Post by emilyyy on Sept 23, 2012 17:25:00 GMT
Judging by the weather today it looks like Autumn/Winter is on its way so thought i'd share these winter tips...
TEN TIPS FOR NATURAL WINTER HORSE CARE
Just as the high heat and humidity
of summer present challenges,
winter also requires some strategic
thinking and planning. By keeping
these 10 basic tips in mind, winter
can be a wonderland for you and
your horse rather than worrisome.
1. PASS THE HAY, PLEASE
Free-choice grass hay promotes not
only essential digestive system activity but also generates more body heat than
grain or sweet feed. Digestible Energy (DE)
requirements rise in cold weather, so feeding
free-choice forage allows each horse to meet
his individual needs.
2. FAT IS GOOD
Adding a high fat source such as rice
bran or flaxseed can improve energetic
efficiency and help maintain body
weight during these colder times. Afew extra
pounds going into winter are beneficial especially for senior horses.
3 SHAKE ON SOME SALT
Don't short the salt! Even though most
horses are not sweating in winter,
adequate salt is crucialfor proper hydration.
Provide free-choice loose white salt 24/7 and
add 2 tablespoons per day in the feed.
4. WATCH THE WATER
Ensure proper water intake.
Although it's normal for a horse's
water intake to decrease in the winter, proper hydration isimportant to health.
According to the Nutrient Requirements of
Horses, 6th revised edition, "Very cold water
temperature reduced water intake by 6-14%."
Offering warmed water, 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit, entices horses to consume adequate
water, helping to reduce the chances of
impaction colic and dehydration. Heated tubs
and buckets and bucket or tank heaters are
affordable and available at most feed stores.
5. LET THEM GET WOOLY
Allow your horse to grow a natural
coat. Horses are naturally able to
deal with climate changes because their coats
provide insulation against both heat and cold.
Caretakers should allow them the benefits
of this natural process without interference.
Byclipping, blanketing and controlling their
built-in climate control, we are taking away
their natural defenses against the elements.
6. MOVE IT!
Allowfree-choice movement and
turnout, which generates body heat
and keeps muscles loose and warm.
7. CHECK THE FEET!
Even though hoof growth does slow
slightly in cold weather, trimming on
an appropriate schedule isstill important. Often horses are not moving as much, so natural
wear may be decreased. Pick hooves out and
examine the hoof as frequently as you do in the
summer.
8. CALL PAM
Alight coating of vegetable or olive
oil on the soles of the feet can help
decrease excessive snow or ice
packing, which most often happens in shod or
long-walled hooves.
9. ESCAPE FROM THE BITTER WINTER
Provide shelter from cold, wind and snow. A barn with free access or a runin shed allows your horse to escape the cold,
snow or freezing rain if he chooses.
10. BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Just like humans, horses seem
to have a decrease in immune system function
during the cold days of winter. Add some natural immune system boosters such as vitamin C
powder (1to 2 teaspoons), crushed rose hips (2
tablespoons) or garlic granules (1-2teaspoons)
in the feed every day.
Anyone else got any winter tips/reminders
TEN TIPS FOR NATURAL WINTER HORSE CARE
Just as the high heat and humidity
of summer present challenges,
winter also requires some strategic
thinking and planning. By keeping
these 10 basic tips in mind, winter
can be a wonderland for you and
your horse rather than worrisome.
1. PASS THE HAY, PLEASE
Free-choice grass hay promotes not
only essential digestive system activity but also generates more body heat than
grain or sweet feed. Digestible Energy (DE)
requirements rise in cold weather, so feeding
free-choice forage allows each horse to meet
his individual needs.
2. FAT IS GOOD
Adding a high fat source such as rice
bran or flaxseed can improve energetic
efficiency and help maintain body
weight during these colder times. Afew extra
pounds going into winter are beneficial especially for senior horses.
3 SHAKE ON SOME SALT
Don't short the salt! Even though most
horses are not sweating in winter,
adequate salt is crucialfor proper hydration.
Provide free-choice loose white salt 24/7 and
add 2 tablespoons per day in the feed.
4. WATCH THE WATER
Ensure proper water intake.
Although it's normal for a horse's
water intake to decrease in the winter, proper hydration isimportant to health.
According to the Nutrient Requirements of
Horses, 6th revised edition, "Very cold water
temperature reduced water intake by 6-14%."
Offering warmed water, 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit, entices horses to consume adequate
water, helping to reduce the chances of
impaction colic and dehydration. Heated tubs
and buckets and bucket or tank heaters are
affordable and available at most feed stores.
5. LET THEM GET WOOLY
Allow your horse to grow a natural
coat. Horses are naturally able to
deal with climate changes because their coats
provide insulation against both heat and cold.
Caretakers should allow them the benefits
of this natural process without interference.
Byclipping, blanketing and controlling their
built-in climate control, we are taking away
their natural defenses against the elements.
6. MOVE IT!
Allowfree-choice movement and
turnout, which generates body heat
and keeps muscles loose and warm.
7. CHECK THE FEET!
Even though hoof growth does slow
slightly in cold weather, trimming on
an appropriate schedule isstill important. Often horses are not moving as much, so natural
wear may be decreased. Pick hooves out and
examine the hoof as frequently as you do in the
summer.
8. CALL PAM
Alight coating of vegetable or olive
oil on the soles of the feet can help
decrease excessive snow or ice
packing, which most often happens in shod or
long-walled hooves.
9. ESCAPE FROM THE BITTER WINTER
Provide shelter from cold, wind and snow. A barn with free access or a runin shed allows your horse to escape the cold,
snow or freezing rain if he chooses.
10. BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Just like humans, horses seem
to have a decrease in immune system function
during the cold days of winter. Add some natural immune system boosters such as vitamin C
powder (1to 2 teaspoons), crushed rose hips (2
tablespoons) or garlic granules (1-2teaspoons)
in the feed every day.
Anyone else got any winter tips/reminders
