Winter Tips continued....
chanical ventilation in the form of fans and air exchange systems to ensure adequate air move- ment for horse health. 9. Inspect Fences & Gates: When the weath- er is good, walk your fence lines and check for any loose boards or electric fencing connectors. Changing temperatures can make already compromised fencing hardware fail and need replacing.
Check temporary
posts that may shift with freeze and thawing of ground and install gate latches that can be easily used in icy weather. 10. Control Pests: Cold
headed” horses and/or digestive issues. 2. Blankets may or may not be needed de- pending on the overall health and condition of your horse. Te American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends blanket- ing decisions be based on each horse’s unique
TIP: Blanketing Guide Temperature Unclipped 50-60 F 30-40 F 10-20 F
no blanket lite sheet
weather brings some relief from flies, but rodents are even more likely to seek shelter and food in barn areas. Store feed in rodent proof containers and sweep up spilled feed daily. Secure blankets, saddle pads, and other tack in rodent proof storage as well to prevent nesting and damage.
TIPS FOR YOUR HORSE
1. Adjust feed and forage if needed to keep horses at their ideal weight. It is recommended to increase forage during the winter months due to the lack of nutrients in pasture grass. Too much additional grain could lead to “hot
below 0 F
Clipped lite sheet
medium blanket heavy blanket heavy blanket
needs, determined by age, health, body con- dition, shelter access, and activity load. If you do start blanketing, it should be continued throughout the season. It’s always a good idea to have a spare of each blanket weight ready to go in case you need to have one cleaned, repaired, or changed out due to getting wet. Remember that horses who are not ridden dur- ing winter should still have blankets removed weekly for grooming and to check for weight changes, blanket rubs, skin issues, etc.
3. Wet blankets should be removed and re- medium blanket heavy blanket w/liner Te above blanket guide is based on several sources including FarmVet, Schniders & SmartPak.
placed immediately, and wet or sweaty horses should be dry before putting blankets back on. 4. If using a blanket, be sure to choose the blanket weight based on the anticipated high- est temperature of the day. Sweating under a blanket can cause chills when the temperature drops again. 5. Tere is an increased risk of colic during the winter months due to many factors including fluctuating tem- peratures, reduced movement, and frozen water sources. Te more a horse stays hydrated and moving, the less likely the horse is to colic, so consider keeping your horses outside on pastures with access to fresh
water as often as possible. 6. Consider adding warm water to your
horse’s feed on very cold days/nights, however, a bran mash should only be given if your horse is used to having bran as part of its regular diet. 7. Horses need longer to cool down when ex-
ercised during cold weather. Walk for at least 10 to 15 minutes at the end of a ride to allow the heat built up in the horse’s muscles to dissipate. 8. When finishing a ride, be sure to cover
continued...
Through XC AND XDERBY COURSE SCHOOLING OPEN Mar 11 Jan 11-12
2025 Winter - Spring DAILY BY APPOINTMENT, CALL 301-514-0111
Feb 15-16 Hot Pink XDerby (Weather Permitting) Mar 8-9
Rainbow Rooster Farm at Southwind Bethesda Church Road, Damascus, MD
Boarding: Stall & Field Board Training
50 Acres - Lush Pastures Indoor Arena • 2 Outdoor Arenas
XC Jumps • Trail Access • Hot/Cold Wash Stalls Onsite Owner & Manager
Bring Your Trainer or Use One of Ours Updated Footing in All Arenas
Owner: Felicia Balzano
Dressage & Eventing Instruction/Training Call/Text 301-253-9417
or email
rainbowroosterfarm@gmail.com
Mar 9-11 William Fox-Pitt Clinic Mar 22-23 MDHT Highland Series Horse Trials April 4
Pop Rock XDerby (Weather Permitting) Go Green XDerby
Pick Your Test/Pick Your Time Dressage & Blue Ribbon SJ Rounds
April 12-13 MDHT Highland Series Horse Trials April 19-20 Loch Moy Dressage Spring Flings 1 & 2 April 21-22 Lucinda Green Succeed XC 2 Day Master Class April 23
May 10-11 PVDA Spring Dressage Show May 14 May 24
Twilight Eventing Twilight Eventing
YEH Qualifier
May 24-25 MDHT Highland Series Horse Trials May 31-June 1 Loch Moy Dressage Festivals 1 & 2 June 14
Pick Your Test/Pick Your Time Dressage & Blue Ribbon SJ Rounds
June 27-29 USEA Maryland International & HT & Young Rider Championships SCHOOLING: Call or Text 301-514-0111 to schedule all schooling
Be A Volunteer! Visit
www.eventingvolunteers.com to learn more and sign up! Dates subject to change without notice, please check websites for up-to-date event information.
www.lochmoyfarm.com •
www.themarylandhorsetrials.com 301-514-0111 • 1235 Park Mills Road • Adamstown, MD
16 | JANUARY 2025 | THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION 800-244-9580 |
www.equiery.com
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