We’re always talking about appropriate winter care for our dogs and cats, but our other companion animal – horses – need special care during the cold weather too. Obviously, horses handle chilly temperatures better than dogs and cats, but paying attention to a few things will make winter more comfortable for your equine.
Equine veterinarians advise:
Most horses thrive in winter weather as long as they have access to ample water (not snow or ice), plenty of hay, and a simple shelter.
Shelter can be as simple as a line of trees that provides a windbreak and barrier for driving rain or snow. A three-sided shed gives the most protection from variable winds.
Horses use calories to maintain their body heat so it’s important to feed enough roughage to supply those calories. And, horses will often eat more hay in colder temperatures because digestion of the roughage releases heat and helps to keep them warm as well.
You’ll often see horses moving around to get warm. Their winter coats insulate them from most wind and moisture but when they get moving, they’re doing it to generate some heat.
To blanket or not to blanket – the question is bandied about by horse owners everywhere. Experts agree however, that if your horse has a good winter coat, receives plenty of roughage and water, and has enough room to move around to get warm, blanketing is not necessary – and may even cause problems.
Blanketed horses can develop sores from rubbing or even skin problems if they sweat and can’t dry out completely. If you do blanket your horse, be sure to check him out thoroughly every other day or so to catch any developing problems.
Keep these points in mind as you prepare for the winter with your horse. If you see a horse who may not be receiving care – or any domestic animal for that matter – please call the Peoria County Animal Protection Services so the animal can receive aid.