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what happens when the barn help forgets to fasten the chain and Mirage manages to escape anyway? I work on the theory that if Mirage can think it, he can do it. So the feed bins are locked away in a Rubbermaid free standing closet that is closed with a hasp and padlock.

Of course the padlock may not be fastened because the barn help forgot this too. In that case I have the third fail safe that I keep the actual feed in plastic 30 gallon bins with wheels and with the handles that lock over the top of the lid. If the help remembers, the handles are held together with short, strong bungee cords. This set up has several advantages. Firstly, because they are on wheels, it is harder for Mirage to get any leverage on them. As he applies pressure, the bin scoots away from him. The bins a re plastic so they can take quite a bashing before they break so if he stomps on them in temper, a little may come out as the bin flexes but not enough to cause him harm. The bungee cords are stretched so tight because they are short it is hard for him to unhook them. So far, since adopting this method, Mirage has been denied his midnight munchies.

Weather:

Obviously we cannot prevent changes in the weather. Wherever you live the seasons come and go and the barometric pressure changes. But as responsible horse owners we need to be aware of any significant changes in that pressure. The old style farmers would live their lives by the weather, reading the signs to determine what was going on. These days we have the advantage of the TV and the internet and the comprehensive weather coverage that they provide. We just need to take more notice of those warning signs.

If you see a high or low front coming in, the barometric pressure is going to change; time to start preparing against a possible colic.

The best protection for the horse is, as always the availability of the fresh water, but in addition to that, I like to give the horse an extra helping hand by preparing a bran mash for them. A ran mash is just what it says; bran mushed up into a gooey mess. The big advantage to a bran mash is that it has not calorific value as it is 90% fiber so passes through the gut really quickly so it keeps everything moving along.

It will also provide an additional source of water for your horse so that if they are not drinking enough, the water in the mash will help to keep them hydrated.

Some people will add salt to the mash to assist with water retention, but I don't do that. However, for my picky eaters

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