10/15/2026
🍂❄️ Preparing Your Horses for Fall & Winter
As the weather cools down during the fall, and we eventually transition into the winter months, it’s important to make a few adjustments to your horse’s care routine to help keep them healthy and comfortable.
🌾 Hay Quality Matters
As pasture grass becomes sparse, horses rely more heavily on hay for their daily nutrition. Make sure your hay is clean, dry, free of mould and dust, and of good quality. Poor-quality hay can cause health issues, while even good-quality hay needs to be fed appropriately to meet your horse’s individual needs.
💧 Keep Water Available
Horses may drink less when temperatures drop, especially if their water is very cold. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available, check water sources frequently, and consider using a safe heated waterer to encourage drinking.
🐴 Be Mindful of Feeding Changes
As grazing decreases, your horse’s diet may need adjusting. Make changes gradually, avoid sudden increases in feed, and monitor body condition throughout the winter. If feeding round bales, ensure they are stored properly and protected from the weather. Consider using an appropriate slow-feeding system to help manage intake and reduce waste.
🪱💉🦷 Review Your Winter Care Routine
Seasonal changes are a good time to review your horse’s deworming and vaccination plan with your one of our veterinarians, assess dental health, and make sure your horse is maintaining a healthy weight. Parasite control should be based on your horse’s individual needs and, when appropriate, f***l testing rather than automatically deworming every horse.
A little preparation now can go a long way toward helping your horse stay healthy through the colder months!
If you have questions about your horse’s winter nutrition, hydration, or seasonal health needs, our team at White Valley Veterinary Services is here to help.
📞 Contact us to discuss a winter care plan tailored to your horse or book a farm call: 250-547-9700
