Welcome November! The wonderful month of gratitude and Thanksgiving.
Days are shorter, the air is crisp, and you can see the horse’s breath in the air. The rhythm of the farm slows as winter sets in.
On the cool days the horses “feel their oats” kicking up their heels as they joyfully run and play in the fields. The site of them brings a smile to the faces of those enjoying the view.
On the human side we bundle up, slow down our pace, and become more deliberate with chores and activities. Extra care is necessary for safety as well as the health of the horse.
You may not know it, when the temperatures drop and frost and ice settles on the grass, followed by sunshine and rising temperatures, the melting can be dangerous. Grass produces sugar to survive and sprout back. That’s a dangerous time for the horses to be eating it, especially those with metabolic issues. They can colic if they consume too much too fast.
Traction is another issue. Snow, ice, frozen puddles and even the frost can become a skating rink. Extra care and caution are a must for humans and horses alike. Accidents can occur in an instant.
We are very fortunate to have a covered arena to turn the horses out for exercising on days when the weather is less than ideal.
They can also enjoy munching on hay, avoiding the sugary grass.
Horses don’t like high winds and look for ways to “turn their tails to the wind.” The arena provides wind blocks too.
Programming is weather dependent in November and throughout the winter. Schedules must become more flexible except for the horses who thrive on routine. Thankfully we have generators that keep the lights on and the water flowing. All the water buckets and troughs are heated, another critical need.
Blessings do abound on the farm. As an educational foundation we are grateful for our donors who keep the horses on their gift-giving list and welcome those who would like to add us.
If you’d like to visit the farm, meet the horses and learn more about us please visit our web site: carpediemfarms.org
Wishing each of you a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving.
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