Tips for spending the night at the barn!

Make sleeping at the barn easy and comfortable. Hopefully.

• The only “camping” I ever want to do involves nothing less than a four-star hotel. So the thought of spending the night in the barn sounds like the worst plan on the face of the planet. BUT – we all end up doing it for one reason or another. Most commonly, we are spending the night at the barn for a colic watch.

A space heater is great for cold weather, a yoga mat is a nice cushion.

So how do you make the most of this time spent overnight at the barn? Some ideas here:

• Remember that extra change of clothes in the car? They will come in handy. Either you will be changing, or you will be wearing them in addition to what you have on. I have found that a sweatshirt with a hood helps tremendously, you don’t need a hat then and your neck stays warm, too.

• Have a fridge that’s stocked with supplies. Carrots, popsicles and ice boots are great for the horses. It’s also nice to have water and snacks for you, too.

• Have a way to charge your phone. You may not be able to zip home for your cord. I keep an extra cord in the car, just in case.

• Get creative with how you will rest. All night colic watches are boring and stressful and often times very cold. Can you borrow a lounger from the yard furniture to nap on? What about the back seat of your car? What about inside a trailer?

This handy pool lounger complete with a fleece horse cooler is a good start. Cat heater optional.

• Borrow horse clothes to stay warm. My obsession with coolers comes in handy when I need to wrap up. They are also soft and easy to turn into a burrito.

• Borrow stuff to get comfortable. Towels from the grooming supplies can be folded into pillows. Also, be on the lookout for outdoor furniture cushions.

• Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to keep in contact during the night. Some prefer texts, some prefer calls, some prefer going through the answering service.

• Write down instructions. There’s nothing like waking up after a 20-minute nap not knowing where you are and what you are supposed to do next.

• Know someone who can bring you reinforcements? Like your computer, a sleeping bag, a REAL pillow? Some food?

• Know someone who can take shifts with you? Even better!

Reinforcements in the way of a sleeping bag have arrived! And also more cat/heaters.

• I’m sure you already know all of the restaurants in your barn’s area that deliver. Order before they close and maybe get something extra for the morning!

What are your tips for a colic watch at the barn?