Tips for winter wellness care

When it gets cold outside, you’ve got hot chocolate with extra marshmallows to help you stay warm and happy. Too bad you can’t share a mug of that with your horse.

Here are some tips on how to take care of your horse during the winter.

Riding

Taking your horse for a ride is a great way to help him or her keep warm, and there is nothing more beautiful than riding through freshly fallen snow. However, riding through snow is more work for your horse, so a light trot is enough to give him or her a good workout. Check first to make sure it isn’t icy underneath. After riding in the snow, remember to check the shoes of the horse for compacted snow, ice and possibly salt.

Also, don’t attempt to jump your horse during the colder months unless you’re riding in an indoor arena – the ground could be frozen and result in too hard an impact, or it could be slippery and cause your horse to stumble and fall.

Blankets

If your horse has a nice,  thick coat, he or she probably doesn’t need to be blanketed. However, if your horse is clipped or simply older and has trouble retaining heat, a blanket can provide him or her with some extra warmth. Choose a blanket that fits well – not too snug, not too loose.

Winter Feeding

The best thing to feed your horse in the winter is good quality hay. The fermentation of the hay in your horse’s hindgut will help generate heat to keep him or her warm.

Because a horse’s energy needs can increase by 20% in cold weather, additional energy needs can be met by feeding a commercially balanced concentrate. It’s also a good idea to have a salt block available.

Make sure to provide plenty of fresh water, too. As horses drink more consistently when the water isn’t freezing cold, consider a water tank heater. Consistent water consumption will help prevent episodes of colic.

Pastured Horses

While you don’t need to keep your horse in a barn, you do need to offer shelter. A three-sided shed will offer your horse protection from the elements. Position the opening so it’s not facing the direction the wind usually blows. Review the property for weak fence posts and lines prior to snowfall. Also review the property during the winter for snow build up at fence lines.

Stabled Horses

If you decide to have your horse stay in a barn, keep in mind that it’s better to leave one or two windows open periodically than to close up the barn entirely. That’s because built-up dust, ammonia and stale air can lead to respiratory problems. Check to see that your barn has good air flow and ventilation. Cleaning the stall daily to remove manure and wet bedding will help improve the air quality, too.

Even though most horses acclimate quickly to the cold weather, stay watchful throughout the winter. If your horse starts acting out of the ordinary, consult your veterinarian. A winter wellness check-up for your horse before the weather starts is always a good idea. Ask your veterinarian to perform a fall deworming, make sure all vaccinations are up to date, and inspect your horse’s teeth before the cold weather arrives.

REFERENCES:

Equisearch: Ask the Vet: Horses in Cold Weather

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/winter/cold_weather_012610/2/

Accessed September 22, 2011

PetPlace.com. Riding and Winter Horse Care

http://www.petplace.com/horses/riding-and-winter-horse-care-2/page1.aspx

Accessed September 22, 2011

Gaited Horses Website. Winter Care for Your Horse

http://www.gaitedhorses.net/Articles/WinterCare.html

Accessed September 22, 2011