Winter is coming upon horse owners quick, but many horse owners do not have a list in order for caring for their horse and ranch this season. Check out our winter checklist for tips and reminders in caring for your horse this winter.

Unpack and launder winter riding clothes

Invest in orange vest for riding during hunting season; consider outfitting your horse with fluorescent halter and/or saddle blanket

Check tack room heater for function and fire safety; condition and store leather tack for winter; launder and pack fly masks and summer sheets

Critters move indoors when cold sets in, check for mice holes; set mouse traps if necessary; check feed-bin lids for fit

Tarp hay to protect from weather; check for holes or tears in existing tarps, replace if necessary

Outfit water spigot with heat tape/insulation;

Secure horse care if going out of town for Thanksgiving holiday

Increase frequency of stall cleaning if horses have moved into barn to help reduce dangerous ammonia production

Trace clip for winter riding, if desired

Check fences for any early season weather-related damage

If you plan to breed mare in ’08, schedule breeding soundness exam for this month

Deworm