Winter Horse Care Tips - In Three Parts
Posted by Guest Blogger on Tue, Feb 09, 2010 @ 02:13 PM
Part 1: Pasture and Shelter
Pasture time for your horse is important all season long even when it's snowy and cold. We might not like the cold but, horses are wild animals and they don't mind being outside. Horses thrive best in temperatures ranging from 14 degrees to 77 degrees. They will also huddle together for warmth if necessary.
Watch out for glazed over paddock and icy patches by the pasture shelter and frozen water buckets. For ice patches, put something with some "grit" on it to make it easier for walking and try spreading some alfalfa meat on ice to help melt it. Dirt, fireplace ashes or burn pit ashes work great for some extra traction. Keep water always accessible, breaking up frozen tops on water buckets or troughs can be done in just a few minutes, sometimes a ball in the water can help keep the top from freezing.
A shelter or run in shed works great in the pasture or paddock to protect horses from wind, snow and rain. This shelter should have clean bedding and water. Dry hay should also be provided in the shelter even if there is hay in the pasture. Remember to keep an eye on your horses - some will try to "dominate" the shelter and deny access to other horses. You need to make sure everyone has access to shelter, food and water.
A shelter is ok for most days but in severe weather conditions, a closed barn is better for protection of your horses. If you choose to "stall" your horse there are a few things to keep in mind. Your barn shouldn't be much warmer than the outside air temperature that your horses will be turned out in. Don't totally seal your barn, air flow is good for horses (and humans working in the barn too). Make sure your barn has good ventilation but no cold drafts so as not to cause respiratory problems in your horses.. Make sure to have clean shavings/bedding in stalls daily along with clean water and hay. If horses must be in stalls, provide entertainment for them like a jolly ball or horse pac-a-fier toy. Let horses out every day if weather permits.
Part 2 will cover feeding & watering so be sure to check back.