Horse Care Tips for Winter
The colder months are upon us and we'd like to take the opportunity to remind our horse insurance customers that it is vital to make sure that your horse is taken care of properly during the winter months. The winter brings snow, ice, cold and rain and complicates getting stable chores done. You don t get as much riding time in either and if you keep a few things in mind your horse will stay healthy and happy during the winter time.
It is very important that your horse has free and continuous access to fresh water. In the winter months water can become frozen in buckets and troughs in the stalls and in the pastures. Horses need water to maintain their health. If the water is too cold the horse will drink less. There are systems that are used to keep water heated so it doesn t get too cold or freeze. If a horse is drinking less they are usually also eating less. This means they will have less energy available to maintain their body temperature. It also leaves your horse at risk for dehydration and colic. Horses need shelter from the cold winter elements; however it is not necessary to keep them closed in a stable throughout the winter months. Horses have natural defenses against the cold weather. They have a layer of fat beneath the skin and a long thick winter coat to provide plenty of insulation. One thing to remember is when a horse s coat is wet or muddy it loses the ability to insulate them and keep them warm. That is why providing a dry shelter is so important and they need to be groom regularly even in the winter time.
Nutritional needs do not need to change in the winter months. You should feed your horse according to its age and how active they are in the winter months. Two of the biggest problems during the winter month are overfeeding and inactivity. Both of these things can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Another important thing to remember is to make sure you take care of your horse s hooves during the winter. Even though you might not ride as much during the colder months their hooves are still growing. So make sure you keep them trimmed and pick the hooves regularly to remove dirt and debris.
If you follow the tips above your horse will be healthy and happy. Just make sure they have plenty of water, food and shelter to keep them warm during the colder months.
As one of the UK ethical insurance company's we have been dedicating our net profits to the welfare of animals around the world for many years now. We are proud to have added horse insurance to our product list. For an insurance quote on your horse, pony or donkey click on the quote button or call our dedicated horse insurance team on 0844 57 32 100.
Do you have any advice for our readers on keeping their horse or donkey healthy during the cold winter months? Animal Friends Equine Insurance would love to hear what you have to say. Please post your comments below if you would like to share your opinions with other members of AFI's Horse Community. Thank you and enjoy the blogs!
