Optimum horse health through the winter
Article from 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth' - June 2008
Winter heralds wet days, cold frosty mornings, and often for those who have full time jobs, limited daylight to care for your horses. This month we take a look at the best way to get through June, officially the start of winter.
Because of all these factors, it's important that when you do have time and some good weather that you make the most of it. If your horse is usually covered throughout winter and you happen to strike a nice day, try to use this time to take their cover off and let the fresh air circulate its coat.
Sunlight is great for horses and they often enjoy basking in the sun. However, more importantly, natural sunlight is a source of Vitamin D, which is vital in ensuring that calcium is absorbed into the system. What is most interesting about Vitamin D is that it can penetrate through the skin, providing there is enough sunlight to do so.
If your horse is in a paddock during winter, ensure the fencing and gateways are secure and there is some form of safe shelter available. Be conscious of any older trees or structures that may not withstand a fierce weather storm, and if there are concerns, have them removed or cut down.
You should aim to regularly inspect your horse closely for any cuts, bumps and bruises. W ith the wet weather, it is likely your horse will become increasingly muddy if it lives outside. Be careful of the temptation to over-brush, as this removes a lot of the natural oils from the coat, which are valuable for providing warmth and protection from the cold winter elements.
If your horse is boxed or stalled, you'll need to ensure you muck out at least every day and ensure plenty of fresh water is always available. M ake certain their diet is made up of plenty of fibre, such as hay and chaff. Try to allow your horse on grass for several hours during the day to stretch and move freely. If this is not an option, you may have to hand graze and walk out.
One of the biggest challenges during the colder months is the slow growth in grass, making it much harder to keep condition on horses, especially those in heavy work or older horses. If you notice your horse losing condition, check their cover is weatherproof and consider supplement feeding.
There are a wide range of horse feeds available, and if you are not sure what is best for your horse, then talk to the team at RD1. You'll need to consider what type of work your horse is doing, their temperament, age and the amount of grass and bulk feed, such as hay, is available to them.
Don't forget that RD1 offers the RD1 Horse Feed Bonus Card - ideal for those with horse feed requirements over the winter. Pick one up from your local RD1 store today!
Some products may not be available in all stores but can be ordered on request. Disclaimer: Any views and comments expressed in this article are not necessarily the opinions of RD1 Limited nor associated agencies. This content is copyright of RD1 Limited.
