Tails from the Tack Room
Sweater Weather & Thick Coats: A Barn Cat’s Guide to the Seasons
Hello from the hayloft! It’s LC here (VERA’s curled up in her “strategic observation position” in the heated tack room). You can feel it in the air…crisper mornings, crunchy leaves, and fewer sunbeams for our naps. Yes, friends, the seasons are changing at High Hopes, and everyone—from staff to horses to cats—is preparing for the cooler months ahead.
While VERA and I mourn the shrinking sunbathing spots, our horse friends are experiencing some major wardrobe changes of their own. As the days get shorter, their bodies start producing more melatonin, telling them it’s time to trade in sleek summer coats for thick, fluffy winter ones. Arthur is already showing off a particularly plush look (he claims it’s “all-natural insulation”), and Lucky’s coat is so soft, even VERA paused her grooming routine to admire it. Some of our older friends, like Chip, get an extra layer of warmth from staff in the form of stylish blankets—function and fashion!
But it’s not just fur that’s changing. The staff are busy adjusting diets, too. As the green pastures fade, the herd transitions to more hay. Fresh, high-quality bales that come all the way from New York. It’s a gradual process to keep tummies happy and healthy. (Trust me, we cats understand the importance of meal consistency.) The team also keeps a close eye on water consumption, making sure everyone stays hydrated, since less drinking can spell tummy trouble for horses.
As for us? We’re adapting…finding new warm spots, curling up on freshly folded horse blankets, and occasionally sneaking into the heated office for “quality control.” Change might mean fewer sunny naps, but it also brings the smell of fresh hay, soft winter coats to snuggle against, and that peaceful hush that only autumn in the barn can bring.
Here’s to a healthy, happy change of seasons—paws, hooves, and all.
Warmly,
LC (and VERA, Chief Sunbeam Specialist)