Winter Horse Care Tips - In Three Parts
Posted by Kelly Bridges on Thu, Mar 04, 2010 @ 04:12 PM
Part 3: Hoof Care / Blanketing / Bathing
Your horse's hooves and their care are especially important in the winter due to the unavoidable slippery conditions. If you ride in the winter, be sure to pull horses shoes and trim regularly, long toes are clumsy and can make for an uncomfortable ride. Using a non-stick spray (like you would use for cooking) on the hooves top and bottom helps to prevent snow from sticking and makes it easier to walk.
If possible let your horse's coat grow out, don't clip. Horses are designed to be "in the outdoors" with no problems. They do best with the natural protection of their coat. A horse's winter hair coat is more insulating than most blankets - but not if it's wet. A wet horse can lead to hypothermia so, if your horses get wet outside take a few minutes and attend to them. Towel dry - remember legs and dry against hair grain to really get all the moisture that is by the skin. Then curry, quickly - then cover with a blanket - wool is good to absorb moisture and provide warmth. Take off after about an hour and they will be ready to do it all over again! Horses also can't stay as warm if they are dirty or muddy, their coat can "fluff" to keep them as warm. If they are muddy you can brush through the mud so hair can "fluff" and insulate more efficiently. Just because we are cold, doesn't mean our horses are.
If you must blanket your horse, there are a few points to consider. Blankets should cover horses neck as well as their body, just like humans they want to be "warm all over". A good rule is to blanket senior and unhealthy horses since they don't have the ability to handle the cold as well as younger, more fit horses. Stalled horses might need blankets due to inactivity. Also, if you clip you should blanket. Use a medium weight with fleece under for above freezing temperatures and add a cover for below freezing. Cotton is too cool and will not warm your horse or keep them warm, especially if they are clipped. Remove blankets during the day - brush and check for irritation from blanket and make any necessary adjustments.
Well, that's all for this three part series. I hope it was helpful as well as entertaining.
Check back often for more article, tips, tricks and ideas.