Keeping your horse healthy in the cold winter months can be a real challenge if you’re unprepared.
The cold weather introduces a number of problems for your horse. Not only do they find it difficult to stay warm, but there’s also the increased risk of health problems, such as potentially life-threatening colic.
Your horse care routine needs to change as winter draws in. Below, you’ll find 5 top tips for keeping your horse healthy and happy this winter.
1. Ensure water doesn’t freeze over
Extreme cold weather can cause your horse’s water to turn to ice, so you need to check that there’s plenty of fresh drinking water available regularly.
If the water has frozen over, your horse could develop impaction colic. It’s possible to buy heaters that fit on to water troughs and other water sources — if you live in an area that tends to experience temperatures that are below freezing then it’s well worth the investment.
2. Get them moving
You might think you’re doing your horse a favour by keeping him shut away all winter. But just like humans, they need regular exercise if they are to stay healthy.
If you can’t ride due to poor weather conditions, make sure you at least turn your horse out in a large paddock for daily exercise.
3. Be wary of overheating
When the weather is bitterly cold, it’s easy to think you’re protecting your horse by layering him up with blankets. The trouble is, if he already has a natural winter coat and you are keeping him stabled in the winter, he will already have plenty of protection against the cold. Adding extra blankets could cause overheating, which in turn can lead to dehydration — a cause of various other illnesses.
If you’re keeping a rug over the horse all winter you’ll need to check for signs of lumps and potential skin issues underneath at least once a week. Above all else, it’s important not to overdo it when trying to keep your horse warm as it can have negative effects on their health and you do them more harm than good.
4. Keep the stable well ventilated
Keeping the stable closed off with little ventilation may keep your horse warm, but it does pose a few potential problems. One particular problem is the fact it can increase your horses exposure to allergens and dust. Making sure your stable is well ventilated will ensure they have a constant supply of fresh air.
5. Keep up regular grooming
Just because the weather is colder doesn’t mean you should slack off when it comes to grooming. You’ll still need to brush and clean your horse’s hooves — this also gives you the chance to check for any signs of illness.
If you’re worried about the cost of caring for your horse, you could always see if you’re eligible for a 0% interest credit card. This will allow you to repay the debt without charging interest. Remember though, that 0% interest periods are only set for a certain time and after that period you will start accruing debt.
First of all you will need to check you credit score, so visit http://www.creditexpert.co.uk to get a copy of your credit report.
Sources
http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/10-winter-mistakes.aspx
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31225/five-tips-to-keep-horses-healthier-this-winter
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