Your Winter Horse Care Guide: Safety, Riding, and Shelter
As the seasons transition, horse owners face a multitude of challenges. From managing mud and ice, to shelter and protection, all while still trying to enjoy time with their companion. Taking precautions and checking important items consistently will allow you to still enjoy being a horse owner while maintaining their safety.
Keeping Horses Safe with Winter Mud and Ice Management
The first issue you will most likely encounter as the seasons change is mud. It is common to develop mud around high traffic areas such as your feeders, waterers, and gates. Even though your horse should generally be able to escape these muddy areas (if they have adequate space), you may consider putting down rock on them. Rock will be able to withstand the heavy traffic, allow drainage, and help prevent mud and erosion. Whether you lay down rock or not, you will still need to check your horse’s legs on a regular basis in order to remove any excess mud to avoid fungal or bacterial infections.
As the temperatures begin to drop more, you will also have to check for any ice chunks that could build up in your horse’s hooves, causing them to walk on their toes. This is not good for their tendons, ligaments, or muscles and need to be removed as soon as they appear. Unfortunately, areas in and around barns and fields are unusually slick and can cause accidents leading to injuries. These ice prone areas should be closely monitored and sprinkled with sand when needed.
For any extremely muddy or icy areas in your field or lot, you may consider fencing them off completely to avoid infections or slippage.
Riding or Training Horses in the Winter
If you plan to ride or work your horse during the winter months, it’s important to pay close attention to the details, starting with planning additional time for proper care both before and after the session.
When it comes to bits, these should be warmed prior to insertion in the horse’s mouth. The bit should no longer be cold to the touch before asking the horse to accept it.
In addition, horses that sweat during winter rides need to be dried out completely before turning them back out. A thick winter coat can hold moisture for a long time and drying it can be a time-consuming task. Drying with a towel or applying a water-wicking cooler may help speed up the process. Once the horse is dry, fluff up their hair before turning them out, this will aid the insulating effectiveness of their coat.
Winter Shelter and Protection from the Elements for Horses
Horses need shelter from the elements, especially when the wind is howling and it’s below zero. Trees and low places act as a natural wind barrier and can provide some protection from the elements, but a three-sided constructed shelter provides the best protection from winter precipitation. It’s also important to ensure the shelter offers adequate space for the number of horses, allowing for their natural behavior and accommodating the hierarchy so that even the lowest horse in the pecking order can benefit from the shelter. In larger herd, more than one shelter may be required.
Many horse owners choose to blanket their horses during the winter months. A horse living outside that doesn't grow a thick winter coat could benefit from a blanket especially during cold snaps or inclement weather. Additionally, horses that don't have access to man-made shelter will benefit from a proper turnout blanket during inclement weather.
Winter horse care requires diligent attention, but if you take the right proactive measures, you can navigate the challenges of the colder months while still enjoying the companionship of your equine friend. Remember, a little extra effort in preparation and maintenance can go a long way in keeping your horse safe, healthy, and happy throughout the winter season.