Horse owners getting their properties ready for winter can ask Snohomish Conservation District for a free farm visit to help sort out mud, manure and pasture problems.
The district’s Sound Horsekeeping program offers advice on winter paddocks, drainage, composting and making daily chores easier. Its farm planners work with owners on the needs of their particular property.
This week, the district shared its winter-preparation checklist again. Written by Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water and first published in 2023, the guide points owners toward several jobs worth considering before wetter weather makes them harder.
Start where water and daily chores meet
Look at the places used every day: gates, barn entrances, watering areas and the route to the manure pile. The checklist recommends suitable footing in busy areas and attention to gutters and downspouts, so clean roof runoff flows away from paddocks and manure.
It also recommends a planned winter paddock to give wet pastures a break, regular manure collection and covered manure storage away from streams, ditches and wetlands.
Drainage work needs to suit the site. The guide directs owners to their local conservation district for design advice and help checking permitting requirements.
Get advice before choosing a project
A farm plan takes account of the property’s soils, slopes, livestock, nearby waterways and available equipment, along with the owner’s goals and timetable. That gives owners a way to work out which improvements fit their land.
The district says its certified farm planners offer free visits. Some projects may also qualify for help with improvement costs; funding depends on the project.
To ask for a visit, use the Request Assistance link on the district’s Sound Horsekeeping page.
