Autumn care of the horse

Autumn is certainly one of the most beautiful times of the year particularly for the horse rider. Autumn is also the harbinger of winter. Many people worry about their horse getting cold. A healthy horse with an unclipped coat, a shelter from the wind and rain, and a few management changes, will have no problem with moderate winters. The following preparations will help you and your horse get through the winter.

• FEEDING FOR THE COLD
One of the best ways to help your equine companion deal with cold temperatures is to increase the grain portion of his diet by 25% just before cold weather sets in. As temperatures drop a horse must spend more energy to keep warm. Do not increase his grain if he is already overweight and continue to monitor his weight and make further adjustments accordingly. Remember to regularly deworm your horse to insure he is getting the most from his feed.

Hay should be available to your horse free choice. Enough should be put out daily so the horse cleans it all up. Good nutrition, regular deworming, and good grooming will all help maintain a warm coat. Do not underestimate the importance of regular brushing. A dirty matted coat loses much of its ability to insulate. Persistent shivering is a good your horse is getting to cold and a indication management needs changing.

• THE WORST PROBLEM: FROZEN WATER
There is no greater aggravation than toting water in the cold when the pipes or hoses freeze. Plan now to get frost free hydrants installed where the horses are watered. You will bless them daily as the temperatures stay below freezing. You still must daily remove and drain hoses. Horses do not drink as much in the winter.

• WHEN IS IT TOO COLD?
Usually cold alone is not enough to chill a healthy horse. It is the combination of cold, wet, and wind that chills a horse. Shelter from the wind and rain and adequate feed is all that is needed to make this horse comfortable. Barring that, a light but water resistant blanket may keep him from shivering.