Winterizing Your Horse!


I thought winterizing was just for homes and cars, not
necessarily, our equine friends need a little extra care too!
There are several things you may want to consider during the
winter months to ensure the comfort and safety of your horse.
First is maintaining your regular de-worming schedule. Some horse
owners discontinue de-worming during winter months thinking that
the cold weather kills the parasites. This in fact is not
true and some parasites actually thrive during the colder months
rather than the hot months of summer.

If you live in extremely cold areas you may want to consider a
shelter, such as a lean-to, for your horse. Horses are absolutely
fine in the coldest of winters with a shelter to protect them
from the extreme winds and snow fall.

You may want to consider removing your horse's shoes if you
are not planning on riding your horse during the winter months.
This keeps the snow from balling up on the bottom of the horses
feet and provides better traction on wet and slippery surfaces.


If you do not work your horse during the winter months, do not
blanket your horse either. The horse will grow a sufficient thick
coat of hair to keep it warm during the cold winter months.
On the other hand, if you work your horse during the winter
months thoroughly dry and blanket your horse after each workout
and brush the hair coat so that the hair stands on end to prevent
the horses sweat from causing a chill. A horse that is
continually blanketed in the late fall should continue to be
blanketed during the winter months as it has not grown a
sufficient coat of hair to protect it from the cold of winter.

Water is extremely important during the winter months. Horses
do not like water that is to cold or frigid and will refrain
from drinking. Water that is approximately 60-65 degrees
Fahrenheit is best and will actually increase your horses water
intake. If necessary install water heaters in your troughs.
Water heaters need to be plugged into a (ground fault indicator)
receptacle for best results.

Last but not least, calories! An increase in grain during the
winter months will ensure you that your horse is getting
enough calories to sustain your horse. Horses should be provided
with a continual source of high-quality hay. The chewing of
hay increases the digestion process which in turn generates
heat and aids in the normal function of the horses digestive
system.

There are many things to consider when wintering your horse.
Fences may need mending, so you will want to do this while the
weather is still pleasant. Fill in all hollow spots in front of
gates and stalls that may fill and become icy hazards. Clear
the pasture of debris such as fallen limbs, jumps, barrels and
so on, which may cause your horse to trip and cause injury to
your horse.

A little extra care for our equine friends during winter
months will ensure your horses' health and safety throughout the
winter months.

Written by,


Michele D. Anderson
of  Posterhorse.com a & Yourhorseinfo.com