PREPPING THE BARN FOR A MAJOR WINTER STORM!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Hi! For those of you wondering about putting the horses in the Indoor Arena: We store hay in there so I can’t do that. I do let them run around in there though a couple at a time for a bit. Keeping 9 horses in there wouldn’t be safe, it’s to small, and would completely ruin the footing. They are OK in the stalls for 1 day, this isn’t going to last to long so they will get plenty of movement. ❤

[@Oliviathehorseyperson2688]

Omg good

[@Barrelhorse2024]

I love you

[@cyndiebill6631]

This storm is insane. I hope you guys made it through ok. The wind is so strong that it pulled back some of my sheet metal roofing and I had to move some of my ducks around because it kept banging and it was freaking them out. All though it’s going to be cold Saturday and Sunday we won’t have the wind and rain to deal with and that’s just fine with me. Have a Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 and stay warm and safe.♥️❄️☃️💚

[@KathyCoker53]

I see how you stay so slim and trim, LOL! Praying you make it through the storm in great shape!

[@Silly_Little_Filly]

You should name your next horse Hercules or Simba.Even Bruno could be pretty funny. Although, we couldn't talk about him. I think it's so cute that they are all named after Disney characters! I think its awesome that they are outdoors 24/7 unless injured or bad weather. You give all horses an amazing life at Free Spirit Equestrian.

[@SoupyLoopy]

Thoose are really good names ❤

[@kimchin2492]

Yeah even though we can’t talk about Bruno 😂lol

[@coralpine7060]

Im in michigan as well and have rabbits so i had to get them ready we are doing really good so far

[@Lavender_Paws238]

insane. we have a bunch of snow falling down here

[@rottiegirl0077]

You must have read my mind. I was wondering how you would handle the horse situation in the blizzard. Thanks for doing these videos. Hoping all goes well.

[@toxiatwilight5794]

Looks like your going to have a white christmas!! Hope you make it through the storm safely!

[@TheLoveystanton]

Bitter cold in Wisconsin. My little dogs from Arizona were a bit 🥶. My son bought them winter booties and a snood to keep them warm. You keep your barn so clean and organized. It's so nice for your horses 🐎 . They're so loved 💕. Thank you for sharing!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Awww love the booties! Maybe I’ll get some for Penelope. Good idea! 🐷❤️

[@kimcwhite6509]

Oh Shea, what a terrible storm coming! You remind me of me, I worry about my horses during a storm. I live in Northern California, but years ago my area got to zero degrees and the faucet at my rented pasture broke. It looked like an ice skating rink. I brought hot water to my pasture to encourage drinking. You take such great care of your horses. I wish you well over the next couple days. It looked like Michigan was getting a bunch!

[@freespiritequestrian]

That’s crazy!

[@junebyrne4491]

Not sure the horses look like they appreciate the blankets yet. They will later. 😅

[@jenifereddings6190]

Get a couple Generators...

[@taiafrohman4163]

I love your caring of the family!

[@Dwsrs24]

Shae, awesome job! Very impressed with how you're a hands-on, diy equestrian, learning as much as you can as you go along. So important in building close horse relationships and wanting the best for your horses. Your horses look happy and healthy. One suggestion of an item you may want to add to your wish list: a blower for the barn. It may not be necessary, but it sure makes cleaning the barn floor so much quicker, easier, and makes a huge difference in how clean the barn looks. Had the pleasure of being a barn manager, grooming horses and cleaning stalls/barn for several years. Great therapy! Loved it so much. As I get older, it's not so much riding but just loving the company of the horses. They smell great too, lol. Wish you all the best in your horse rescue endeavors! Loving your channel!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you so much! I have 2 blowers, I hate them 😂😂😂. So that’s that lol.

[@Dwsrs24]

@@freespiritequestrian 🤣🤣🤣

[@METAMORPHOSIS4REAL]

if u want to put them in today u should put them in the arena that way they can move but are safe and then put them in there stalls.

[@freespiritequestrian]

I realize that’s an option but we store hay in our arena.

[@FlaxenFire]

@@freespiritequestrian Maybe if you have extra panels or jumps you could block it off.

[@freespiritequestrian]

@@FlaxenFire I do give them turns to go in the arena and move around. My horses are out 24/7, one day inside is okay.

[@FlaxenFire]

@@freespiritequestrian Yeah same with my horses thats what I do when its around -50 -60 wind-chill

[@ellenwheat3608]

Thanks for the insights! Good luck!!😊

[@ObscurusStar]

Heya Shea, I absolutely love your herd, such amazing personalities, and such an amazing Mom. Worked at a rescue and had the most beautiful appy named Ghost, he didn't last a week after being quarantined he went to an amazing family that rides him for dressage. Also got you something from your wishlist, it'll be there at the end of the month~

[@freespiritequestrian]

You are so kind! Thank you so much. That horse sounds beautiful. Glad he found a home. ❤️.

[@ObscurusStar]

@@freespiritequestrian If there was a way to send images on here I would show you him when he arrived, he was gone by the next time I went there

[@niwa1945]

Buzzzle! It is real big Arctic blast. Wish you and everyone to stay warm. Things you are hard worker. And, have pretty nice horses and an organized horse facility that are so impressive. My curious, are you using any water heater to prevent water system froze for horses.

[@freespiritequestrian]

It sure is! Thank you so much. I try my best 💕❄️🥶🐎.

[@freespiritequestrian]

We use the water heaters to keep the troughs from freezing.

[@Elenelovesroblox]

3:42 I love your energy

[@steveandshelle]

I ❤ you and your horses

[@Rosa-mj5mt]

Yay new vlog! Merry christmas to free spirit equestrian and especially to you shae and kyle! Im glad to see how much this channel and your farm had grown. Stay warm! ❤

[@ivyequines4566]

Tell me about it we had a huge snow storm where I live! I had to keep my horses in the indoor arena!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Oh goodness hope all is well!

[@Ng_rodeoofficial]

Ahhh that’s awful that u have to spend Christmas weekend stressed working

[@freespiritequestrian]

I’m not stressed at all. I’m happy to be home on the farm, and I love taking care of my horses ❤️❄️.

[@Chris-nw5lk]

You said in your video, you spent 20 grand on tack every year, I can't believe you don't have blankets! I had blankets for my five and I live in Florida!

[@tristanmiller9571]

She did have blankets. Some of her horses were new and different sizes than her old horses.

[@ruthhamilton4882]

I'm 500 miles south of Saline. My horses have been in for 24hrs at this point. All seems well.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Good!

[@TrishCanyon8]

I'm enjoying just hanging out with you while you do your barn chores. Bless you, MERRY CHRISTMAS and stay safe and warm.

[@joannecava2418]

My horses LOVE the German horse treats! Btw, I sent you Vetericyn Equine Hoof Care - delivered on Dec 5th. - did you get it??? Merry Christmas!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Yes! I did a shout out on it in one of my videos. Thank you.

[@kimcwhite6509]

Joanne that's so nice of you! Vetericyn is a wonderful product ❤️

[@loraharris2937]

I love to watch you work the barn. You care so much for your crew. I love watching you care for the babies Ariel and Ezzy. You are a great trainer.

[@0fficial_4sh]

Yep we're getting the same thing, such bad winds that I cant sleep in my room because the temperature is so cold. (My room is right above the garage, which is around -5 degrees inside it, and my room is also the corner of the house so there is cold air against two of the four walls.) So my brother and I are sleeping in the basement where, 1. its quieter 2. warmer and 3. safer. Good luck and stay safe everyone who is going through this once in a lifetime storm.

[@shortymcfox2251]

Hiya Shae! I tried to hold back that storm on my side of the big lake but just yuckooooo. I was wondering, noticed some mini blankets for Buzz, which size are you thinking? 40 inch? And for Mushu? 😇 Stall cleaning really is therapeutic and I used to stay out there for hours lol Used to hook up the wheelbarrow to the 4wheeler and dump because that thing gets heavy. Hope you all stay warm, safe and prayers out to all of you! ❄️ 💜 🙏

[@freespiritequestrian]

Hi!!! Thank you! Mushu is extremely fuzzy and bred for this weather, he was getting sweaty under the blanket so none for him. I’m not sure on Buzz but I’m thinking 40in as well. Yes the four wheeler idea is genius!!! Makes it more enjoyable. Stay warm and cozy. 🥶🔥🐎❤️

[@terrifiorelli9819]

Do you have rubber mats in your stalls?

[@freespiritequestrian]

Yes

[@believeinyourself7511]

We were hit hard Thursday night. 35 below wind chill right now this Friday night. We used to put the field horses into the arena with blankets on. Fixed bedding and hay racks in the arena and water trough with a small heater.

[@annehansen844]

OMG😱😱😱 Can you use the indoor arena for the horses ??? Sending prayers from Denmark and wishing you a safe and merry Christmas ⭐️🎄❤️⭐️🎄❤️

[@freespiritequestrian]

See my pinned comment. And thank you so much!

[@Chris-nw5lk]

They make a power wagon, worth it for hauling heavy carts. DR Power, I think that's the company.

[@soph.a.eq109]

Why is the salt green?

[@freespiritequestrian]

Has selenium in it, which most horses are usually deficient in this area so we buy the added selenium blocks.

[@BlueEquestrian]

My horse has the exact same blue blanket that you put on Olaf!! Except a bit bigger ❤

[@glindaupland7032]

Hi my mum and I are a big fan and watch you everyday but we would love to go back to when you started and to see how you got Penelope 🐷 I LOVE that pig so much! 🥰we can go back 2 years but did you start earlier? Xx

[@StrxwBxrries.]

You have Such beautiful Horses!!❤, and your Pig, and your dog, your dog looks like it has Blue heeler in him/her," I have a blue heeler and he has so much Energy😅." I love horses But, I don't have one and I wish I could get One, horses are my Main favorite Animal❤❤❤." I love how u gave (10 horses) such a wonderful Life!!❤. And your other animals❤, And even tho it might Cost A decent amount of money for horses, u give them a Happy, loving, caring home!. No matter of breed, or what they look like❤❤❤!.

[@joancruickshank7771]

had to help ny neighbour one year,...some time ago, but they had dairy cows....the transport could not get there, so the milk was fed to the pigs and dumped....what an ordeal..

[@joannesmartens9442]

oh i was looking were michigan is. and yes, it will be very colt because is in the north from the states.☃️🥶🌬️ . hope you all will be fine. 🎄🧑‍🎄

[@soph.a.eq109]

I hope the horses are okay! You’re the best equestrian owner!❤

[@AliceSmith-d2h]

Goood luck to all of you.. Don’t forget about you and Kyle!

[@Breyers124]

The pig was the favorite part of the whole video😂❤

[@ceceliapritchard9454]

Learned a few things* Thanks for sharing!

[@Chris-nw5lk]

I had some horses that would not eat the salt in their feed. I used a small bucket, put salt and a little molasses in water and they drank the salt in a whole bucket of water. Helps!

[@bonnieblankenbuehler1164]

Put a blanket on little Buzz. He is cold.

[@mechrissybradley9569]

Great videos of your horses farm

[@valerierowlett153]

Do you still have the friesan

[@marywright373]

You always do great work 😂

[@YanissaDaems]

The dog en the pig are so Cute

[@susanchris9167]

I definitely look underneath my horse's tail and make sure everything looks pretty good back there. And run my hand on their stomach around the navel I might even take a wet rag and wash that because the mosquitoes and gnats like to bite right there. I might dunk a clean rag a little bit in the water trough and clean the ears out if they need it not necessarily way down just give it a wipe everything looks good. If there's an area in front of the sheath where the bugs have been biting then I'm going to put some ointment on that. It all needs to be checked on a regular basis. And I would wipe my horses eyes with a rag with a little water on it just to make him feel good. The pig his eyes look really red, he might need ointment in his eyes

[@freespiritequestrian]

They are groomed almost daily, and then they go and roll. I let my horses be horses. Pigs eyes get dirty really quickly, we clean them every other day. I’m guessing you don’t keep your horses out 24/7 and you don’t have multiple haha. Don’t you worry they all are checked over consistently. Including my Piggy Penelope (she). 🐷🐴❤️

[@fairyXXmystery]

I hope the horses are okay🐴🐎

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you 😊

[@ellenwheat3608]

Such a fascinating old place!

[@virtualselfie6899]

❣💯 Great prep video, Shae, for the flash freeze which is insane. Some channels don't put shavings under the straw. Could you explain that part again? The wind chill is crazy and glad your two little guys are "chubby" and you can stall them on stand-by later.

[@freespiritequestrian]

I don’t use straw in my stalls. If you have straw you don’t need shavings. Straw is warm but it’s extremely hard to muck and keep clean :).

[@kendrauusitalo838]

My horse loves German Horse Muffins. He just got a 6 lb bag for Christmas from his Grammy.

[@sandykay1951]

We have had that storm Thurs/Friday and Saturday morning. Snow wasn’t bad-2 inches but the wind OMG -23 windchill and 50 MPH gusts. My dog who loves snow doesn’t even want to be out there. She does her duty and runs back in. Good luck and stay safe.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Crazy!

[@chrisharkins682]

Do you have more do you just have Do you just have your special horses

[@freespiritequestrian]

What do you mean?

[@littlebird8837]

Stay safe ❤🐴🌟🥰

[@Brielleandtommahock]

Amazing video!! I love your horses so much! You literally have my dream! Hope all is well!🐎

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you! You too!

[@SusanLind-Kanne-dc1rx]

Barn chores are one of my favorite things to do. The satisfaction of taking good care of your equine companion who is happy, healthy, and bonded to you. ❤️ Life is good. If I had a lot of money, I would send you heated buckets. Changing out buckets during a deep freeze is a huge challenge. I send you strength and stamina.

[@mariekalleveen273]

Same

[@ashleymartineaux2450]

Hope your horses are ok.silly blizards.why,a we have horses to look after 😂

[@freespiritequestrian]

Haha right

[@Dinoblue88]

I live in Florida and have wanted a horse for soooo long. I’m a teenager and my family might be moving to Minnesota which is very scary and exciting at the same time. I’m worried about if I get a horse, it being alot more expensive up there because they have different conditions than Florida. Any tips would be great.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Good luck!!

[@fleetskipper1810]

Can you direct me your Amazon wish list link, please?

[@freespiritequestrian]

It’s in the description ❤️

[@living4him192]

Omg your horse riding place is literally 40 mins away 😮

[@freespiritequestrian]

Omg yay!!!!

[@lynnesaro7772]

Thank you for sharing your farm with us.🌹

[@joannesmartens9442]

did you checked the waterpipes, because they can freeze and explote🤔🎄

[@freespiritequestrian]

We have a well. If it gets to cold sometimes it freezes. We dug it our last year and replaced some materials so it should be much better now. ❤️

[@susanchris9167]

It's really nice when you have horses, I have stacks of rags around where the horses are, I make sure I clean their nose out and around their eyes. I couldn't just walk off looking at my horse with a lot of debris around and in its nose. Just makes it a little better

[@freespiritequestrian]

Cool

[@Noah-nm1cb]

I remember this, I was with my grandparents and I was keeping my horse in their barn while I was there, the storm hit us Thursday night and it was a horrible time getting home. We are all safe though!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Oh that’s crazy! Glad you were safe.

[@delaneyness]

Update from a Michigander: it’s not good lol. My barn manger was out in the snow and wind for 5 hours

[@freespiritequestrian]

Yeah the wind chill is no joke!

[@francineherron1940]

Prince charming has come a long way for sure. You have done a great job with him 👍

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you 😊

[@kierancooke5237]

Amazing video 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you!

[@nikkirutland9814]

I checked the weather in Michigan today, -13 feels like -25!...I hope you're all weathering well and keeping warm!...I'm way down south in the UK🇬🇧 , in a little seaside town ....we had a week long cold snap, it's now mild and damp, 11 degrees today....wishing you and your 4 legged family a very Merry Christmas 🎅....Stay warm and keep safe 🎄 ...

[@freespiritequestrian]

Yes it’s crazy with the windchill. We are doing well. Thank you!

[@equineroblox5377]

OMG we are getting a big storm here to its gonna be here tonight

[@Ever659]

What is Buzz's Nick name?

[@freespiritequestrian]

Buzzy, Buzzy Bee lol

[@ShadowHorseVideo]

Are the green mineral blocks those selenium ones?

[@freespiritequestrian]

Yes!

[@charlotte6623]

I will be praying for y'all 🙏 From Texas

[@christinamuller1741]

You did a great job with all your prep work. I love watching you and Penelope on the time lapse video. She’s a very cute pig. She’s got a really cute tail. Good hair like your mama. Lol.

[@freespiritequestrian]

I love her so much haha 😂

[@juliederry3719]

I saw the weather report for the USA on the news over here Shae, they mentioned about it reaching down the south too, and minus 30 🥶🥶🥶, l hope it’s not too bad for you guys, stay safe and stay warm, Merry Christmas to you all 🎄🎅🏼☃️, tfs x Julie 🇬🇧

[@lauraowens473]

Hi Shea! Great info video. I too prepped my 3 horses here in Michigan. Just hoping not to lose power but stocked up on grain bedding and hay and have my heater in the outside water trough. Blanketed and brought them inside as the wind and wind chill is brutal. Stay safe and warm. Merry Christmas to you and all your ponies!

[@freespiritequestrian]

Hope it went well!

[@metalkingtohorses]

and still going see my channel we r In Michigan too

[@freespiritequestrian]

Nice!

[@diamondequestiancenter5973]

Hi Free Spirit Equestrian my name is Emma puddy i really really love horses i do horse back riding i do cross country i ride 3 Thoroughbred two boys and one girl there names are Noble Bo and Coddy also i ride two quarter horses there names are tater but his full name is tater tot but we call him tater for short and he is a boy and the girl name is junior i ride 5 horses noble he is 15.2 hands he is a chestnut also he has two white socks on his two back legs and a white star on his forehead and bo he is 16.2 hands also he is a bay and coddy she is 17.3 hands also a bay and white stripe on her face and junior she is 14.1 hands also she is a chestnut as well and she has a white star on her forehead and tater he is 15.1 hands also is a black paint also i really really love your horses videos they are amazing.😍

[@freespiritequestrian]

Love the variety, thanks for sharing!

[@yes2day100]

One hard-working woman right here.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you 😊

[@jessehartley2544]

You should put them in the Arena

[@freespiritequestrian]

No I shouldn’t.

[@renedouma2377]

I hope your horses and animals are fine

[@freespiritequestrian]

They are doing well :)

[@avakershaw7854]

Why dose coa look like a fox a little bit

[@freespiritequestrian]

Right?! We get that a lot ❤️

[@chrisharkins682]

I think you forgot to film aralo

[@freespiritequestrian]

I don’t always film every horse.

[@348Tobico]

Why not put everyone in a box for the nite and then into the beautiful indoor arena until the winds settle? That arena is so well built and maintained they would have movement and shelter from the wind. You could have a wonderful time watching all the horses while you stay out of the wind, too. Nobody wants you to blow away before Santa arrives and I think he can find a way into the barn. During several blizzards with high winds like this one I actually put horses 2 by 2 in deep bedded box stalls. That way they could lay down and not get wet, boost each other's heat and allow the straight stalls to dry(they had iced with horses peeing in them). Also buddie's like to have a chance at touching and grooming each other while kept indoors. And I did not have even a basic arena. What ever happens I know you only have the best interest of your animals in mind. Merry Christmas to your entire farm and family. XXX

[@freespiritequestrian]

Please see pinned comment. They actually did fantastic staying out. All of them stayed warm and dry all night. I kept them out so they could MOVE. I know what’s best for my horses. Thank goodness I did what I know is best for my herd and kept them out because they were stuck inside all day today.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Also, this is only part one so you don’t know what all I did haha!

[@randybutler4772]

Blanket and turn them into the indoor arena w/ a round bail.

[@freespiritequestrian]

No, it’s not a big enough space for all of them and we have a special treatment in the footing, we just redid the footing in there. That would be an absolute disaster.

[@Oliviathehorseyperson2688]

Omg I know u have been through a lot but be safe

[@freespiritequestrian]

💖💖💖

[@maryajaniak2896]

Shea did you ever think about having some of them loose in your arena with hay too. Think of it as a large corral for the day and night if need be. It'll just be a little inconvenient for a short time. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and stay safe!!

[@freespiritequestrian]

We store hay in there so I can’t do that. I do let them run around in there though. Keeping 9 horses in there wouldn’t be safe, it’s to small, and would completely ruin the footing. They are OK in the stalls for 1 day.

[@maryajaniak2896]

@@freespiritequestrian I can see your point. Being in their stalls one day should be fine. You be careful out there. Stay safe and warm. Hope you have a fireplace.

[@suzycue9278]

Love how much you care for your horses! That is soooo important but not everyone is that caring and the animals deserve good too ❤️

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thanks!!

[@meltcmelinda4012]

Shea, enjoyed everything, stay warm and stay safe, Merry Christmas

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thanks 😊

[@ritaschultz6859]

Take care stay safe

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thank you ❤️

[@orcaalley2170]

Where do you put all of the waste from the stalls? Flys???

[@freespiritequestrian]

Spread it in the pasture, natural fertilizer

[@freespiritequestrian]

There aren’t flys in the winter lol

[@don50oh90]

South east of your farm about an hour and am riding out the same storm. Hope all your horses and poneys are well, your doing a great job Shea with your vlogs ....watching , Happy Holidays

[@lynnesaro7772]

Great video, always enjoy the fast foreward. I wondered too about putting horses in the indoor arena.

[@charissareedy4233]

Hello 🤩

[@freespiritequestrian]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cindyleehaddock3551]

Hugs.

[@freespiritequestrian]

Thanks 😊

[@CC-xk6cp]

Hi again SHAE Hoping it hasn't been too bad for you there. Different degrees of miserable everywhere. Always a good idea to get ready ahead of it. You covered all the bases and didn't miss anything. My same routine! Hoping everyone gets through OK with no colics and you can get some warm rest. Thx as always for sharing. Will catcha next time...

[@kathrynsinclare8459]

It is such a huge valuable education for us in social media land to have you express how you think, step by step, to stay ahead of the impending change in weather conditions and how to protect and care for your horses. it’s all very important, concerning and thought provoking. I’m not sure I would know how to navigate the whole horse and weather thing. Each horse is unique unto him/her self. Knowing what would be best per each one would be very challenging for me. For the most part I’ve found that many horses do not do well in stormy conditions. Poor things. I know I’m weird but I like cleaning stalls. I love the smell of horses. Well, I should say it depends on the food they get , but for the most part I like the smell of horses.

[@fleetskipper1810]

Cleaning a stall is soul-satisfying.

[@itsjustdragonfly4724]

I thought she sold Jafar?

[@freespiritequestrian]

You need to watch the updates also he was never sold.