Winter Care Tips for Horses

The winter season can be harsh on horses as some of them tend to lose their condition during this season and it can be hard on horse owners as well because they need to provide extra care like winter horse rugs and cleaning to keep their horses in top condition.

To help get you and your horses through this rough season, here are some winter care tips you should follow:

Make adjustments to their feeding program

Even if it isn’t really snowing in winter, grass often stops growing during this season so there is very limited grass for them to feed. With the decrease in pasture and its nutritional quality, increase their hay and horse feed grains to ensure that they obtain required nutrients.

Keep your horse warm

If your horses are kept outside, they will generally require a larger portion of food to keep them warm. Horses generate a lot of heat during digestion so make sure you provide them with generous supplies of hay to keep them comfortable during this season. You could also purchase some winter horse rugs which will help keep their coats dry.

Have their teeth checked

Make sure an equine dentist looks in to your horse’s teeth from time to time to ensure that they are able to grind on their food properly. If they are unable to grind their food properly, they won’t be able to obtain the required nutrients and energy which is essential to fight the cold.

Keep their hooves clipped

Do not let your horse’s hooves overgrow. The hard ground and ice can cause the overgrown hooves to crack. It is also difficult for your horse to get a grip on the slippery ground when their hooves aren’t clipped on time. Keep their hooves free of snow as well by applying some petroleum jelly.

Provide access to water

Horses tend to stay away from water if it is too cold. When horses reduce their intake of water it also leads to a reduction of feed intake which in turn leaves them drained of energy. Make sure you are able to provide them with access to water whenever they need it.

Deworm your horses

Botflies attack during early winter so make sure to obtain a deworming medication that is effective against botfly larvae as well. Continue their deworming medication throughout winter as well.

Check under blankets and rugs

If you are equipping your horses with blankets and rugs then make sure you check for chafing and irritation. This should be done daily. Daily grooming will keep your horses more comfortable. If the blanket is rubbing or chafing then try a different blanket or get it altered accordingly.

The cold weather can keep your horses feeling less energized than usual, so make sure you nourish their diets with adequate minerals. Groom them regularly and keep their coats dry. If your horses have a heavy coat then think about clipping it. With these winter care tips in mind your horse will be warm and comfortable which in turn will keep you feeling relaxed as well.