4 Ways To Keep Your Horse Comfortable This Winter
In the winter, when it gets really cold outside, make sure that you make modifications to the way that you feed and take care of your horse to help them do well in the cold weather.
Increase Their Food
In the winter, your horse actually needs to eat more, not less. Your horse needs to eat more in the winter in order to keep warm. If you don't increase the amount of food that you feed your horse in the winter, your horse is going to lose weight and not be in as good of shape.
On the coldest days of the year, make sure that you head outside to give your horse a little extra food. Eating food that is high in fiber, such as hay or food gathered from your pasture, are the best types of food to feed your horse in the winter.
Heated Bucket
You want to make sure that your horse always has access to fresh water. One of the problems with water in the winter though is that a layer of ice can easily develop over the top of your exposed water buckets, making it impossible for your horse to get access to the water that they need.
The best way to get around the ice in your horse's water is by using a bucket heater or a safe bucker that will prevent ice from forming. Horse's seem to prefer slightly warmer water in the winter anyway, so heating up the bucket will produce water that is at an enjoyable temperature for your horse and, that will not freeze.
Access to Salt
Make sure that you continue to provide your horse with access to salt. Make sure that your horse can access the salt lick you have set up for them. If you put your horse in a different pasture or area in the winter, make sure that you install a salt lick. Horse's enjoy salt, and access to a salt lick helps your horse drink enough water as well.
Clean the Mud
It can be hard to avoid mud in the winter time. All of that perception creates mud. If possible, try to put your horse in a pasture that is not covered in mud. The key is to make sure that you clean mud off your horse on a regular basis. Mud can lead to bacterial and fungal infections when it is left on your horse for extended periods of time, so be sure to clean up your horse and make sure that their hooves and legs are free of mud.
In the winter, you need to increase the amount of food that you feed your horse so that your horse can stay warm and at a healthy weight. Make sure that your horse always has access to a salt lick and water. Mud is natural in the winter, just make sure that you clean off your horse's hooves and legs to fight back against infection. Contact a company like Alabama Performance Horse Services for more information and assistance.