Ad: Winter is coming, and we equestrians know exactly what Ned Stark meant by saying this. The slippery snow is quite dangerous for our horses, the water supply is tricky, and you constantly have to get rid of all the snow in the yard. Well, the outlook isn’t great, that’s true, but we’ve prepared some useful tips to help you get through the upcoming winter.
Table of Contents
Feed
The most important feed for horses is forage, such as hay and haylage. Especially in the winter months, forage should be available at all times. Long breaks without eating areharmful to their digestive system and psycological needs. Additionally, the energy requirements of horses are higher in winter, as the energy they get from their feed converts into body heat. So, the colder the temperatures, the higher the energy requirement.
Because of the weather we’ve had in the UK this year, the hay meadows has been struggling to grow and owners have been unable to get a reliable supply that’s good in quality and consistent between deliveries. Some horses, especially older horses or those who are more vulnerable, can really struggle and suffer because of this. Thunderbrook Hay Flakes, Hay Cobs, Meadow Nuts, and Organic Meadow Nuts can all be fed as partial or full forage replacement options; guaranteeing quality, consistency, simple goodness, all with low and safe sugar and starch levels.
Thunderbrook Hay Flakes 20kg
Thunderbrook Hay Flakes are a quick-soaking, high-fibre forage alternative that softens in just 5 minutes, making it an easy-to-digest option especially ideal for senior horses and those with dental challenges.
Thunderbrook Gentle Gain 20kg
Thunderbrook Gentle Gain provides a natural, grain-free and alfalfa-, molasses-, soya- and beet-pulp-free solution for horses struggling to maintain body condition, using high-quality ricebran protein and nutrient-rich sainfoin to support healthy weight gain without compromising metabolic health.
Discover Thunderbrook Nutrition
Natural, science-led feeds and supplements formulated to support your horse’s health and wellbeing.
Water
And then there’s the water problem. It is frozen in an instant, and the horses can’t drink from the trough or the automatic waterer. Modern barns switched
to heated water pipes so that the auto waterers don’t freeze. It can be a real time saver to make sure your tap and hose are insulated before the cold sets in, as this can help to avoid them being frozen and unusable when you arrive to the yard on a crisp winter morning. We’ve probably all carried a dozen water buckets in our life, and, seriously, no one wants to do that multiple times a day for ten or more horses. However, if you have uninsulated water pipes you must be aware of the fact that they burst very quickly after a freeze. That means, it can be safer to cut the water supply as soon as temperatures are getting frosty.
Paddock
Winter in the UK unfortunately means muddy conditions in fields. If it is so bad that the horses cannot walk at all, it is best to move them to another paddock. Of course, not every yard has the facilities to move an entire herd just like that. If this is not possible, then sometimes it can help to cover gates or high traffic areas with some sand, gravel, or mud mads. This way, the horses will not slip that much. For horses in open stabling, you might want to set up a lying area with straw in the shelter so that the horses don’t have to lie on the cold and frozen ground. Soft ground to rest on is important for their comfort, as well as to avoid any bruising or injuries.
Shoeing
If your horse requires shoes, you should be aware that it is important to consult your farrier about the difference between summer- and winter shoeing. The summer shoeing is more likely to be slippery in winter, and the snow sticks to it more quickly. A good winter horseshoe has a better grip. You could ask your farrier for ice nails or use screw-in studs. You could also add pads to make sure the snow doesn’t stick to the hoof. There are many options, but you should always ask an expert before you decide.
If your horse is shod, it’s important to think about winter can affect them. Shoes can be very slippery on icy ground, so the ground has to be suitable for them to safely hack out or walk on. In icy conditions it’s best not to ride as the risk of them slipping is much higher, and icy roads that haven’t been gritted should be especially avoided. Also remember to check your horses as you bring them in from the field, as the muddy conditions can make hooves softer and create a ‘suction’ with each step that increases the risk of losing shoes in the field.
