Could use your prayers here in Texas...

[Carol Nelson]

We've been hit with a bad ice storm here and temps are hovering just around freezing and everything is covered with a quarter inch layer of ice. I came out this morning and my gelding had fallen, he was standing but was afraid to move from that spot, had injured a back leg apparently, and I saw on the ground where he had moved around trying to stand. I haltered him and brought him into his shelter and he seemed to be ok, other than cold.
I went out just now and opened up the water buckets, and salted his pen real well. He just refuses to stay in the shelter. The salt seemed to help so if the temps don't go any lower tonight...he'll be ok.
I took my old mares into the new barn, but since he's not ever been stalled a day in his life, figured now was not the time to start. Its a very dangerous time right now for the horses...ice is the worst thing to deal with. Pray for us that it doesn't get any worse, and the power stays on and everyone stays healthy til this spell is over...hopefully by tomorrow afternoon.
And Leila, dear, I did get your calls...but it's been so stressful here I just haven't had time to get back to you...all are ok as of right now, thanks!

[SandyMM]

Just got an email my son in San Angelo - only a light dusting of snow there - so far, so good. Hope the weather clears quickly for the rest of Texas, Oklahoma, and the Midwest!

[Pasogirlz]

Many prayers headed you way. Hope your gelding recovers quickly. :(

[PasoVicki]

Sending best wishes and warm thoughts your way, Carol. Just the idea of horses slip-sliding in the ice terrifies me.

[PasoPerson38]

Prayers for your guys safety and that things only go uphill!!! Keep your faith!!!!

[Tami Pinell]

Carol - I'm so sorry to hear about your horses fall.... I forget that folks in the south are not use to this type of storm..... the horses here not only navigate the ice but ice on a mountain, it's just a way of life here.
I pray that you do not loose power and that your horses learn to just stand in one spot and let you take care of them or to move with baby steps.....

I have always found it interesting to watch my 1850# - 19 hand Belgain mare walk through the ice.... my spotted draft mare hardly picks her feet up and she almost enjoys the slide to the waterer....... However, Big John - my latest horse..... did slide right into the fence, picked up and landed on the other side with Commandante..... he prefers it in with the stallion so I have left him there.

Also Carol - YOU be very careful on that ice..... put dog chain or something similar around your boots and walk - you do not need to bust it on the ice.... that is a real pain in the rear.....
Be careful and stay warm and safe!
TP

[PasoJoy]

When it gets REALLY bad here with ice, so the horses cannot walk on it safely, instead of mucking stalls into a wheelbarrow, I throw everything right outside onto the ground....soiled shavings and woody pet seem to make pretty good footing on the ice.. :-? even though it makes more of a mess for ME when it finally thaws, at least the horses don't slide around as bad....

[CarolU]

Prayers for sure Carol. I hope your gelding is okay and no other's fall.

You can also sprinkle sand on the ice and that will give them traction.

I normally build paths around ice and keep the horses in, if it's real icy. It's a nasty time right now for so many.

I think we'll all be glad when this winter is over.

[Carol Nelson]

Yes, I'm very careful myself not to slip. A year ago I was alone here and I did fall...knocked myself out for a bit ...but hate to admit it, it wasn't on the ice, it was going up my stairs to my bedroom. It was icy like this outside at the time though...I think the stress of feeding in the ice made me careless in the house and I missed a step. Had quite a shiner from that one.
I spread quite a bit of livestock salt tonight that we use to put in the grain. It really helped in the two worst pens. But the 1/4 inch of ice has now turned to 1/2 inch and is quite trecherous in some places. The ponies seem to know it though and they are just standing in their shelters.
If we can just make it through the night....
It's supposed to clear around noon tomorrow. :roll:

And the gelding seems to be just fine...I hope he learned a lesson from his spill this morning and stays in his shelter like a good boy!

[Jasfino]

Glad to hear he is doing fine. I hope the sun will come out soon and melt all that ice away!

[lalecl]

Carol I am sorry to hear things are so bad and yes I have been woried about you.

I am sending prayers yoru way. I will try to call again and as long as i know your ok things will be fine.

As everyone says YOU also be very careful!!!!

stay warm!!!!

[CarolU]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed your ice melts and you warm up.

I forgot to mention, you can also use amonium sulfate (fertilizer) as ice melt. It is much safer on ground areas and won't harm grass or plants, or pit your sidewalk or deck, like salt does. But, keep your dogs feet clean after you put it down.

I also agree with Joy, much better to have to clean up a mess afterwards then have a horse fall.

Let us know when you're in the clear again.

[GeorgeGuns]

This is a great time to spread used bedding/manure so they have pathways to travel. The urea in the used bedding will help break down the ice a little, but the material just adds some traction.

Now i get to tell you a story to help cheer you. My beloved Mousie learned a great way to deal with ice at a gate entrance to a pasture one year. It was slick with ice, a good 15 feet on a mild downhill. She's no dummy and this never posed a problem for her. She positioned herself in the gate way, used a back hoof to shove off and purposely slid on all four to the end of the slick! :D

[diswick]

Oh...ice is scarey. I hope this gets over for you soon.

[PasoVicki]

How is it today, Carol?

[Carol Nelson]

Well...it was supposed to be breaking up today...but now they're closing everything down. Many closures and cancellations all over Austin. I guess there's been measurable amounts of snow in the Hill Country (ooo, Lord, I'm glad I don't live out there with all this ice! :shock: ).
They have reportedly closed Interstate 10 from San Antonio to Ft. Stockton to ALL traffic...to put that into perspective, it takes you four to five hours to DRIVE that! The backup on either end must be horrific!
On a more personal level, it's getting better here on the place...warmed up for awhile so some of the ice melted, the ponies are venturing out of their shelters and into the pastures, but the ice has weakened some branches so every so often you will hear limbs cracking, and they'll come shooting back into the yard close to the barn. It is not warming up very fast though so I'm staying in. Will have my neighbor pick up staples for me in town...such as dog food, etc. :lol:
I am really amazed that the power has stayed on ....hope I haven't spoke too soon... :roll: