Protecting Your Horse This Winter

The winter weather has a big effect on us all and as we see the snow falling and

wind blowing we will reach for a coats, scarves and hats before leaving the house. We cover ourselves up and drink and eat warm food and drink and it is exactly the same for horses. Horses need to keep warm during the winter too so ensuring they are and that they have right food and drink is important.

Some horses spend the majority of their time outside with some spending their time inside. For those who are accustomed to the outside conditions will develop a winter coat naturally and they only need somewhere to get away from the snow, rain and wind. However, for horses that spend the majority of their time inside, a horse blanket is advisable to keep the horse warm. A blanket is not necessary for horses used to the outside and they are actually more comfortable without one.

A winter feeding program should be drawn up in preparation for winter, so before the winter weather really kicks in you should have everything in place. Just like any other animal, a horse needs time to adjust to changes in food. It is a good idea to start preparing your horse for the food it is about to start eating. As summer comes to an end try and reduce the amount of pasture it eats and start to include more fodder into their diet.

Maintaining a healthy body temperature is extremely important for the horse so feeding your horse more fodder will help it stay warm during the winter. The digestive system of horse is important as this is where the heat is produced which will certainly help if you live in an area that falls below zero. A horses hoofs need to be taken care of at all times but especially in winter.

Keeping the hoofs trim will reduce the chances of damage and cracking. Ice can build up under the hoof and can lead to major problems so checking the hoofs after each ride is very important. This winter take care of your horse and make sure it is warm and has sufficient nourishment to keep it fit and healthy whilst the weather is cold and blustery. You should have the stable ready for when you bring the horse home, this means have fresh hay and plenty of space.

by: Robert Brightside

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