For country lovers, wrapping up warm for a stroll in the sunshine to watch the animals and birds is one of the great joys as the land comes back to life after hibernating for winter.

Bulbs bursting in top flower, buds on the trees and lambing tell us all is well with the world and despite the stresses and strains of man-made worries like work and money, nature is above all this and carries on regardless.

A country walk in the spring clears the head and mind. Not for nothing is spring known as the time of romance.

For many, the New Year does not start on January 1, but with the birth of the first lambs.

To townies, lambing is a certain time of year, but they don’t realise sheep really do follow the rest of the flock when it comes to breeding.

Most farm animals don’t have a regulated breeding season, just like us. Sheep are different – they all get pregnant and give birth at more or less the same time when the weather warms and a good supply of grass is available for the lambs.

Here are some tips of what to watch out for when you and your partner are crossing the fields:

* Sheep ready for lambing are held in a field close to the farm or in sheds on the farm so the farmer can keep a close eye on them

* If you see a ewe leave the flock looking for a quiet place under a bush or near a wall, she’s probably ready to give birth in the next hour or so

* Most sheep easily give birth without the farmer’s help.

* If you see an ewe licking a lamb’s face, she’s probably cleaning him or her just after the birth

* After the first lamb, the second quickly follows – most breeds give birth to two lambs

If you see a ewe pawing the ground, it’s not a sign of anger or upset. She’s probably in labour and a little confused. The pawing is a signal she is looking for her lamb.

Years after this traumatic experience, I have grown to understand the reaction of the horse, and I have grown to understand the magnificent creatures for what they truly are. Now, the owner of several horses, I have taken it as my mission to educate on proper horse handling and care.

In my area, winter can be dreadfully cold and quite damaging to the horse. In order to protect them, I have adopted some methods of horse maintenance. Proper blanketing, with a blanket thick and warm enough to keep horse hair down, is a great way to ensure that the elements do not harm the horse. After the blanket is removed, a brush should be used to keep the horse hair fine and even. With winter also comes extra feeding. It's very important to ensure that the hay is not mouldy or too dusty, either of which can damage the horse's digestive system. As the horse eats, the extra weight will provide some insulation against the cold temperatures. Finally, one should be extra cautious while riding in the winter as ice can be damaging and painful to a horse. Always try to keep a slow, steady, walking pace unless the ground has some cushion on it such as snow, and there is no danger of ice underneath it. With proper winter care, your horse will be happy and healthy for the spring months.

With spring, it is time to ease back into a riding regimen. First, it is advised to help the horse shed their winter coats by use of a shearing blade. With the extra weight, the horse will be ready for conditioning. It's advised to schedule a veterinarian visit as soon as possible to check for any issues. Once this check-up is complete, horse shoes is the next step if your horse uses them. Usage of horse shoes varies from owner to owner, but considering the damage that the hooves can go through, it can be a necessary thing toward helping your horses health. Finally, before riding full-out, a horse must be slowly conditioned if they have not been ridden during winter months. This conditioning will allow a horse to have a more enjoyable spring, free from injury.

Horses are wonderful animals, who with a little work, patience, and perseverance, can offer lots of fun and excitement in return. As with all animals, they require special care and attention, but the dedicated horse owner will find this care just as rewarding as riding.