fairhavenranch
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Red Clay Colored Areas On the IceI've noticed this before but this morning there is a lot of it. The pictures don't do the color justice - it is a red clay color not orange. It is the size and shape of a normal mare urine spot. I thought it might be coming from the dirt but it seems to be on top of the ice.
Any ideas? The horses appear fine. I am trying to watch them urinate one by one but it's a tad cold to spend the day outside waiting for that (minus something). 
I have more pictures if anyone is interested as there are more spots in another area and one large pool.
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learningthedance
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Oxidization.
Totally normal. It's the same in the summer, we just don't notice it. You will get the same thing happen at the bottom of wood shaving in a stall. Especially, if you have one that uses the same spot.
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fairhavenranch
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OH THANK GOD! 
We are on straight sand so you don't even notice any urine in summer it goes away so quickly.
I was not looking forward to isolating them one at a time to watch for urine!
What material exactly is oxidizing and what is it becoming? Does hormone level have anything to do with it's intensity? Does diet affect this as well due to different pH?
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learningthedance
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As far as I have always known, it has to do with protein. Horses that eat Alfalfa, or added protein to their diets, will have more oxidization/deeper color.
Not sure about hormonal levels??
Maybe someone else has a better explanation?
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fairhavenranch
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We recently added alfalfa to their diet due to hay shortage. Maybe that's why we have not seen this as we have been on straight grass for years. It's also hay from out of state. Interesting.
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Pyrgirl
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There was a thread on this last winter I think. See if you can find anything in older posts.
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fairhavenranch
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God I hope it wasn't mine! 
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fairhavenranch
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Well, don't I look stupid. No the thread was not mine (well, maybe, I couldn't find it actually) but I could have just Googled "red horse urine in snow" and gotten the answer to this one.
No more questions before I've had my coffee and there's a good fire in the stove. How could I not notice this for forty some years in the snow?
I even e-mailed an expert! 
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Foxtrotalot
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Sheesh! You are really tough on yourself! I'm GLAD you asked so I will know if I ever see it. Thank you!
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fairhavenranch
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Well, I feel a little better. Someone else who has had horses all their life is looking for this now and finding it for the first time too. 
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Pyrgirl
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Oh heavens -- never never ever feel bad about asking about something. Especially not here. Usually it's something I don't know either and I'm eternally grateful that someone else asked!!!!!!
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