Cold Weather Considerations

Mandril Method discusses the cold weather considerations at their West Texas facility. Adjustments to the daily routine are necessary due to unfamiliarity with the cold weather. The equine specialist manages the therapy side of dealing with the cold weather and session cancellations. Heaters are installed in the arena to ensure clients are comfortable and not wearing too many layers. Challenges arise in dealing with frozen water sources and providing warm water for horses. Horses may exhibit frisky behavior in cold weather, and it is important to ensure they have adequate water intake to prevent colic. Managing the temperature in the arena during sessions is also a challenge. It is necessary to prepare horses mentally and ensure they are calm for sessions in cold weather. Clients being bundled up can impact movement and eye contact. Safety precautions such as avoiding slick clothing and restrictive blankets are important. Comfort and safety of horses and clients are prioritized in cold weather sessions. Extreme weather conditions may lead to session cancellations to prioritize transportation safety.