Cold Weather Care!

With the temperatures dropping at alarming rates here in the Lowcountry, it's time to get yourselves and your horses ready for winter! 

It's been a cooler fall than many of us in the Lowcountry and Southeast expected. It looks like it's going to be a pretty cold winter. So, it's time to get your stables and horses ready for whatever might come our way this year. Dare we say it, maybe even snow! 

Important Steps To Follow: 

• We all move pretty slow in the wintertime, all bundled up and staying inside as much as possible. It's the same for horses. They aren't as active as they are in other seasons, but because they don't have giant horse parkas to put on, they burn a ton of calories to keep themselves and their muscles warm. It's recommended adjusting the feeding amount to a larger quantity to help keep them warm. Grain and hay are both excellent options. Hay is a bit better for the horse in this situation because it creates more heat inside the horse's body while it is being digested. 
• Horses tend to drink less water in the winter, and dehydration and cold water options can lead to colic and other health issues. Provide them with warm drinking water to keep them hydrated and healthy. 
• Make sure your barn or stables are winterized and ready for the winter. Any holes, leaks, insulation issues, massive drafts, and other issues need to be taken care of. Make sure there is excellent ventilation in the barn at all times. 
• Horses can withstand very cold weather conditions thanks to their winter coats. But if their coat gets too wet or disturbed, they can lose body heat very quickly and dangerously. Make sure their skin and coat are in good shape before the cold winter sets in, along with their hoofs. A check-up with the vet as the weather changes is a good idea too! 
• Blankets can, of course, be used! They help with weather conditions that continue to be wet, snowy, and icy. It helps protect their winter coats. They are also beneficial for young horses, horses whose winter coats might have been sheared off, or if our Southeastern horses aren't used to the sparse - but possible - unnaturally cold snaps. Keep an eye on your horse's coat if you decide to use blankets. Make sure the blankets aren't causing sores or irritation. 
• Your horses will be spending more time inside during the winter months. Their stables and stalls need to be kept cleaner and cleaned more often to keep up with this. 
• As much as you can, exercise your horse. Let them walk and run outside as much as the weather allows. Be careful and avoid deep snow and very wet conditions to prevent injury. If you have an indoor training or riding facility, take advantage of it during the colder months. If you can strike up a friendship with other horse owners than have these facilities to use, do it! 
• Keep horses away from the ice, deep snowdrifts, and other dangerous conditions. Keep snow and ice out of paddocks and outside shelters. 
• Don't let their hooves get overgrown. Clean out mud, snow, and ice from them after a ride or if they've been outside. 
• Keep de-worming throughout the colder months. 

The winter might seem harsh on you and your horses, but it doesn't have to be. Prepare early and understand that their care might take a little more time than usual. On beautiful winter days, always take advantage of them with your horses and enjoy it as much as possible. Until then, come ride with us and enjoy the changing weather on our beautiful trails!