b'in keeping with what your plans are for managing him.Appropriate shelter for your region might be a barn with or without stalls, a three-sided shed, a roof with open sides, or merely a safe tree line that provides protection from rain, snow, and wind. Most states have some minimum care standards, which you can research and follow, Waite says. Camargo says trees make wonder-ful natural shelters. They provide little droplets of water that make them cooler than a run-in shed, she says. So, if trees would be his source of shelter, youd need to research horse-safe trees in your area. You dont want your horse sheltering under toxic trees such as box elders, for instance.SUSAN KORDISHYour financial ability also dictates the type of housing you can provide. Whether youre limited to an existing shelter or are building from the ground up, considerShelter from the elements can range from a basic shed to a barn with stalls, depending on your what your daily horse routine will entail: region, \x08nances, your horses condition, and his previous living situation. WaterYour horse will need at least 5 to 10 gallons of water each day, dependingAlso, dont buy feed to last for monthsthat fits as many horses as you have on the weather and other factors suchbecause, depending on its type (and thein one trip, Camargo says. And the as exercise, lactation, or a combinationambient temperature/humidity), it canhorse(s) need to know how to load.of those, says Waite. Thats anywherebecome rancid. Let the fire department that serves you from 40 to almost 90 pounds of water. ChoresWhat time of day will you feedknow your location and that you have How close is your shelter to a wateryour horse? In winter, when days arehorses, so that if there is a fire, theyll source, so you can haul buckets easilyshort, you might be feeding in the dark.know where to go, she adds. Especially and ensure he has clean, fresh water atIs a light source available? You mightin new developments, if they dont have a all times? Also, in cold winter climates,also need light at night for a colic orgood address, theyre not going to be able you might have to break surface ice tosome other emergency or a place whereto find you as quickly.allow your horse to drink. your veterinarian or farrier can safelyIdeally, says Camargo, youll have as- HayA rectangular bale of hay weighswork out of the weather, Waite says. phalt all the way to your horse, but thats anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds. Al- If youre going to have electricity, itnot always the reality. If the fire truck though a bale can last several days for aneeds to be inside conduit to preventcant get to your facility, its going to be single horse, consider how far your hayrodents (and horses) from chewing onhard for them to put down a fire.storage is from his feeding area andwires, says Camargo. Barn fires are farIn addition, figure out where the clos-how it will get from field to truck tomore common than we wish, and manyest equine hospital is, and craft a plan for your storage space to the feeding area. of them are electrical, so its very impor- emergencies of all types.ManureConsider your horse shelterstant that any electrical be installed by aMake sure your truck and trailer are proximity to your compost or manurelicensed electrician so everything is up tofunctional, the tires are good, and it has pile. A wheelbarrow loaded with bed- code, she says. I highly recommend thatenough gas to get you somewhere safe, ding and manure can be hard to push,you dont use space heaters in barns, butWaite says. Also, organize your vital especially when ground is muddy or icy. if you will use it anyway, never leave itpaperworkveterinary records, CogginsGrainAcquire horse-, rodent-, andunattended. test results, and a way to identify your weatherproof storage for grain. Horseshorse, whether thats registration papers, can founder or colic if they get accessPlans for Emergencies a microchip number, photos, or a written to your grain supply, Waite says. Along the lines of things to plan for,description, so you can claim him if hes Rodents, raccoons, birds, and opos- consider emergency access. If you mustrecovered by emergency personnel.sums can pass diseases to horses, soship out quickly due to an illness or acci-its important not to let wildlife create adent or evacuate in the event of wildfiresHealth & Safety Needsresidence in your barn, Camargo adds.or a natural disaster, you have to be ableWhile youre considering your horses Plastic or metal trash cans with tight- to reach your horse with a vehicle.housing needs, also think about health fitting lids can provide good protection.You need to have a truck and trailerand safety. For instance, again, you want TheHorse.com | The HorseSeptember 201913'