January Barn Report: Cold Nights, Warm Care
Two weeks ago, we listened to something you can’t fake: the soothing rhythm of hoofbeats, and deep releasing exhales as Beauty’s herd settled into their new winter pasture.
No rushing. No bracing. No holding their breath.
Just horses—fully in the moment.
And then yesterday night, the hills to the east lit up the most brilliant orange—nearly the same shade as our gorgeous mustang mare, Tetra. That fiery coat against a glowing high-desert sky felt like its own kind of winter benediction: quiet, vivid, and completely unforgettable.
Maybe that’s the lesson this season keeps offering us again and again: slow down, exhale, and be where you are.
Winter in Bend means doing the basics really, really well
This winter has been unseasonably mild, the kind of stretch where the days stay sunny and the highs hover in the 40s. The horses look like little rollie-pollie teddy bears in their thick, insulating coats—and honestly, it’s hard not to laugh at how cute Bensen and Millie (our mini mules) are when they’re all fuzzed up.
But if you live in Central Oregon, you know the twist: the herd may not seem to notice, but the temperature can drop fast the moment the sun slips behind the horizon. It’s still winter here on the high desert—bright days, sudden cold, and conditions that can change quickly.
1) Hydration is winter’s silent priority
One of the biggest winter challenges is surprisingly simple: horses often drink less when it’s cold. Water can be icy, buckets can freeze, and horses may not feel as motivated to walk over to drink—especially if footing is slick.
But hydration matters for everything: digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and comfort. When horses don’t get enough water, the risk of issues like impaction colic can rise—especially when they’re eating more dry hay. The Horse has a helpful overview of why winter hydration matters and practical ways to encourage drinking (including the role of water temperature).
What we focus on in winter:
Keeping water accessible and as “drinkable” as possible (even when temps plunge)
Watching for subtle signs of reduced intake
Making sure routines don’t unintentionally reduce movement to water sources
2) Warmth starts in the gut: forage, calories, and comfort
In cold weather, horses burn more energy to stay warm, especially if they’re outdoors, older, or rebuilding weight. Forage is a key part of winter comfort because digestion itself produces heat.
Our winter mindset: steady, consistent, low-stress care. When horses feel secure—warm enough, full enough, and not rushed—they can do what Beauty’s herd did: exhale.
3) Hooves + footing: the freeze–thaw problem
Winter hoof care isn’t just about trims, it’s about conditions. Snow, ice, wet patches, and packed areas can cause issues like slipping, bruising, and hoof problems that thrive when feet stay damp.
What we prioritize this time of year:
Regular hoof checks (even when it’s cold and inconvenient)
Keeping high-traffic areas as safe and dry as possible
Paying attention to changes in movement (the early warning sign we never ignore)
4) The “hangouts” that heal: relationship-first care in real time
One of the most important parts of our winter care doesn’t show up on a checklist: time spent simply being with the horses.
These daily socializing sessions—our horse-human “hangouts”—are essential here, because many of our horses come from backgrounds where trust isn’t a default.
Some were formerly wild. They’re no longer considered “wild horses,” but they are still unhandled horses learning what safety means in a new context.
Others had handling or training once, but the path that brought them to the kill pen often stripped away trust, curiosity, and the sense that humans can be safe.
And then there are the handful of youngsters who were born here or arrived as very young foals. They’ve known more sanctuary days than not—and they regularly offer little bids for connection that become a bridge for the skeptical horses standing at the edge of the circle.
That’s one of the quiet miracles of these sessions: connection creates a ripple effect. The fearful watch the curious. The curious move closer. And slowly, without force, a new possibility opens.
Because here’s what we’ve learned again and again: curiosity is the doorway to courage.
And courage—built gently, consistently—can grow into trust.
This is relationship-first care. It takes time. It’s a journey measured in moments of consistency and connection—not by hours logged or training goals achieved.
How you can help this winter (even without “big updates”)
We don’t have dramatic news this month, and honestly, that’s a win. Winter wellness is often about steady consistency, not flashy milestones.
If you’d like to support the kind of calm, safe life you saw in that pasture moment, winter giving typically helps cover:
Hay and bedding (the daily essentials)
Hoof care and basic maintenance
Water and cold-weather management supplies
The “unseen” costs of stability: time, repairs, and routine care
Because a horse’s ability to really exhale usually means someone did a hundred small things right.
Your Support Helps
Every sunrise and sunset here is a promise: these horses will never face neglect or fear again. They’ll have room to roam, friends to breathe beside, and a safe place to rest—always. That kind of home isn’t possible without a community behind it.
If you’re able, a donation today helps cover winter hay, veterinary and hoof care, and the daily essentials that keep life steady when temperatures drop. It keeps the gates open, the water flowing, and the calm you saw in Beauty’s herd lasting all season long. 💛