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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 |