Caring for Horses in Winter

Horse ownership is rewarding in numerous ways, but it comes with its challenges, too. Winter can be the time of the year when most of those challenges arise.

If you’re wondering how to care for horses during the coldest time of the year, you’ll want to download this FREE e-book, Caring for Horses in Winter. 

The six-page “Caring for Horses in Winter” covers:

• Blanketing horses in winter
• What to feed horses in winter
• Tips for winter hoof care
• Considerations for shelters

Many horse owners ask the question of “to blanket or not to blanket?” This FREE e-book will equip you with the knowledge to decide what is best for your horse.

Caring for Horses in Winter also addresses the importance of grain and hay, depending on your horse. Busting ice in water buckets and troughs is no picnic for winter horse care, so this FREE e-book examines options for watering your horse.

In this e-book, you’ll also gain insight on hoof care for winter horseback riding, plus shelter options for a wide array of management styles.

Download the "Caring for Horses in Winter" eBook

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Feeding Horses in Winter

• If a horse tends to lose weight in the winter, increasing his body condition score by one point could be beneficial. Monitor your horse in the fall and spring to establish your plan of action to maintain his winter BCS. 
• Always float teeth and deworm several weeks before winter.
• Exercise tends to be limited in the winter. Watch easy-keepers to make sure they don’t reach an unhealthy body condition score.

Water 

• Horses drink an average of 10-12 gallons of water per day. Fresh water should be available at all times. Break ice several times a day if heated water tanks are not an option.
• If a horse goes off feed, check his water. Horses will not eat if they are thirsty.

Roughage/Forage 

• A horse’s energy requirements increase by 1 percent for every degree below 16 F. Digesting forage creates more heat than digesting grain, so provide ample hay when conditions are harsh.
• Remember, during the winter months, pasture sources decrease.
• When selecting a quality roughage or forage, make sure it is clean, dust- and mold-free, of necessary nutritional value and free from contaminants.
• Test the protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and energy to assist in properly balancing your horse’s diet.
• Feed as often as possible and no less than two or three times per day, since horses require roughage continually and regularly.

Quality Feed and Feed Supplements 

• Supplement your horse’s daily roughage or forage intake with a quality feed that will sufficiently balance out the protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and energy.
• Some horses also require feed supplements during the winter, such as minerals, vitamins or micro-nutrients.