OK ~ I know there are those of you who will laugh at me, and I perfectly accept it. Actually, it’s rather encouraging. But, you see, I was born, raised, and still live in Dallas. Texas, that is. It’s not supposed to get cold here. I’m accustomed to 75-degree Christmas Days. Strappy sandals in October, November, February. If it get below 60 here, we bust out our ski-wear. If a snowflake is within a 100-mile radius, the news anchors chase it like the Holy Grail.

But this year, it is C-O-L-D!!! I’m not talking wimpy-Texas cold. It’s like 17 degrees, with a wind chill of 6, or possibly below 0. NEVER has it been this cold in Texas since I’ve owned a horse.?

So, here’s where I need your help. The place where I board my horse (beloved farm/ranch that I’ve been riding at for almost 20 years): Our horses are turned out 24-hours a day, unless working, etc.; they don’t have much wind shelter besides trees and a valley. We had a loafing shed at one point, but all the horses destroyed it and hurt themselves on it.?

We give them extra hay, they have good winter haircoats (our barn managers don’t allow us to blanket our horses for fear it would cause worse injury than without), and they all huddle together with their butts facing the wind. BUT, I can’t help but wanting to cry when I know Memphis is out in this, and I’d prefer him to be munching hay by the fireside with me.

What do you guys think? Is this OK? I know I’m an over-protective horse mother, but I just get so worried about the cold…even though, my rational side knows that horses much prefer cold over heat.

Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated!

Alana, distressed!