Winter Care for our Horses

Attention Equestrians: Your Horse in Winter

As the winter months draw near, it's time to prepare for the changes in horse care that come with cooler temperatures. While the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is an exciting highlight, it's essential to adjust your routine to ensure your horse stays healthy and comfortable. Here are some crucial tips to help you care for your equine companion during the winter season.

Nutrition

Think of your horse's digestion as a furnace that keeps them warm. During the winter, horses naturally burn more calories to maintain their body temperature, which means they need more food to prevent weight loss. Increasing their hay intake is particularly important because its high fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain body heat.

Hydration

Cold weather often reduces a horse's natural thirst, leading to decreased water intake. However, with increased food consumption, adequate hydration is crucial to support digestion. Impaction colic, a blockage in the large colon caused by feed material, is more common in winter due to insufficient water intake. Ensure your horse has access to plenty of fresh water to prevent this condition.

Salt and Electrolytes

The saying "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink" holds true, as many horses don't drink enough water. Providing salt and electrolytes can help. These not only supply essential minerals but also stimulate your horse's thirst, encouraging them to drink more and stay hydrated.

Blanketing

Blankets are essential for protecting horses from the cold. However, it's important to monitor your horse to ensure they don't overheat, as a wet blanket from sweat can be counterproductive. Remember, horses have a higher tolerance for cold temperatures than humans, so "sweater weather" for us doesn't always mean blanket weather for them.

Equipment Care

If your tack is stored outside or in a cold tack room, pay special attention to the bits. Made from metal or synthetic materials, bits can become very cold and uncomfortable for your horse. Warm them up by rubbing them with fabric before use to prevent discomfort or injury to your horse's mouth.

Self-Care

Finally, don't forget to keep yourself warm! Your well-being is vital for your horse's care, so dress appropriately and stay healthy to ensure you can continue to provide the best care for your equine friend.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and comfortable winter for both you and your horse.