Dec. 2015 Issue_ August 2013a 2015-11-23 5:17 PM Page 45 DECEMBER 2015 THE RIDER /45


WHAT’S UP DOC From the desk of


can help your horse stay healthy over the colder months. The following is a guide only and details should always be discussed with your veterinari- an as each facility and herd are unique. • Know your horse’s weight going into the colder months.You can either calcu- late the body weight or use a girth weight tape, but also take note on the fat coverage over the crest and tail head area. Don’t be fooled with the longer winter coat- place your hands onto the ribcage and other body parts to be sure. • Monitor manure for size and consistency. If the fecal balls are getting darker or smaller your horse may not be getting enough water. Add regular white table salt (not cobalt/ blue). A good starting amount is one ounce twice a day mixed well with other feed. You may need to slightly wet the feed to prevent the salt from falling through to the bottom of the feed tub if you are feeding all dry ingredients. Free choice is usually not sufficient. I have treated fewer impaction colics since implementing this pro- gram. • Consider frost free taps and heated water hoses for the barn. If there is no hot water in the barn then have a kettle


HALTON EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES There are many ways you


handy for when it is need- ed. • Review your plumbing prior to the winter. • Have some sort of light source in your fields for emergencies and care dur- ing the darker hours. At least have a large flashlight readily available. • Ensure there is protection from the elements either by adequate trees or run in sheds if the horse is out 24/7. • Deworm for tapeworms and bots after a hard frost but also know what your horse’s parasite load is prior to deworming through a fecal egg count. • Make sure you have access to the paddock with either a tractor or truck for emergencies. • Horses cannot stay hydrated by eating snow. Have a heated water source. • Horses need to eat constantly to stay warm. Consider a slow feeder (there are several types) to avoid horses becoming obese or for those that have a history of colic. • Consider a fly mask with UV protection for horses with sen- sitive eyes to strong wind. Some horses can develop corneal ulcers just from the wind.


How to Prepare Your Horse for the Winter


• Constant access to forage (hay) will help keep your horse warm. • If there is any horse movement at your barn (non closed herd) then always consider vaccinating for influenza and rhinopneumoni- tis every 6 months in the fall and spring.There is only one vaccine that is licensed for once a year use and this is only true if the primary series included 3 initial injections. • Are you prepared for a power outage? Have a plan in place before it happens. Generators can be an expensive but worthwhile investment. It is important to understand your particular gener- ator though as many need to be started on a regular basis so they are not left sitting idle for months. Know your equipment. • Don’t forget about your trailer


for emergencies. Have it in work- ing order and accessible, don’t leave it snowed in. For those without their owner trailer, have an emergency contact that you can rely on when needed.


Have a safe and healthy winter season! Please feel free to contact us with ideas you may have for future blogs. Enjoy!


Laura Frost BSc., DVM Halton Equine Veterinary Services 905-659-4387 www.hevs.ca


Have a question or topic of inter- est? Send us a message on Face- book to Halton Equine Veterinary Services. Visit www.hevs.ca


McGUIRE


• Consider a CBC/Profile and Wellness Exam by your veteri- narian. • Walk your fence line to ensure it is in good repair and free of debris such as fallen branches and that electrical fences if used are working. • Consider either removing shoes or have your farrier apply snow pads to avoid pack- ing of snow in the foot.


• If your horse is wearing a blanket, make sure to check his/her body weight regularly to monitor body condition. Ensure the blanket is fitted properly and in good repair and waterproofed. • Body clipping may be con- sidered to allow a quicker cool down following exercise. Clip- ping will make it a necessity to wear a blanket.


Endurance Canada Awards Now Open for Nominations


Ottawa, ON, Nov. 5, 2015 — Endurance Canada is pleased to announce that nomi- nations are officially being accepted for the following awards:


Endurance Canada Hall of Fame The Hall of Fame Award is presented


to a member of the Canadian endurance community in recognition of long-term commitment, active involvement, and out- standing contributions to Endurance Cana- da and the sport of endurance riding in Canada.


Ron Janzen Memorial Trophy The Ron Janzen Memorial Trophy is


given to the Endurance Canada member who best displays the same goals, vision and ethics as the late Ron Janzen. A superb athlete who dedicated much of his time to the sport of long distance riding in Canada and internationally, Janzen passed away on Jan. 6, 2008 at the age of 52, leaving behind his loving wife, Christine and children, Brett and Jaylene.


• Willing to help others. • Devoted to assisting with the manage- ment of competitions sanctioned by Endurance Canada. • Highly knowledgeable about the sport passionate about sharing knowledge with those new to the sport. • Young at Heart • The Young at Heart Award is presented to the Endurance Canada member who has shown the following characteristics over the past year: • Dedicated to helping and supporting youth in becoming more involved in the sport of endurance riding. • Committed to assisting youth who are currently in the sport through sponsorship or financial support. • Proven ability to be a positive role model and mentor for youth. This includes edu- cating youth, not only about the sport, but also about life lessons.


Janzen Memorial Trophy should display some or all of the following qualities: • Dedicated to volunteering time, effort and energy to better the sport of endurance in Canada.


Candidates nominated for the Ron


Youth Appreciation The Youth Appreciation Award is a


certificate of appreciation based on the fol- lowing criteria:


• Willingness to sponsor juniors at rides. Mentorship through education of youth at rides. • Support of young riders through trailer- ing, lending horses, crewing at youth events, etc.


pleted forms can be sent to Wendy Gayfer by email at wgayfer@equinecanada.ca, mail 100-308 Legget Drive, Ottawa, ON K2K 1Y6, or faxed to 613-248-3484. The deadline to submit nominations is Dec. 15, 2015.


Nomination forms for all awards can be found on the EC website HERE. Com-


receiving nominations. If you have any questions around the Endurance Canada awards, please contact Wendy Gayfer by email at wgayfer@equinecanada.ca or by phone toll free 1-866-282-8395 x 125.


Endurance Canada looks forward to


FENCING LIMITED


• Specializing in Farms • All Styles of Fencing • Installed & Repaired


(705) 435-2770 www.mcguirefencing.com


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