How the Weather Rules the Day

Suffice to say I am a morning person. Approximately 4am you can find me in my chair, enjoying my first cup of coffee, and contemplating the days events for the farm. First check the weather. Will the crew and horses face winds and cold this morning, or will the day be a mild one for chores with "tons" of horses worked in the afternoon. Will the ground stay frozen just enough so the horses keep a grip, or will it soften and be slippery on top? Did little puddles of snow thawed by yesterdays sun refreeze over night causing icy spots? Can we use all the pastures and paddocks? Where will the weanlings go today?

Temperatures in the high 20's, sunshine, and no wind are glorious days here in Maine for working drafts in the winter. There is no wind to chill the sweat against a horses skin, the sunshine warms just enough to dry the hairs. The air doesn't hurt for either horse or driver as we breathe, and the ground is the right consistency of grip for both hooves and boots. A few twitches of fire wood come in to the yard near the wood furnace. And the girls get to ride. 

If I could custom design the winter days here on the farm the vast majority would be just like that. No hay blowing out of the pastures, no wondering if the young or older horses are comfortable with the windy chill. I'm often told I worry too much, that the horses are fine. But I know the difference between a horse basking in the glow of warm sunshine, and bracing their back to the winds. The picture is the same, its the emotion that the are sending that tell me; the weather rules. 

The Calm Before the Storm

The air is fresh and crisp and the sky has breaks of light between the dark clouds. It could fool one into thinking the day is ripe for riding and driving. But reality says its short lived, by noon the sky will cloud in and snowflakes will start falling and the cold sharp winds will begin to howl. The horses will get a few hours outside today while barn is cleaned, and staged with hay to last a few days. The foals seem to know tomorrow will be a day inside, so had best get out all the sprints and bucks and kicks for now.

Snow will fall through the night and tomorrow will dawn with more snow and high winds. The barn will stay snug and warm as its insulated and full of drafts. Water buckets will not be frozen in the least as the 26 "draft furnaces" will keep it a comfortable temperature for both man and beast. Every horse, from weanlings through adults will get a good grooming and a few treats while on the crossties. Its a enjoyable break while their stalls are being cleaned. Only the door to the "nutrient recycling" pit will be open at times, which allows the right amount of needed fresh air.

The horses will munch, and drink and lay content while I concern myself with plowing, the wood furnace that heats the house, and the possibility of loosing electricity, getting the generator started and a host of other "what if's". But the horses are safe and happy, and that is what matters most.