Lights Out by 5? How to Handle Daylight Savings at the Barn
Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 2nd, and that extra hour of sleep comes at a cost.
If you're a barn owner or rider in Pennsylvania (or anywhere else that feels like the sun sets at noon in November), you know the struggle.
Feeding in the dark. Catching horses by flashlight. Rushing to ride before it gets pitch black.
But with a few smart adjustments, you can keep your horses safe and your routine running smoothly.
â° Shift Your Schedule Gradually
If you can, start nudging your routine earlier by 15 to 30 minutes this week.
That small buffer can make evening chores feel a lot less rushed once the clocks fall back.
đ Make the Most of Morning Light
Mornings will be brighter, so use that time.
Whether itâs feeding, turnout, or riding, try to stack more tasks into the earlier part of your day.
đĄ Light Your Path
Double-check that your barn lights, aisle lights, and exterior motion sensors are working.
Keep flashlights or headlamps handy, and stash backups where you need them.
đ´ Keep Horses on a Consistent Routine
Horses thrive on consistency.
Even though the sun is shifting, try to keep feeding and turnout times within the same window your horses are used to.
If you must change feeding times, do it gradually over a few days.
đ Watch for Early Evening Traffic
If your horses are near a road, remember that visibility drops fast after 4:30 p.m.
Make sure fencing is secure, reflectors are in place, and visibility around your property is solid.
đ Fall Safety Reminder
With fewer daylight hours, fatigue can creep in.
Stay alert, slow down, and donât be afraid to adjust your routine if something feels unsafe or overly rushed.
And hey, if you're juggling feed buckets and flashlights this week, just know you're not alone.
You're doing great. Even if you're the only one at the barn who remembered to change the clocks. đâ°