19/11/2024
Did you wake up to snow this morning? Winter wonderlands might look magical, but for horse owners, snow often means extra chores and management headaches. Whether it’s building snowmen or battling frozen water buckets, the cold weather can disrupt routines for both you and your horse.
Many horses are dealing with changes to their routine—limited turnout, reduced access to grass, or even full-time stabling. These disruptions can increase the risk of colic and digestive upset. To help you navigate these frosty days, here are some tips for feeding and managing your horse during snowy weather.
𝟭. 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲!
Forage is your horse’s winter hero. Feed plentiful hay, haylage, or hay replacers where needed to support gut health, satisfy their need to chew, and provide vital calories for maintaining condition. Fibre also acts as an internal heater, keeping your horse warm from the inside out.
𝟮. 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
Dietary changes—especially in winter—should be made gradually. If your horse is normally fed cubes, why not use a treat ball to keep them entertained during longer stabled hours? For an added hydration boost, consider a mash like 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗦™ 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗬-𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗛 𝗙𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗲, but introduce it slowly if it’s not already part of their diet (e.g., 500g/day for a 500kg horse).
𝟯. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
While some horses enjoy staying cosy in their stable, others can become anxious or excitable when turnout is limited. A balanced diet with controlled starch levels can help reduce unnecessary fizz. Choose feeds with high fibre and low sugar and starch to support calm behaviour.
𝟰. 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆
Snow and freezing temperatures often lead to reduced water intake, increasing the risk of impaction colic. Ensure fresh, unfrozen water is always available. Warm water or soaked feeds can encourage drinking, helping to keep your horse hydrated.
Winter can be tough, but these small adjustments can make a big difference to your horse’s health and happiness—keeping the snow as fun (or tolerable!) as possible. Stay warm out there!
