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| One of Snowflake Bentley's gems |
Last Sunday, John and I went to a S.M.A.R.T. riders meeting. It's hard to believe we were worrying about bugs, mud, and heat as we sat in a toasty room heated by a wood stove! Look out Harley; we're making plans for your summer fun.The first ride of the year will be close by, another one we can ride to so Mr. Eeyore doesn't have to get on a trailer. After last fall's episode, we haven't revisited it since we have no trailer to train him with.
Last night, as I tucked Harley and the girls into bed (which includes one more carrot, snug blankets, topped of water), asked Harley why he couldn't keep his nice rich bay in the summer instead of fading out to a near dun? John has contemplated keeping them in during the day (shady, less buggy) and then turning them out at night. Another alternative is, or course, using a flysheet. Have any of you fellow bloggers had any luck with flysheets actually keeping your horse(s) more comfortable? Harley stamps away all day at the bugs, and by late summer, begins dropping weight. I used to work for folks who stabled during the day and turned out at night. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Hi! We live just 40 minutes from Snowflake Bentley's home; big fans! I think there are supplements that help keep a bay that rich color. I saw some advertised at SmartPak.
ReplyDeleteI haven't used fly sheets, but do have the fly predators, and we keep the manure pile composted (hot).
I think if the horses had a choice, they would do inside during the day and out at night. Mine come down from pasture in the afternoon to stand in the cool, dark barn.
In the late summer the grass also grows a lot more slowly as compared to spring, so it's easier to have more weight in spring than in late summer (so maybe it's not 'just' the flies!) :-)