Each viewer can walk away with something different from viewing a photograph. To me, this is a fine example of photography that portrays the harsh winter life known to all who reside in the U.P. When studying this photo, my interpetation is the horse and pony appear to be standing just the proper distance away from the covered shelter to receive the dusting of snow on their backs which is blowing off the edge of the shelter. Could it be these creatures are enjoying the moment? They look free to return to the covered shelter behind them.

These look like healthy and well taken care of animals. Horses actually endure cold weather quite well.The best blanket for an outside horse is his own full winter coat.In cold weather, the hair coat stands up to trap additional warm air close to the body. A blanket keeps the coat flat. Proper and additonal feeding is the best defense against the cold and harsh winter months. By the looks of this photo, these animals look properly nourished!

I was surprised by the degree of consternation offered by some viewers of this picture.

I am led to believe that the four concerned persons who felt that there was something 'wrong' about this situation may not have dealt with horses before.

The horses, which are standing to the leeward side of a 50' foot long shed having open access to any of the three stalls, are simply waiting out the 'blow'.

The pony and horse are kept outside year-round with the stalls always accessible. The hay bin was cropped out of the picture to reduce the clutter and would be just to the right of the heated water trough. There is always hay present because it is the primary source of their body heat production.

Equine oringinated in the wilds. Just because many have been domesticated, this does not mean that their ability to adapt to seasonal conditions have benn lost.

In late August, the first signs of the new winter guard hairs start to show through the summer coat hairs. The guard hairs eventually extend beyond the summer coat, thus giving the shaggy look common to all horses kept outside. These longer hairs act as a outer shell to to catch the snowflakes and keep them away from the inner coat. Additionally, these suspended snowflakes act as a secondary sheild from the wind.

The two have their rears to the prevailing wind direction. Regardless of the weather, if there is a breeze blowing in winter OR summer, this is how they will position themselves. Its instinctive. Their bodies greatest protective body mass is at that end.

And, as one writer wrote, these two have their winter fat showing quite well in their bellies.

Perhaps the last two comments were made by horse owners and know of the abilty for equine to 'endure' our winters.

This picture was meant to be enjoyed by many, I am sorry that for some it was not.

Jay

I, for one, enjoyed the shot! At first glance, I thought the horses were pulling a covered carriage of some sort. Thanks, Jay!

These are my boys! They like to come and go from their shelter at will. The big horse in front shows second level dressage and the pony next to him is retired. They both receive regular vet care, farrier care, dentistry, and chiropractics. The vet tells me the airy shelter they have is what more horses should have. Horses have delicate respritory systems and being inside with the all the windows and doors sealed causes ammonia to build up and damage their lungs. I won't go into all the stuff Jay has already covered. Horses are very patient and these two are just waiting. I love these horses and have a lot of money invested in them. I will not risk their health and welfare. Thanks for taking and posting their pics, Jay!

Dear God:
I hope someone someone opens the door to the barn and lets the poor animals in. If you look closely to the picture, there is a lock on the door of the (poor excuse of a barn)barn preventing the animals from going in. THAT IS WHY THEY ARE STANDING OUTSIDE. Obviously - No one or animal deserves a blanket of snow to keep them warm. Call animal control and let them decide. Clearly.... you people have no class or brains

I really like this photo...backs to the wind.

Could you please take a picture of the horses in the barn??

What I have heard is that any animal in the winter must have appropriate shelter. I don't think this would be considered appropriate. I thought any animal MUST be in a covered barn (not just the roof)/dog house in conditions like this. Gwen, with all the money you spend on their healthcare you might want to consider an enclosed barn for these horses. I find this very disturbing even knowing that the horses receive the care you mention.

If all of you people who don't own horses would read the previous comments you would probably get it. I have horses and I don't lock mine in. They come and go in as they please. There have been wintery days where I have gone and fed and there are icicles hanging off of them. They are quite warm and I just give them extra hay and they are happy campers. I don't scrape the snow off their backs because it's really good insulation. Horses are very hardy and can stand all kinds of weather. Only if they are shaking is when I'll lock them in with hay and a wool blanket on to dry them off. Then they go right back outside. If you blanket a horse that has it's winter coat already it'll get too hot and then you have problems.
Just my 2 cents worth.

The shelter has walls that don't show in the picture. It is a three sided shed that protects from the prevailing wind. I have no fear from animal control. My horses are well taken care of and have no health issues. Thank you owner of three yooper horses for your input and pointing out the facts others have included on horse keeping and care. There is not a lock on the shelter. For those of you familiar with ponies you know a lock wouldn't keep him in or out. I believe you are seeing a t-post cap (a safety device) on the fence. Happy New Year to you all.

Oops. I didn't put my name on my previous post. Sorry. Thanks Gwen and have a Happy New Year.

Gorgeous picture, happy, healthy horses. I thought the UP was cold until I have been living in SD for the last 4 years. We don't get snow because the EXTREMELY strong cold winds blow it all away. I'd much rather be in the UP where my horses can actually get the natural insulation. The winds here in SD chill to the bone no matter how thick their coats are. I MISS THE YOOPER SNOW STROMS and so do my horses!!! :)

Regardless of view, the composition is good and transmits feeling, emotion, cold, etc...
Regards,
Donn

I see a great capture here. I find myself doing the same thing, while enjoying the great outdoors.

spent 5 hours laying in the snow fixing
a broken snowmobile trailer the other day, went inside a couple of times to get warm.

I find it interesting that people with apparently no knowledge about horses, would make such interesting comments about how 'poor' these animals are. I heard of one persons horses who preferred being outside(they had access to a barn) in way below zero. Also to the person who said that animals are just the same as people being outside with out 'cloth' very amusing because they must have never felt how thick a horses' winter coat is.

Horses, like any other UP animal, can put up with the cold. Like Horse person said, they have thick coats. For everyone saying that it's cruel, how do you think the deer and other animals surive our winters? they use their instincts: they have their fur, they eat to build up body fat and they know how to stand in the wind...there isn't anything wrong with this picture

YADA YADA YADA, GREAT PICTURE THAT SHOWS THE UP WEATHER AND IT ANIMALS. jUST TRY TO THINK WHAT IS WAS BEFORE THE CAR ETC.

It is a poor excuse for shelter. Unless these horses are geniuses and know how to open doors, how exactly are they supposed to get inside this shack? Domesticated creatures through evolution do not have the same hardy constitutions of previous generations. It is irresponsible to have these animals and then deny them proper shelter in these conditions!