WITH freezing temperatures and snowfall across some areas of the country this week, it is a testing time for horse owners and horses alike. Ensuring your horse is kept warm and safe during this time can be a challenge. Below are some tips to get you through the cold snap.

Turnout

Horses living outdoors should have access to adequate shelter during very cold spells and if possible, consider stabling them on nights where very low temperatures and snowfall are forecast.

Stabled horses should have a deep bed to protect from any draughts. If you are putting on a rug for the first time, make sure your horse’s coat is fully dry first.

You should avoid turning out horses in fields with open water sources as they may fall in if they can’t see the area because it is frozen and covered in a layer of snow.

Do not ignore a horse that is shivering; bring them into a shelter, dry them and rug them once they are dry.

It is a good idea to have a thermometer handy if you are worried about your horse being too cold. 37.2C to 38C is a normal temperature for an adult horse. Anything less than 37C along with shivering could mean your horse has hypothermia.

Exercise

If you are fortunate enough to have an all-weather surface, this will prove invaluable for continuing your horse’s exercise regime throughout the cold snap. Oiling your horse’s feet before exercise will help prevent snow and ice from getting trapped in the hoof. Have a hoof pick handy so you can remove any snow or ice should it build up during your ride.

If your horse is clipped it is a good idea to use an exercise sheet until they have warmed up.

Extend your normal warm-up time as the lower temperatures mean it will take longer for your horse’s muscles to warm up. Make sure you cool down and dry off your horse thoroughly after work.

Dress yourself in layers that can be easily removed as you warm up during your session.

A cold bit can be uncomfortable for your horse, so keep your bridle in the house or warm it up with your hands before you put it in your horse’s mouth.

Remember that riding in the snow is harder work for the horse than travelling on bare ground. Plan your time in the saddle and adjust the workload accordingly.

Feeding

Feeding fibre is the best way to keep your horse warm during cold weather. Increase your horse’s daily intake in the form of good quality hay, haylage or alfalfa.

Keep an eye on older horses as they may struggle in the cold, especially if they have dental problems and are finding it hard to eat the extra hay.

You can also increase your horse’s concentrates intake, but this is not as effective as feeding fibre when the aim is to keep your horse warm.

Water

You will need to keep your water troughs free of ice so that your horse can drink throughout the day.

Once you’ve broken and removed the ice, add a bucket of hot water as horses can be reluctant to drink freezing water.

Increased hay consumption and decreased water intake can cause issues such as colic. It is important to check your horse’s water source twice daily, especially during cold spells.

Consider giving your horse access to a trace mineral salt block through the winter months to increase their water consumption.

Leaving a football or tennis ball in the water trough can help avoid it freezing over fully. Remember to avoid the use of antifreeze as it is toxic to animals.

If your horse is stabled with an automatic drinker keep a close eye that it is still refilling as the pipes may have frozen. Leave a bucket of warm water in the stable with your horse in case the drinker freezes.

Yard

Grit areas that you need to walk on or your horse needs to walk on to prevent you or the horse slipping.

Sand or salt can provide extra grip but be careful if you keep dogs as this can irritate their paws.