When you care for your horse, it is essential to make provision for the colder months. Horses need to be able to tolerate the cold weather and remain as healthy as possible. In the winter horses will have particular needs which you as the owner will have to tackle. It is important to organize for winter in advance.
Horses are generally tolerant to cold conditions. In fact, horses handle cold weather a lot better than warm weather. In the face of this, there are some rudimentary things horse owners will want to do to ensure their horses remain healthy. Be sure the horse doesn’t have any lice, and has been immunized. The costs for doing these things will significantly pay off through the winter months, as the costs of feeding your horse will be less.
You may also wish to consult your vet in setting up a health plan for your horse. Aiding your horse in preparation for colder weather will help it lower the necessity to eat greater amounts of feed in order to maintain its weight. There’s no need for your horse to lose weight during the winter. Allowing your horse to put on a slight amount of weight will aid them throughout the colder months, as the extra fat will act as a guard to supply the horse with energy if it becomes stressed. Through the winter you will want to provide your horse with some extra calories.
The most effective protection for a horse in the winter is its actual winter coat. When it grows long, it will act as a natural heat blanket which will reduce the heat loss that the horse is subjected to in cold scenarios. The coat is also smooth and will help brush off off the frost and ice. If kept outside, you will want to ensure their coats grow enough before winter.
To confirm the condition of your horse, you will need to rub its ribs. A large winter coat can easily hide the fact the horse may be losing weight. Your horse should weigh enough that you are not able to see the ribs but can feel them when touching the horse. You should also feel your horses ears. Do they feel cold? If so it’s a good indication that your horse is cold.
As with all warm-blooded animals, horses have to regulate their body temperatures in order to remain healthy. It is crucial that they preserve heat throughout the winter, so you should ensure they’re ready for the frost.
Visit the Horse and Pony Directory for more information and horses for sale
Mail this post