Deck the Stalls: All Things Merry, Bright & Horse Safe

I awoke to snow flurries yesterday morning. The air was crisp. The pastures were sparkling. The wind was still. Honestly, I’m not looking forward to winter’s extra chores, the icy ground, or the sub-zero nights. But walking to the barn, I hear only the snowflakes gently kissing the silent world. And I smile. What a perfect way to start December.

I find myself humming Christmas music as I feed the horses. Okay, I’ve definitely been bitten by the Christmas bug. My brothers have already put the lights on the house. In the next few days, our family will be pulling out boxes of long-treasured decorations, garland, and our collection of Christmas books. I love it all! 

And that means it’s time to decorate the barn, too! I can’t wait to get started! Today let’s take a look at some decorating ideas for the stable that are fun and safe for horses and humans alike. Because the barnyard deserves to be a part of the season’s festivities, too!

Time For Some Sparkle!

Nothing brings cheer to the long dark nights of winter like some twinkly lights! The child within us all still cries “Christmas lights!” every time we pass a well-lit house, am I right? Well, Christmas lights aren’t just for our homes. I love it when we’re able to put lights on our barn and the fences! Of course, all horses will need to be properly desensitized to lights, especially if they may move or flash. And if you have a horse that tends to nibble on things be sure to have any lights out of their curiosity’s reach; you also cannot put lights on an electric fence because it can short out the charge. Otherwise, let your imagination go wild in creating a light display that captures Christmas at your barn!

That Red & Green Magic

Why stop at putting up lights? There is no end to what you can do when decorating at the barn! Garland, ribbons, ornaments, and seasonal signs - take all the joy that comes from putting up the decorations inside and add horses. Of course, it’s going to be super fun! A few things to remember - evergreen, holl,y, and mistletoe are all toxic to horses; tinsel, artificial greenery, and more can cause major health problems if the horses ingest them. That doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate all these into your barn decor; just do it safely. So while decorations in and around horse stalls look adorable, horses should never be left unattended with them. So unless you’re doing a cute photo shoot, all these things should always be kept out of our horses’ reach. With that in mind, let’s decorate! And it doesn’t have to be an extra expense. The barn is a great place for older, or even broken decorations to find new life. That string of garland that looked a little bare on the porch last year is going to look great around the barn loft! Another thing I love to do is put up a barn Christmas tree! Here an old saddle blanket can become a tree skirt, faded ornaments and old mementos can fill the branches. Find the beauty in building a holiday stable through reusing and repurposing! 

And A Little Something Sweet

We can’t leave out the fun of treats! I mean, all of us are enjoying a little extra chocolate and gingerbread during this season, so shouldn’t our horses get in on that, too?! I’ve been known to slip my mare a few more peppermints and animal crackers (their favorites) in December. But I enjoy getting to bake some treats as well! Thought I’d share my favorite treat recipe!

Homemade Horse Treats

1 cup oatmeal

1 to 1 ½  cup flour

1 tsp salt

1 cup shredded carrots

½ cup shredded apples (optional)

¼ cup molasses

2 tbsp oil

water

      Preheat oven to 350. Mix all dry ingredients. Add carrots and stir well. Next, add molasses and oil. If too dry add water, 1 tb at a time, until it comes together into a nice, smooth dough. If too moist add more flour (whole wheat is best). Form into small balls and customize by placing peppermints or apple pieces in the center of each treat.

Bake for 15 -20 minutes. Let cool. Store in an airtight container. Keeps for about a week.

Yes, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there and it’s got me excited! I adore this time of year. And the fact that I can take that love of Christmas to the barn with me is pure joy! And no matter how cold the morning walk to the barn might be, stepping into my Christmas-filled barn gets me feeling the spirit of the season!