BE WARY OF WINTER FOOTING

warmer temperatures soften the mud.

• Thick ice. If your turnout area looks icy, carefully walk out onto the sur-

face and stomp. If your weight breaks

the ice, your horses will be fine on it.

Thicker ice, however, can cause serious

injuries if a horse slips and falls. If your

ice is too thick to break through, consid-

er an alternative turnout space, such as

an indoor arena, or perhaps another

pasture that gets more direct sunlight,

until the ice melts.