Post by cutiepiepmu on Dec 12, 2008 7:00:47 GMT -5
Well - with the COLD weather headed our way it is time to do a little prep to make sure that your horses stay happy, healthy and colic free 
FIRST - Blankets- most horses in this area are not used to extreme cold. So, even if you don't normally blanket and your horse has a good thick coat - it is STILL a good idea to put a waterproof, warm blanket on your horses for at LEAST the night time. The added warmth will keep your horse more comfortable and happy.
Second - WATER! it is common for horses to not drink nearly enough during cold weather. There are several ways to assist to make sure your kid doesn't end up with impaction colic because they get dehydrated. 1st - warm up the water a little. Use a tank heater or give a bucket of warm water for them to drink. ALSO - add a little extra salt to each meal. adding a teaspoon of plain white salt to each meal can encourage drinking.
Third - Give your buddy a hot, wet meal. Even if you don't normally feed a warm dinner - most horses like it and it helps warm them up inside. Use Grass hay pellets or even alfalfa cubes. Add LOTS of hot water to make a hot mash - you can add a little salt, some carrots, apples, and possibly a couple of tablespoons of molasses(for the non-cushings/IR group!) Some horses like some oats in it as well. Feeding a pound of pellets soaked and warm is a wonderful thing!
Fourth - remember - feed MORE during cold weather. It takes alot of calories for your buddy to stay warm. Even if they have a dry barn to sleep in - feeding extra hay will give the needed calories to help them keep warm. AND although you may be tempted to give your horse a big helping of extra grain - DONT. In colder weather forage will provide the needed heat, and won't risk colic the way the grains can.
With a little prep your horse will have a happy romp in the snow and enjoy the little cold snap. Also - if you plan to go for a snowy trail ride (One of my favorites) remember it is EXTREMELY important to completely cool your horses down so tha they are fully dry before turning out. Otherwise they risk catching a chill!!
Enjoy the snow all!!!
Sara
FIRST - Blankets- most horses in this area are not used to extreme cold. So, even if you don't normally blanket and your horse has a good thick coat - it is STILL a good idea to put a waterproof, warm blanket on your horses for at LEAST the night time. The added warmth will keep your horse more comfortable and happy.
Second - WATER! it is common for horses to not drink nearly enough during cold weather. There are several ways to assist to make sure your kid doesn't end up with impaction colic because they get dehydrated. 1st - warm up the water a little. Use a tank heater or give a bucket of warm water for them to drink. ALSO - add a little extra salt to each meal. adding a teaspoon of plain white salt to each meal can encourage drinking.
Third - Give your buddy a hot, wet meal. Even if you don't normally feed a warm dinner - most horses like it and it helps warm them up inside. Use Grass hay pellets or even alfalfa cubes. Add LOTS of hot water to make a hot mash - you can add a little salt, some carrots, apples, and possibly a couple of tablespoons of molasses(for the non-cushings/IR group!) Some horses like some oats in it as well. Feeding a pound of pellets soaked and warm is a wonderful thing!
Fourth - remember - feed MORE during cold weather. It takes alot of calories for your buddy to stay warm. Even if they have a dry barn to sleep in - feeding extra hay will give the needed calories to help them keep warm. AND although you may be tempted to give your horse a big helping of extra grain - DONT. In colder weather forage will provide the needed heat, and won't risk colic the way the grains can.
With a little prep your horse will have a happy romp in the snow and enjoy the little cold snap. Also - if you plan to go for a snowy trail ride (One of my favorites) remember it is EXTREMELY important to completely cool your horses down so tha they are fully dry before turning out. Otherwise they risk catching a chill!!
Enjoy the snow all!!!
Sara
