- Stop Drafts: Stop up any drafts in walls and windows.
- Plan Ahead: Try to keep at least several weeks feed and hay on hand.
- Prevent Frozen Water Pipes: Insulate water pipes to prevent freezing. Alternately, install a hydrant that is self-draining or a shut off valve below the frost line. Drain the pipes after you use them.
- Keep Floors Warmer: Consider bedding stalls a bit deeper so horses aren't standing on cold floors.
- Banish Rodents: Rodents often invade barns as the weather gets colder. Consider using pest control and mouse-proof feed storage. Rodents can carry diseases and chew electrical wiring and equipment.
- Don't Let Doors Freeze Shut: Keep areas under doorways dry and clean so doors don't freeze shut. Consider a putting eavestroughs over doorways.
Prepare Your Horse's Stable for Winter
By Katherine Blocksdorf, About.com
Readers Respond: How do you get your stable ready for winter?
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