Winter is just around the corner, and it is time to start
thinking about how you are going to keep your horse in top health during the
season. There are many aspects to your horse management, nutritional and
veterinary health programs that should be assessed prior to the onset of cold
weather. Here are 5 tips that may help you “winterize” your horse and get your
management practices geared up for the weather changes ahead.
1. Water, Water, Water.
Providing a clean, abundant water source in the winter can
be a real challenge. But adequate water intake is especially critical in the
winter as dry cold air can cause a horse to dehydrate quickly and additional hay
intake increases the horse’s need for water. Most instances of impaction colic
occur in the winter and the middle of summer because this is when horses are
most likely to not consume enough water which compromises gut motility, fiber
digestion and the movement of manure through the small colon. Consider adding
Purina® HyrdaSalt® supplement to your horses’ daily
ration to encourage maximum water intake. Be sure your horse always has easy
access to water; avoid overflowing your water troughs and creating ice around
them; and make sure tank heaters are in good working order and that electrical
cords are out of reach of the horses. Some horses have a strong preference for
a particular water temperature. Water that is too cold or too warm may make horses
back off from drinking. Providing water at the horses’ preferred temperature
range will help to encourage drinking.
