards I have seen lots of accidents in such bad conditions. It is far safer to leave a horse in than take it across an ice rink. |
Bex |
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Quarabian
Platinum Member
Wales
4340 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 11:47:27 AM
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I feel very lucky listening to some of your yard horrors. As I have my own place I put manure down to form a mat over the ice where they have to walk. My horses are very good, they listen to a waggle on the rope so I dont get my balance compromised by pulling equines. Once loose in the field they explode so I appreciate how they must be discsplining themselves while walking beside me. Because of this I have been able to turn out for a couple of hours everyday. There will be some mess to clear up when the thaw comes and most yards would probably not like the manure solution, but it does work. Of course if you have to go along a road you are in the hands of the yard and the council.
Mostly I feel sorry those of you who have to put up with fellow horse owners who are not looking after their horses. It should be the yard's responsibility to pick up the slack if owners can't get there because of the weather.
Lynda |
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ACGODFREY
Silver Member
United Kingdom
440 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 12:02:06 PM
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I can't bear this weather anymore . My boy has been stuck in for over 2 weeks and having looked at the 10 day forecast and the fact it's now going to get above freezing, I can't foresee that the snow and ice will go away for weeks yet where he is 
He's on full livery so the fact that I can't physically get there in my non 4x4 isn't too much of a problem, but I feel for him. I managed to get him to/from indoor when the snow was still powdery but there is sheet ice under the snow now and it's too dangerous. He's going to be wild by the time he does get out and that itself concerns me. Never thought I'd say this, but I'd really prefer the wind and rain to this! I've lived in Scotland for since 1996 and have only ever experienced one year with such prolonged and significant snow fall. Was horseless at the time, so enjoyed it rather more! |
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jaybird
Gold Member
France
1192 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 12:05:31 PM
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Hi all
Yes I agree the manure thing works a treat I don't need it here for Guinness but I do it for the chickens they hate the snow, just use dirty straw that the droppings have been shaken out of and all pledge to help clear it up...next thing is to source a really decent yard that will take care of things if you cannot...most will and a thank you is always nice too!!!
Beryl |
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zooscat
Gold Member
United Kingdom
882 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2010 : 11:38:07 AM
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| e the Snow n Ice - it is not as bad down here in Kent as it appears to be in other parts of the Uk - but - it is still stopping almost all excercising - other than that which the horses are getting during turn out. We've been able to do that for a few hours each day, and the dears are having fun rootling through the edges of the woods that border the fields, and grazing the banks. However - the thing that is really making me fed up is that all the fitness and muscle tone, developed soo carefully over the last year with Ry, taking so much care of the sometimes awkward temperament, the dodgy back leg/pelvis, the age (21) and the balance between not fit = not able to carry himself well to achieve good balance and appropriate muscle development, and too fit = loon! It will now mostly be lost, and we will have to start all over again! He hasn't been able to be ridden for about 3 weeks now, except a quick scuttle round the lanes on a couple of occasions between snow/ice, and it's apparently likely to go on for three more weeks! He's usually ridden 4-5 times a week, 2-3 schooling/poles etc, 2/3 hacking. I know this a luxury moan, and that I ought to be grateful that he's well and in one piece - which I really am. Just a bit fed up! Anyone else feel the same or am I the only selfish wretch around? I want an indoor school please!! |
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Nichole Waller
Gold Member
England
1168 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2010 : 12:40:11 PM
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We put old straw / muck down on the yard and in the gateways so we can lead our horses in and out safely. We had about 4 inches of snow just before Christmas but as the weather has been so cold it stayed on the ground for nearly 2 weeks.
This meant we couldn't ride for 10 days as we have no school and the rest of the yard and the roads were very icy. I finally managed to get Ozzy out for a short ride a few days ago and he was a complete nightmare....
Lots of leaping and pinging around .We finally managed a few days on the trot so he was settling down and then this morning (when i'm back to work) we have a really thick frost that looks like snow and loads more ice on the roads... so no riding this morning.. |
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marionpack
Gold Member
England
1073 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jan 2010 : 12:57:09 PM
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| I don't mind working round snow and ice, thats a natural thing, but for 2/3 days our fields got a little muddy,(not boggy just enough to get mud on the coronet band) so somebody thought it was a good idea to hose their horses legs to clean them, now we have a frozen stream right across the yard with no thaw in sight for the next week, people just don't seem to think |
Berkshire
   
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Snow & Ice
