subject: How to Properly Care for a Horse When the Temperatures Outside Drop [print this page] How to Properly Care for a Horse When the Temperatures Outside Drop
Caring for a horse is a difficult job. Add cold weather to the mix and it becomes downright challenging. An acute change in weather can and will affect a horse so it important to be properly prepared. Typically, its natural winter coat and routine care is all a horse needs to remain in good physical shape right through the changing of the seasons.
However, if you are a new horse owners or experiencing abnormally harsh weather, here are a few tips to help care for your horse till the temperatures rise again.
It is very important your horse has easy access to plenty of open water. For many horse owners, this presents the biggest challenge, especially when it gets very cold out. When your water tank becomes iced over, the horses can't drink. Many owners use hanging buckets and use hot water. The horse will then have a chance at drinking water since it will take longer for ice to form.
You can't forget about protecting the horses from the harsh wind and wet precipitation. If your horse has to graze, obviously they can't stand in the barn or shelter all day. You may want to invest in a lined, water-proof blanket if it must go out in the rain and snow everyday. Horse blankets made from canvas are very comfortable for the horse and they work quite well. In many instances, blankets are almost a necessity.
Try not to let the horse sweat under its blanket. As the day begins to warms up after a go check on the horse to make sure it isn't become over heated. If the horse does feel a little too warm, take the blanket off and lift the hairs on its coat up. This allows fresh air to circulate over its body.
Keep on your horse's behavior and try to notice any immediate changes in its behavior. It is common for a horse to get colic in cold weather. This is because they don't drink enough water. An early indication that it isn't drinking the necessary amounts of water is a reduced appetite. Always keep the horse on its everyday normal routine. If it happens to lie down in an unusual spot or at an odd time, go out and check to see if it is ok.
When you start to notice the temperatures beginning to tumble, check if the horse blankets are clean and in adequate condition, there is plenty of water available in the barn, and pay attention if the horse is eating, producing a normal amount of manure, and behaving in a typical manner.
