Keeping your horse warm in the winter months
Caring for your horse throughout the winter months requires expertise, perseverance and commitment. Whilst many horses and ponies have a natural ‘hardiness’ to adverse weather conditions, they will require good nutrition, adequate shelter, appropriate pasture management and visits from you to keep them going when it gets colder and wintry.
Horses and ponies need extra care in the winter months
A good working routine is to be encouraged during the winter months – this may vary to your usual one. Don’t forget even though the temperature drops, your horse will require regular visits and care.
If you don’t have the time to spare, you might consider getting someone else to look after him for the cold spell. This will ensure he gets the care he requires. Putting him into a stable where a care package is provided will relieve you of the pressure, certainly in relation to routine feeding, exercise etc, so it is worth considering.
Have you considered getting your horse stabled during the winter months? This is an option if you don’t have the additional time he will require.
Can you do it yourself?
Not all horses are brought in for the entire winter and many owners decide to do all of the caring themselves. If this is you, make sure your horse has adequate shelter in case the weather turns extremely cold. Remember too he will still need to get out into his paddock for exercise, etc.
Prepare his stable so that he has access to a clean, warm and well ventilated space that is free from drafts.
Cool him down
Cool down your horse properly after your ride. Even though it’s winter, this is a time when your horse could catch a chill given he has gone from being hot, to cold very quickly. You need to cool him down as well as taking other precautions before stabling him.
You may need to use a different horse rug to keep him warm in the winter. Stable blankets are ideal for a clipped horse to wear in a stable during this season to keep the chill off. Alternatively a turn-out blanket provides additional insulation. Beware, however, not to make your horse too warm. Their natural coat is a wonderful insulator in its own right.
Don’t forget to ride him each day – he will still need this even though it’s more difficult for you. Take care of his hooves too.
Many find that the R188 Rastrick combo Turnout Rug by Whitaker is a perfect way of keeping their horse warm in the winter. This is a removable neck combo rug, has a 250g fill, soft polyester lining, 2 x front trigger clip fastenings.
Shorter, colder days add to the complication of winter care so be prepared for them.
Arrange emergency back-up in case inclement weather means you can’t get to your horse.
Make sure your horse always has clean water to drink – this can freeze over during the winter.
Wet cold is worse than dry cold for horses generally. A waterproof rug is, therefore, a good investment.
Your horse’s natural forage is mostly unavailable during the winter, so stick with good quality hay as his main diet. You can supplement this with high fibre foods if you wish. Be careful, however, not to over-feed him.
Warm the bit before you tack up.
Your horse is your best friend and companion, so be prepared to put in extra hours over the winter to make sure he stays happy, healthy and ready for Spring!
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John Whitaker and the Whitaker family are well known in the equine industry, particularly within the show jumping circuit. The exclusive Whitaker brand of equestrian clothing and products, including Brogini riding boots, are available through John Whitaker International (JWI). Combining superior quality with exceptional performance, the Whitaker brand has earned the respect of both amateur and professional riders across the globe.
