01/11/2025
Winter has truly, and sadly, arrived in CNY. Below is an article by The Horse for keeping your horse warm and happy during these brutally cold and snowy days! And just remember, while the snow/cold can be frustrating, dealing with hurricanes in Florida is far worse! 😄
https://thehorse.com/1132562/smart-strategies-for-winter-horsekeeping/
Below are a few highlights:
1) Hay is for Horses: A good rule of thumb is increase the daily amount of hay you are feeding by 1% for every 1*F below a horse's critical temperature (typically 20*F for a horse with a winter hair coat/blanket, 41*F for a clipped horse/short coat). So if its 10*F, you should be feeding 10% more hay by weight. An average horse should eat ~20-25 lbs of hay a day so adding an additional 2.5-3lbs per day is a good starting point. But please remember to always ask your barn owner before just feeding more hay as sadly it is not getting any cheaper!
2) My Mom was cold: Make sure you are not over blanketing to prevent your horse from sweating and getting chilled. Even if you are fully wrapped up in a puffy jacket, with a heated vest and snow-pants, and are still barely staying warm, that doesn't mean your horse needs the same. Also check to make sure the outer layer is still waterproof so your horse isn't getting soaked by any melting snow. A wicking cooler available is great in case your horse comes in wet or sweaty. The SmartPak blanketing guide is a good place to start when making blanketing decisions.
3) Skip the mash: Adding novel fiber (bran, random grain, etc) to a horse's diet can lead to colic. So while it may seem nice to feed a nice warm mash, it may actually be hurting more than helping.
4) Hydrate, hydrate hydrate! Make sure that you horse is still readily drinking, as dehydration can lead to an impaction colic. Horses often prefer tepid water (40-65*F) so a heated bucket is a great option if possible at your barn. Just remember that your farm owner has to pay the electric bill so always check with them first! Adding a salt lick to the stall is another great option to encourage regular water consumption.
The first day of spring is only 68 days away, but who's counting! 🤪🤪🤪