Horses can become a bit excitable as the
days become cooler
Winter health for horses
Whether it’s preparing for the forage shortage, overhauling your worming routine or getting your saddle fit checked, we’ve rounded up some of the key considerations ahead of this winter. With the extreme weather we’ve had all year, who knows what’s to be expected in the coming months so be prepared.
Winter forage End of life planning
Without a doubt the most important part of our horses’ diets, forage this winter could be thin on the ground after many of us were forced to dip into winter forage stocks early during the summer heatwave. It may be necessary to consider alternative options, such as chaffs or pelleted forage – which can be fed straight or soaked, ideal for horses with dental issues or just to offer a warm mash (when made with hot water) during the colder days. As well as keeping their digestive system healthy, forage is the best ‘central heating’ you can give your horse as the process of digestion, creates heat from within.
Ice
Whether your horse is young or old, experiencing an equine’s end of life at some point is likely. Planning the end is an essential part of being a responsible owner; at what will be a difficult time, it will be even harder to consider the method of euthanasia if you get the choice (injection, bolt gun), where it should happen (in the stable, in the field), and what will happen to your horse’s body (cremation, burial, disposal).
Finer types and clipped horses may need rugging
it’s important to regularly check and clear hooves (at least twice a day).
Stock up now on salt for the yard in preparation for icy mornings. Lay the salt the evening before to stop walkways becoming
slippy.Clearing water drinkers of ice and snow is time consuming but essential. Use a hammer and colander to make things easier or consider investing in a bucket insulator or make your own with straw or old duvets. Finally, prevent snow from balling in your horse’s feet by applying some oil into the soles. Ice ‘high heels’ could put them at risk of tendon and ligament damage, or bruising, so
Nutrition
slow release energy in small amounts – ideal for poor doers and elderly veterans who need to maintain or gain weight.
As well as forage, some horses may need a bit more support through the winter to maintain optimum health and condition. It is natural and part of a healthy cycle for horses to drop some weight over the winter months however if you own a poor doer, you may need to provide extra support through a bucket feed and/or supplements.
Adding oil to feed can help provide vital extra calories and
22 OCTOBER 2018 | For advertising telephone 01380 734373 Test for worms
Take time to prepare by planning the method, who will do it and what should happen afterwards – be sure to share your plan with others at the yard or whoever might be looking after your horse if you’re not there.
Regular health checks
Worm egg counts should form part of your yearly management routine. During the winter however, horse owners should carry out a worm egg count and worm for possible encysted redworm even if the count is clear as encysted redworm won’t show up on an egg count.
Remember to poo pick regularly (at least twice a week) and rotate fields to allow grazing to rest.
Whether your horse is showing signs of ill health or not, regular health checks by a vet, dentist and farrier are essential. Many vets offer annual plans which can include routine treatment and routine dental checks – usually a more economical option. Contact your vet practice to see what they can offer.
Heat control
With winter comes the old ‘to rug or not to rug’ debate and if
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