Nantua Farm Blog

Coming from Maryland to Kentucky, I’ve become somewhat cynical about what true Kentuckians consider a “bad” winter (sorry, guys, but I’ve been through more blizzards and ice storms than I can remember growing up in Baltimore, MD)… Sure, I’m probably much kinder in that respect than someone who was, say, a Vermont transplant, but then they also would understand why I laugh when they close schools for a dusting of snow. But I’ve decided this year to make a list of sorts… The pros and the cons of winters on a farm in Kentucky.

Let’s see, first for the pros:
1. Lots of days off of school
2. The horses shit freezes in the stalls so they really can’t TRASH their stalls
3. It sure is pretty seeing the gorgeous KY landscape covered in a blanket of snow
4. The bizarre 60+ degree days thrown in amongst the 30 degree days
5. Minimal shoveling for the most part
6. Yet to experience an honest to goodness blizzard here in good ‘ole KY
7. Much shorter winter season here than in MD
8. The lack of mud on a horse who has rolled with a blanket vs. the horse who has rolled that does not have a blanket
9. Riding just after it has stopped snowy and everything looks like it’s covered in a brilliant white blanket
10. NO FLIES (especially horse flies)!

Now for the always humorous cons:
1. Having to clean out the winter heated buckets that have been SHAT in with freezing cold water and non-waterproof gloves (because the my loving lab has chewed all the waterproof ones up)!
2. Blanketing… enough said.
3. The wind!
4. Ice storms and the ensuing loss of power
5. KY’s bad winter weather drivers (no offense)
6. Lack of a hard frost in early fall, which helps with my allergies oh so much
7. KY’s seeming inability to winterize roads when necessary
8. Cleaning up a dirty horse without hot water in the barn
9. No heat in the barn… althought I’m working on that!
10. Snowballs in the horses hooves and shoes that must be melted out of their feet by submerging them in hot water (so much fun when it’s below freezing outside)
11. Breaking ice off of the occasional bucket when the heater decides to stop working
12. Having to drain EVERY hose EVERY night
13. Frozen toes, hands, fingers, noses and, occasionally, butts…
14. Bill and his bad attitude whenever he sees that it’s snowing (he has actually tried to turn tail and run back to his stall at the first sight of the white stuff! He also voices his objections loudly… Not a horse who suffers silently!)
15. The insanely short days that have far too little sunshine for my liking

I’m sure I’ve left out quite a few, but you get my drift… Just hoping we don’t have a repeat of last winter and the memorable Ice Storm of ‘09 and that all of my turnouts and stable blankets make it through another winter. I have to say, however, that the best part of winter is Christmas… And being on a horse farm just gives me an excuse to decorate a whole extra building! So pull out the garland, wreaths, bows and stockings, ’cause Nantua Farm is going to be getting ready for the holidays! Happy holidays to everyone!!!

Nantua Farm has just added a new page to our blog entitled “NF Calender” where you can find out when and what has been scheduled. For the most part, this will consist of vet calls, chiropractor appointments and farrier visits, but occasionally we may have a saddle fitter come and give a demonstration, have a clinic, or have a Set-Up Day (usually in the spring, when we set up the jump course and would love all volunteer hands on deck!) You can also find out here whether NF is going cross country schooling, foxhunting or to a show just in case you want to tag along… So check in regularly if you board with us to be sure when and what has been scheduled.