As the spring begins, some of our tasks change a bit with the different season.
For winter, when the snow falls and the ground is often frozen, we use the heated hose for water and make sure the horses hooves don't get too packed with snow.
Now that the weather is warming up, the snow is melting causing a pretty muddy mess. This year we will be adding sand to the horse stalls and riding areas so the horses have better grip even when the ground is wet. However, right now we make it a habit to walk around the property, especially where we will be asking the horses to go. We do this even before we get them out of their stalls.
This way we know what the surface feels like. It is true that the horses, since they stand on 4 feet instead of only 2, are often more steady on the uneven or slippery ground that we are, but knowing what the ground is like allows us to take every step to make it safe for everyone.
Sometimes it will be too slippery to ride, but we can still walk the horses around with halter and lead rope. Or we may even be able to give them a bit of exercise in the round pen by lunging them for a bit.
Both of these are great ways to still interact with our 4-hooved friends while keeping everyone safe and still having fun together.
Besides, there will be plenty of riding time coming up when the ground is a bit dryer and we want everyone to be ready for those enjoyable times!
What are you looking forward to most as the weather warms up?