How to feed your horse during the winter.

In this article I will explain how to feed your horse during the winter months.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Alfalfa/Grass Hay
• Feed
• Equine Dentist (A GOOD ONE PREFERABLY =)
• Warm Water

1. The pasture becomes limited as temperatures drop due to the slow growth, etc. Many of the nutrients in hay is lost. Those nutrients include Vitamin A (beta carotene), C and E, and omega 3 fatty acids. Also, Vitamin D production is limited due to less sunlight. It is important to replace this loss of vitamins with a supplement of vitamins and minerals that include flaxseed meal(to obtain the fatty acids).

2. Alfalfa combined with hay raises protein levels.The use of Alfalfa protects the hair, skin, muscles and hooves. This also helps the horses immune system. The recommended amount is 30/70 of alfalfa/grass hay to the horses diet.

3. It is critical that your horse drinks considerable amounts of water during these cold months. Heating your water will encourage your horse to drink. It is recommended that you maintain your horses water temperature to at least 50 degress to prevent dehydration (which can cause colic, etc.)
   Having a salt block readily available to your horse is also necessary during these months.

Tips & Warnings

• The number one reason for weight loss in older horses is bad teeth. Have your Equine dentist check the teeth prior to the onset of winter.
• Make sure to trim your horses feet for winter. If your horse is able to go without shoes during these months, this is a great time to let them go barefoot for a while. In snowy areas, this will also prevent ice build up.
• Provide coats for your horses to help with insulation.
• Having a 3 sided shelter for your horses is very helpful during these cold months.
• Pregnant or Lactating mares, Growing Horses, Older Horses and Underweight Horses will need feed during these months due to the fact that the hay will not provide adequate nutrition.
• Avoid Molasses, and Cereal Grains.

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 12/16/2008 Great horse coats and pic. Please heat water for horses during the winter. Great reminders and suggestions on feeding horses in the winter

[horsetrailrider]

on 10/22/2008 Good article .... Thanks Lolabug =)

[brandy1123]

on 10/9/2008 I love horses great tips