How to care for your horse in winter
Horses in the wild can withstand freezing temperatures Although horses can very well adapt to the changes of temperature, they can still be affected by the icy wind, snow or freezing rain. The wind especially might make horses uncomfortable and may even spook them You can ensure their good health and safety during the cold, chilly season through simple means.
A clean and safe environment should be provided for the horses The floor should be free of ice, snow or mud.
The slippery ground can make walking difficult and dangerous for horses Slipping on ice might cause traumatic injuries like bruises, sprains and lacerations. Keep the pathways and walkways free of these by shoveling, salting or sanding the ground
Snow can hide potential ditches, rocks or other impediments on the road that can make your horse trip. Snow can make walking hard and may block pathways Ensure that no drifts will be blocking these paths, as you never know when you will have to pass by it in an emergency.
Fungal bacteria accumulate most during cold and wet season which can cause skin infection to the horse’s legs Horses that are exposed for long periods in rain or sleet fall with no opportunity to dry their thick winter coats can suffer rain rot, another skin infection.
Provide their shelters with a wind-break A three-sided lean-to can offer adequate protection from the most of wind, snow and ice, but cannot keep out the cold. A warm environment should be available for the horses If possible, take them indoors to enclosed boarding facilities.
Hay intake of horses should be increased Digestion can produce heat that allows horses to stay warmer. The hay should provide nutritional benefits so the horse can maintain a healthy body weight throughout te cold season
Always provide fresh water for your horse. Some horses may not like to drink cold water or water freezes solid, so ensuring sufficient water intake can be tricky Decreased water intake can lead to dehydration and impaction colic. Warm water should be provided at meal times If the water surface keeps getting frozen, consider installing a stock tank heater to keep them warm. Use rubber water buckets instead of plastic ones, as the latter are most likely to break if they get frozen
Provide your horses a durable blanket, if you think they are not getting enough warmth. Make sure that the blankets are well-maintained and properly fits the horse Conduct daily grooming to ensure that there is no chaffing and irritation on your horse’s skin. Daily grooming keeps the horse’s coat clean and comfortable under the blanket
Maintain proper hoof care. Unshod horses can have a potential danger of chipping or cracking, as ice and dirt may accumulate in the hooves Keep the hooves clipped to hold less snow and provide better grip on slippery ground.
Bridleways Saddlery supply a comprehensive range of horse care equipment, as well as horse riding jodhpurs ,leather riding boots and cortaflex for horses.
Happy Riding!
