Owning a horse or pony is a pleasure and a privilege, but of system that will come with the responsibility for their welfare. Even though the broad the vast majority of proprietors are vigilant about their horse’s well being and ease and comfort all yr round, it is always helpful to make sure you are perfectly geared up in progress for the colder and wetter months ahead.
Assess the person wants of your equine
Any assistance on equine care will always be common, due to the fact they are all people with their have specific requires. For illustration, indigenous ponies these as the Highland and Dartmoor are properly adapted to the British climate, with thick water resistant coats, and a organic foraging intuition.
Warm bloods and cross breeds tend to have thinner skin and coats, and are usually a lot less hardy. If your horse or pony is aged or in weak wellness, they will also have to have some added interest in wintertime.
Feeding horses in winter season
Equines who are stored out in winter should really have access to satisfactory levels of grazing. If the pasture is muddy or sparse, the grass ought to be topped up with good quality hay or haylage. Develop up the amount of money you give them progressively, as a unexpected alter can upset their digestive methods.
Horses who are stabled, and/or in regular operate during the winter season, might will need their diet program supplementing with extra fibre and protein. This may possibly also use to any equine in poor affliction, to assist with the balance of vitamins and minerals in their diet regime.
Aged animals may have poor tooth which would make foraging tough, and they have to have pellets or cubes soaked into a mash. Guard towards dehydration by retaining water troughs ice-totally free, and topping them up with warm water if your horse is unwilling to consume.
There are a good deal of bagged pony pellets horse feed to pick from, so it is value having a chat with your vet about which variety will suit your horse or pony greatest. Those people which consist of cereal, these kinds of as oats and barley, are bigger in power than those which are fibre-dependent, these as alfalfa or sugar beet.
Rugging horses in wintertime
It is significant to recall that horses and ponies do not experience the cold in the very same way as individuals do, and most do not will need a rug in temperatures higher than 5°c. Nonetheless, equines who reside out in excess of the winter ought to have obtain to a secure industry shelter to give safety from the wind and rain.
Horses who have clipped coats, or who are quite lean and without substantially system body fat to hold them warm, will need rugging up faster than healthy animals with a thick coat. If you do rug your horse, take care to make guaranteed that it matches properly, and doesn’t rub them wherever.
Examine their feet usually in wet climate
If your horse is saved out all winter and the disorders are soaked, chances are the ground will turn into waterlogged and muddy. Maintain an eye on their legs and hooves for any sign of an infection, and rotate your grazing land if achievable. If you do not have home for this, include up the worst boggy floor with sand or straw.