The changing seasons bring unique challenges to managing the health and well-being of our equine partners. As temperatures drop and the days shorten, we at Carter Veterinary Services want to ensure that all horse owners in the Lowcountry are prepared. We understand the deep bond you share with your horses, and our priority is providing the professional guidance needed to keep them safe and comfortable throughout the winter.
Keeping Your Herd Healthy: Essential Cold Weather Equine Care
Keeping Your Herd Healthy: Essential Cold Weather Equine Care
Prioritizing Proper Hydration to Prevent Colic
Hydration remains a critical concern, even when horses seem to drink less in the cold. We strongly recommend consistently offering warm or temperate water, ideally between 45 &65 degrees. Access to palatable, non-icy water encourages drinking, which is essential to support proper gut motility. Inadequate water intake, combined with increased hay consumption, significantly raises the risk of impaction colic, a serious condition we always strive to prevent.
Adjusting Winter Nutrition for Internal Warmth
A horse's primary defense against the cold is the heat generated by the microbial fermentation of forage. We advise increasing your horse’s hay and forage consumption, as this is the most efficient way for them to regulate their core temperature. For every degree the ambient temperature falls below the lower critical temperature (around 18 degrees for a horse with a winter coat), their caloric requirement increases. Consult with us to determine if additional caloric support is necessary for your horse’s specific needs.
Ensuring Adequate Shelter and Protection from the Elements
While horses are remarkably resilient, protection from wet, windy conditions is paramount. We see the insulating value of a winter coat severely compromised when it becomes wet, which can lead to rapid heat loss and cold stress. Even a simple three-sided run-in shed offers crucial refuge. We also recommend daily blanket checks if they are used, ensuring they are dry and correctly fitted to prevent rubbing, sores, or overheating.
Maintaining Vigilance for Hoof Health and Safe Turnout
Despite slower growth in winter, we must not overlook regular farrier care. Icy or snow-packed surfaces can cause slips and injuries, and we recommend removing snow or ice from turnout areas where possible. Impacted snow in the hooves can also affect gait and cause discomfort. If your horse is shod, we encourage discussing snow pads with your farrier to prevent snow from balling up under the shoes, ensuring their movements remain secure and balanced.
Keep Your Horse Healthy this Winter
Winter care requires a dedicated, proactive approach, but your attention to detail makes all the difference. We at Carter Veterinary Services are here as your dedicated resource, helping you navigate the seasonal management of your horses to ensure a healthy season. By focusing on hydration, adjusted nutrition, secure shelter, and vigilant hoof care, we can face the cold confidently. Please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a wellness check or to discuss any specific feeding and blanketing questions you may have.