By: American Youth Horse Council
Give Extra Care to Your Horse During Cold Wet Weather
Posted: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
It's autumn-time for all-around winter prep, and that includes your horses. The American Youth Horse Council reminds every horse owner or caretaker that cold, wet weather brings additional considerations for the well-being of our equines.
Feed and Water:
-- Forage for Heat and Health: Digesting food is the horses most effective source of heat. Cold weather increases the horses calorie requirements; make sure to adjust quantity accordingly. And as pasture quality declines or you transition the horse to hay, consider supplementing with concentrates containing minerals and vitamins.
-- Water: Horses need water year-round for healthy digestion, and that does not mean snow. Make sure your horse has ready access to water at all times.
-- Teeth: Teeth in poor condition will prevent the horse from getting adequate calories and nutrition. Have teeth attended to now so the horse doesnt have to play nutritional catch-up in the most frigid weather.
Bodily Comfort:
-- Wooly coat: The horses own coat is designed to keep him warm. Let it grow and thicken naturally.
-- Shelter: Even a luxuriant natural coat will lose insulating loft if it gets wet, and wind can strip a horses heat as fast as moisture. Provide shelter at all times that protects from rain, snow and wind.
-- Extra Insulation: A clipped horse may need a blanket, as might older horses or those in poor health. But a wet blanket (from weather or the horses own sweat) is just as useless as a wet hair coat, or worse. Provide a blanket that is waterproof and breathable. Remove the blanket daily and check the horses coat for skin and hair condition.
Health Matters:
-- Vaccinations: Check with your vet about fall vaccinations, especially for the horse still exposed to others outside his regular herd.
-- Parasite Control: Maintain a regular deworming plan. After the first heavy frost, use a product that kills bot larvae.
-- Hooves: Keep up with hoof carehooves continue to growth throughout the winter. If possible, let the horse go barefoot for the winter for safer traction and to avoid snow build-up that can cause sole bruising.
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The American Youth Horse Council mission is to provide encouragement, communication, leadership & resources to serve and promote the youth horse industry; AYHC carries out its mission in a widespread network of academic, breed, commercial, scientific and other industry representatives who share a common interest in connecting kids through horses.
The 35th annual AYHC Symposium, March 23-25 in Herndon, VA, offers participants a rich array of seminars and demonstrations and plenty of networking opportunities. For more information and for Symposium details and registration forms, please contact the American Youth Horse Council at info@AYHC.com or (719) 547-7677.
