Winter brings a special set of challenges and joys for horse owners. As the temperature drops and snow blankets the ground, our equine friends require extra attention and care to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Here are some tips for this winter on how to love your horse during the winter months, with a particular focus on the important topic of clipping, grooming, feeding and exercising your horse, to help regulate body temperature.
Horse Tips For This Winter No1 - Daily Grooming and Check-ups
Winter coats are thick and can easily hide skin conditions, cuts, or injuries. Make daily grooming sessions a habit to not only keep your horse clean but also to inspect for any signs of discomfort or health issues. Use a soft body brush to remove dirt and mud on the body cause your horse will love you for that, over a hard dandy brush that can be uncomfortable for sensitive horses. Also pay attention to sensitive areas like the legs and belly where moisture can accumulate.
Hooves Ensure your farrier is booked for a trim or full set replacement every 6 weeks. Pick out the feet daily to prevent fungus getting into the sole and frog. At this time of the year hooves get a battering due to the cold muddy conditions, so when hosing feet ensure the heels are towelled dry otherwise mud fever could creep in.
Mud fever and rainscald are different names for the same bacterial infection, caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. Mud fever is most common in the bulbs of your horse's heels and the back of his pasterns, while rainscald is typically found along the topline, although it can occur anywhere on their body. But the good news is that, with some simple preventative measures, like frequently washing the areas in Equaderm Shampoo, you can help reduce the risk to your horse.
Horse Tips For Winter No 2 - Proper Nutrition and Hydration
Ensure your horse has access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. In cold weather, horses might drink less, so monitor their intake closely. As the weather gets colder, it's comforting to know your horse has a full belly, but what's the right thing to feed him?
Probably the most important part of any horse's diet is the forage he eats and whether your forage choice is hay, haylage or grass, it can make up to 100% of his diet.
Adjust their diet to provide more roughage, such as hay, which helps generate heat during digestion. Consult with your vet to determine if any supplements are necessary to maintain their overall health through the winter. By choosing to feed a good-quality balancer, you'll be able to take control of your horse's diet, and ensure that his vitamin and mineral requirements are met.
Skin
Run your hands along your horse’s coat to check for any lumps or bumps. If you are a freelance groom, ensure all your clipping equipment is disinfected before moving onto your next client. Use the Clipit Ice Care Spray to clean and disinfect your blades to stop cross contamination. It only takes 1 minute to sterilise.
Teeth
The New Year is always a good time to get your dentist out to check and rasp your horse’s teeth. If you discover your horse could be dropping his food or hay, this can be caused through rough edges that require rasping.
Vaccination As we all lead busy lives it is wise to pop your vaccination date into your diary otherwise you could find yourself having to restart treatment all over again. New Year is when most competition horses are injected as it’s a quiet time of the year.
If you feel there is something wrong with your horse, we would always recommend you seek advice from your vet.
Horse Tip No.3 - Clipping Considerations
Clipping is a controversial topic among horse owners during winter. Some horses, especially those in heavy work, benefit from clipping to prevent overheating during exercise. However, clipping removes the natural insulation of their winter coat, leaving them vulnerable to cold temperatures. However, in an environment of rugs and exercise regimes, it can sometimes be easier and more practical to clip all or part of it off.
Types of Clipping:
Full Body Clip: Removes all hair, suitable for horses in heavy work or those that tend to sweat excessively.
Blanket Clip: Leaves hair over the back and quarters, providing some insulation while allowing for cooling during exercise.
Trace Clip: Removes hair only from areas where the horse sweats the most, such as under the neck and belly.
Tips for Clipping:
Timing: Clip early in the season to allow the horse's coat to grow back before temperatures drop significantly.
Aftercare: Use blankets to keep your clipped horse warm, especially during turnout or when temperatures are low.
Monitor Temperature: Regularly check your horse's body temperature and behaviour to ensure they are comfortable after clipping.
Wear a Clipit Suit overall, as clipped hair is very difficult to remove from fabric, particularly fleece. Plus also take off rings and other jewellery to save them from getting covered in clipper oil, and sturdy, rubber-soled boots will protect and insulate your feet.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Even in winter, horses need regular exercise to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. If weather conditions allow, continue riding or lunging your horse. Exercise helps maintain muscle tone and circulation, which are essential for overall well-being. If outdoor riding isn’t possible, consider hand-walking or setting up an indoor arena for exercise.
Conclusion
Loving your horse in winter goes beyond basic care; it involves understanding their unique needs during this challenging season. Whether you decide to clip or not, prioritise your horse’s comfort, health, and mental well-being. By providing proper nutrition, shelter, grooming, and possibly considering clipping as part of their winter care routine, you can ensure your horse stays healthy, happy, and ready to enjoy the season alongside you.
Remember, each horse is different, so tailor your care approach to suit their individual needs. With attention to detail and a commitment to their well-being, you’ll strengthen the bond with your horse and make the most of winter together.
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