Remember this Spring checklist for your horse farm

While winter is still on our doorsteps, warm weather and riding season is just ahead. Now is the time to start planning for the upcoming season.

Manage snow before thawing begins — Snowmelt can leave dry lots and barnyards waterlogged and muddy. Before the ground softens, move or pile snow in areas that can accommodate spring snowmelt. Make sure the area you select drains away from dry lots, buildings, pathways, or manure piles. Keep in mind that cooler temperatures may cause any melt to refreeze into ice. If you plan to remove snow from dry lots, be sure to pick manure beforehand. Manure mixed in snow piles can cause runoff when the snow melts. Check in on your horse’s health — Work with your horse’s care team to make sure they are ready for the upcoming season. Schedule an exam with your vet- erinarian to evaluate your horse’s health and develop a vaccination plan. In Minnesota, we recommend five core vaccines to start: West Nile, Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, Western equine encephalomyelitis, Tetanus, and Rabies.

Do not forget to have your veterinarian perform a Coggins test. Proof of a negative Coggins test within 12 months is needed for all horses going to public events or traveling across state lines. Additionally, consider having a fecal egg count taken to help guide spring deworming decisions. If needed, schedule a dental float to smooth sharp points on teeth and help correct poor alignment ahead of grazing and riding season.

Inspect your trailer — Before loading up the horses, take time to thoroughly inspect your trailer. If you are not comfortable with any maintenance or repair needs, work with a professional mechanic.

When inspecting a trailer you will want to make sure the frame of the trailer is sound and free of cracks. Check the pressure, tread depth, and condition of the trailer and spare tires. Inspect the bearings and repack them as needed. Make sure the brake pads and discs are in good operating condition. Check electrical wiring for poor connections, fraying, or rodent damage. Test and make sure all the trailer lights are working.

Walk your pastures — It is always good practice to walk each of your fence lines following winter. Check for and repair any damage to fences, gates or shelters. Make sure that all of the gates are securely latched. Additionally, pick up any debris (e.g., tree branches) or garbage which may have blown into your pastures over winter.

Now is also a good time to review last year’s grazing plan. What worked and what did not work? Think about stocking rate, pasture shape and size, weed control, fertilizing method, and forage growth.

This article was submitted by Hannah Lochner, University of Minnesota Extension. v