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| December 2, 2008 |
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Winterizing Your Horse |
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Nature has given horses their own protection against the winter elements, but in some cases, people have taken that away by shaving them down or too many climate changes. I’ve prepared a little list for you to review to help keep your horse warm this winter.
To begin lets discuss their shelter. If you horse is kept in a barn, is there a draft. If so, be sure to plug it up. Cold wind blowing around the barn moves the horses hair around and if they are at all wet can cause them to have a chill. The horse hair laying on the hide helps keep them warm. If you don’t have a barn but your horse is outside, do you at least have some type of protection for them, like a 3 sided enclosed building with a roof. This would be the minimum protection they need from the elements. If you have several horses, make sure they can all fit comfortably or have more then one.
Feeding your horse differently in the winter months can also help keep them warm. Feeding additional hay and corn is advised. This adds to the digestion which helps to penetrate more body heat. Also, you horse burns more calories in the winter then the summer to warm them, so additional feed will help keep them at their desired weight. Be sure they still have access to water, not frozen ice. If need be, invest in a water tank warmer which goes into the trough and keeps the water from freezing. If you feel like your horse still isn’t drinking enough water, soak some alfalfa cubes or grain in it then feed.
If you feel like you need additional warmth for your old horse, or shaved horse, or one that is not use to the cold, blanketing your horse is recommended, just be sure to remove the blanket daily and check your horse for cuts and scrapes. Not all horses need blanketed, so use your judgment according to each horse.
If you ride in the winter, warm your horse up slowly and cool them down slowly. Also warming the bit before placing in the horses mouth is preferred by your horse, I’m sure.
Evaluate each horse on an individual basis, remember, age, health and geographic locations play a part in how to winterize your horse. |
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