How to Care for Your Horse in Winter

Your horse needs daily care and consistent routine throughout the year. This attention continues even in winter and, in some ways, may become even more important due to severe weather conditions and biting cold. As The Old Gray Mare often says, "You can park your boat in the winter and forget it, but a horse needs feed, hay, water and care each and every day of the year."

Those of us who are fortunate to have temperate climate during the winter months have an easier time of it than those living in the colder zones. For the purposes of this article, we'll focus on the colder climate care for horses.

Since we cannot merely "winterize and park" our horses, there are some basic facts to remember.

Water - Do not think your horse can get enough water from snow to maintain himself in good health. Each horse consumes at least 8 to 10 gallons of water daily. It is most important to keep fresh water in front of them at all times. If temperatures plummet to freezing or lower, keep the water from freezing. If that is not possible, find a way to replenish the drinking water several times daily to assure adequate water supply. Good horse health begins and ends with an available water supply. Never get lax in providing fresh, clean water to your horse.

Horse Nutrition - Each horse consumes an approximate average of 2%, plus or minus, of his body weight on a daily basis. Producing body heat and fighting the cold adds an extra burden on his constitution and, as you may well expect, requires more calories. However, you cannot just increase the amount of grain indiscriminately to accommodate this caloric increase. And, certainly, if it becomes necessary to augment his grain, use good racehorse oats. You could also feed a small scoop of crimped oats or very moist beet pulp.

The Old Gray Mare recommends a noon feeding of steamed racehorse oats. Our horses get a noontime feeding daily with their hay. It's very simple to steam oats. Put a coffee can (11 oz) of racehorse oats into a crock pot. Add water to completely cover the oats and add almost an inch more water. Cover and steam for 3 to 4 hours. Cool. Our horses enjoy the soft oats warm, like the temperature of a perfect bran mash. Into this mixture each horse gets his daily supplement (the appropriate measurement for his weight - we happen to love the bloom our horses get from Calf Manna.

Feed good quality horse hay adequate for your horse's weight. A horse generally consumes at least 15 to 20 pounds of hay. Instead of increasing the grain ration, you might consider adding a hay feeding during the day or increasing his hay ration. 

Shelter or Stall - If you pasture your horse even during the winter, he needs protection from the wind and weather. Left on his own, he would seek shelter under pine trees, boulders and natural outcroppings. However, a pastured horse cannot find adequate protection in a pasture and you will have to provide a shelter with at least three sides. It's even better if the shelter has a front with an open doorway. Here he can seek sanctuary as needed.

Horses that are stabled need circulating air or ventilation and clean bedding. Assure that he is never subject to excessive ammonia fumes from his soiled bedding. Clean solid manure as frequently as possible to provide clean conditions. All other safety measures that pertain to stabling a horse (safe latches on doors, protection on windows, no broken planking on the walls or floors, etc.) apply in the winter just as in summer.

Exercise - Never forget to exercise your horse, especially in winter. The cold weather puts an extra "zap" into most horses. It is ill advised to let your horse "cooped up" in his stall without exercise. You're just asking for trouble if you cannot get him out for a brisk ride or short lunge. Obviously, if you have ready access to an indoor arena, consider yourself fortunate and work your horse regularly to keep his muscles toned. Never, never overwork your horse in winter and keep him toasty warm after any exercise, and remove his water supply until he is totally cooled off.

If you must use a path or outdoor area and it has iced over, the conditions are too dangerous to work the horse. Then it's the lead rope and long hand walks. Imagine that - both of you will get into great shape!

Liberty - If you have a ring, round pen or paddock, turn out your horse whenever possible to burn off extra energy. He'll appreciate it and you can stay and watch him play. Here it is also important not to just turn a horse out at liberty if he's been "hanging out" in his stall for any length of time - his exuberance at being out and his energy can get him into trouble. It is wise to give him a short lunge first to work off that excess zap.

Grooming - Yes it's cold and miserable. Yet it is a wonderful treat for your horse to get his regular curry and grooming. Perhaps the greatest benefit you get from this personal care of your horse is the bond - next to providing food and water for your horse, The Old Gray Mare firmly believes grooming, talking to your horse and touching him is the greatest bond. He loves it and probably tells you how much - watch him.

Hoof Care - In winter, your horse is subject to ground moisture if he is pastured, or an increase in soiled bedding if he is stabled. Don't forget to care for his hooves and keep your farrier on schedule.

The Boarded Horse - Stay in your horse's brain. Don't desert him because it is cold and you're not riding him. Visit him regularly, love him up, pat him, bring him his favorite treats and give him a good brushing. Smooch him and tell him how great he really is!

And that's all there is to it. Not much different than in the summer but very important. Most of all, keep your bond with your horse and enjoy him in spring, summer, fall AND winter.

This article is written by The Old Gray Mare™ of DressYourHorse.com™ and FantasyKritters.com™.