Posted: 25th November 2019 | Back to news feed
It would be nice to think winter is all about clear blue skies and riding on a crisp frosty morning, when in reality for many horse owners it is an endurance test to make it through to spring in one piece.
The difficulties of owning a horse during the winter months can make life a challenge, negotiating the hazards that a British winter can throw at us.
Horse owners have already been tested this winter with an unprecedented wet autumn, causing muddy conditions and as temperatures drop, being prepared will help ease your way to spring, stress free.
During muddy conditions it is best, where possible to allow your horse’s legs to dry naturally and then brush the mud off. If you must wash your horse’s legs it is essential that you dry them properly. Bandaging the legs with Veterinary Gamgee® helps to absorb excess moisture and provide warmth and insulation.
Equiwrap® is Robinson Animal Healthcare’s range of flexible and lightweight cohesive bandages and they come in a variety of colours to brighten up your first aid kit and are ideal for securing Veterinary Gamgee®.
Hard frozen ground or even deep muddy conditions can lead to strains, tendon injuries and knocks. Cold therapy is ideal for the treatment of inflammation and soft tissue injuries but traditional cold hosing with water in the winter months may lead to cracked heels or other skin problems.
Koolpak® provides instant, dry cold therapy, without the need for refrigeration, reducing heat and swelling.
As we head into the depth of winter ensure that you store your first aid kit in an appropriate place to prevent liquid items from becoming frozen.
Always break the ice on water buckets and drinking troughs and add warm water to the bucket as some horses are reluctant to drink extremely cold water, increasing the risk of colic.
Based in Scotland, sponsored rider, Louisa Milne-Home is used to braving bad weather during winter. Here are her two top tips.
- Keep a plentiful supply of salt to hand and always salt pathways and ramps to muck heaps. Stock up early as once the freezing conditions hit, supplies will quickly sell out.
- If you are lucky enough to have your own arena, keep it harrowed regularly to help prevent it from freezing.
Robinson Animal Healthcare has a wide range of products for all your first aid requirements including the market leading Animalintex®, which is the only VMD licensed multi-layered absorbent poultice available in the UK and the legendary Veterinary Gamgee®.
For more information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com
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