HANDS ON Tip

CHILD’S PLAY

I use a plastic sled to pull hay to my field-kept horses on snowy days. It can hold half a bale while still gliding easily over the snow.— Stephanie Morton, Neenah, Wisconsin

Send your suggestions for inexpensive horse-care substitutes as well as hints for saving effort and time to Hands On, EQUUS, 656 Quince Orchard Road, #600, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; fax: 301-990-9015; email: EQLetters@aimmedia.com. Senders of published items will receive selected EQUUS merchandise. to pull your own boots off, you want to keep your horse clear of it, especially if he has trouble holding shoes or has had a tendon injury in the past.

If your property has mud of this depth, find higher, drier ground for turnout and look into whether your drainage situation can be improved. Areas around gates and water troughs, as well as other perpetually mucky ground, can be “hardened” with landscaping fabric or gravel. This can be pricey, but is a worthwhile investment if it protects shoes and hooves.

If you come across deep mud on a trail, pick your way around it, deferring to your horse’s judgment when possible ---most are fairly adept at finding the best route around dicey footing.