02/05/2025
Did you know that it is hay, and not grain, that will keep your horse warmer in cold temperatures?‼️The weather we are experiencing requires you to be feeding your horses increased amounts of good quality forage.
With the cold snap this week, make sure you are understanding how to keep your horses warm! ❄️ This post briefly outlines the main areas of food, water, shelter, if blanketing is necessary and when to seek veterinary care.
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FOOD - Low critical temperaures affect a horses nutritional needs. It is often perceived that feeding grain will keep a horse warmer, however digestion, absorption and utilization of grain does not produce as much energy/heat as the microbial fermentation of forage. Therefore, the best thing you can do for your horse during cold temperatures is offer additional hay or hay cubes on top of their regular daily amount.
WATER - It is strongly recommended to have a water heater during the winter months. Horses often require more water in the winter due to the decreased moisture in dry forage. When water temperatures are too cold, horses are discouraged from drinking and when they drink less, they often eat less aswell. Research through the University of Minnesota has shown that horses increase their water intake by 40% when water temperature is maintained between 8-18 degrees celcius.
SHELTER - Horses should have 24/7 access to shelter from wind, sleet and snow. In the absence of wind and moisture, they are able to tolerate temperatures up to 2x colder then when directly in the harsh elements. If no shelter is present in a horses pen, there should atleast be tree cover or a wind fence available instead. Remember that not all horses will get along in a herd, so ensure enough shelter is provided for even the horses at the bottom of the pecking order. Horses typically do not "bed down" the same way cattle do, so having a shelter from the wind in general is more important than an area filled with straw.
BLANKETS - Assuming that your horse is well equipped with the factors listed above and has no underlying conditions - a healthy coat, with its amazing ability to trap air and warm it next to the skin, will keep them warm enough naturally and can even do a better job then a blanket can! That is why a horse's coat appears "puffed up" on a cold day. However, some instances where blanketing may be required are if the natural coat has been clipped or altered, poor body condition, poor coat condition, a senior with decreased muscle mass and fat cover, or an underlying health condition that uses extra energy.
SIGNS OF COLD STRESS IN HORSES THAT MAY REQUIRE VETERINARY CARE - Little interest in food or water, lethargy, frequently laying down, down and unable to get up, pale mucous membranes and a re**al temperature under 36 degrees.
