What do you do for your winter horse keeping? The Horse.Com has an awesome slide show that goes over a number of tips for making sure your four-hoofed friends stay healthy and happy during the cold season. Here’s are some of their tips:
- Provide plenty of hay for forage. Horses need more forage to keep warm in winter.
- Provide adequate shelter. It’s best if they can get completely out of any wind and rain.
- Keep your paddocks clean to avoid a mess during the spring thaw.
- Add sand for traction, especially on icy patches.
- Make sure your water sources are ice-free and, if possible, use a heated water source for your paddocks.
- Use a good turnout blanket. The higher the denier, the sturdier it will be.
- If you are continuing with a rigorous program, you should probably body clip your horse so the sweat doesn’t build up when you are working during the winter months.
- Use a cooler to keep your horse warm after working and to wick moisture away.
- Have your horses go barefoot to prevent ice and snow buildup in hooves.
- Fence off any standing water so horses don’t venture onto ice and fall in.
What other tips do you have for your own winter horse keeping?
Round 2 Thoroughbred Horse Show 