How to Winterize a Horse

During cold months your horse's nutrition is very important in helping him to stay healthy. Proper nutrition, living conditions and hoof care are a vital part of winter horse care. Ensuring that the horse stays healthy all winter guarantees that he will be in peak physical condition during the summer riding season.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Assess your horse's diet. Horses burn more calories in the winter to keep warm so they need to consume more calories. Check with your veterinarian to determine your horse's individual dietary needs. Also make sure the food and water regularly to ensure it is clean and free of ice.
2. Ensure that your horse has a place to get out of the cold with dry hay. Monitor the barn's temperature regularly. Horses that live exclusively in the pasture need a wind block.
3. Allow your horse to develop a thick coat and get acclimated during the early winter months. This means that you shouldn't blanket your horse, it will hurt him worse in the long run. As your horse becomes acclimated a blanket won't be necessary, he will be able to move out of the wind and cold if necessary.
4. Maintain their hooves. No hooves mean no horse. The farrier can check your horse's hooves to determine if they have bruises or abscesses developing due to standing on hard icy surfaces. Make sure they are trimmed every six weeks, overgrown hooves on icy surfaces can lead to chipping.
5. Continue to ride your horse during the winter. Winter doesn't mean that you have to work hard to maintain your horse but get no enjoyment out of them.