Posted: 3rd December 2015 | Back to news feed
With winter well and truly here, it may seem a long time until the clocks go forward and the days start drawing out. However it is important to think positive and make the most of the quiet season by spending plenty of time with your horse and focusing on training or enjoying days out on the hunting field. In this feature the team at Equestrian.com provide top tips on making the winter season more bearable and ensuring that your horse (and yourself) is kept happy and healthy.
Many horses will be restricted to their stables for longer periods of time during the winter. Therefore it is important to ensure that they are exercised or turned out frequently to allow movement and natural behaviour such as rolling. If extreme weather prevents this, there are still a few things that you can do to keep your horse in good spirits.
The first thing to attend to if your horse is receiving less exercise and more time in the stable is his feed. It is important to reduce his hard feed ration to reduce the potential for over excitability and illness. Instead, ensure that he is on a high fibre diet, as this will help to aid a healthy digestive system, control his temperament and increase warmth. If you need to promote condition without over feeding, try adding oil to your horse’s feed which is a great form of slow release energy which is high in calories.
An ad-lib forage ration is appropriate for most horses and it is best to choose one with a high fibre content, as well as being dust free. Freezing temperatures can make it difficult to soak hay, so try looking at haylage instead. To reduce boredom, try using one Haynet with another to increase feeding time and allow horses to mimic natural trickle feeding behaviour.
Give your horse a lick or toy as this can help to keep him occupied and reduce boredom. A radio in the stable yard is a good way to keep your horse entertained. Make sure you spend plenty of time with your horse as he will enjoy your company and it’s a great opportunity to improve your bond.
The cold temperatures and wet weather combined with dark mornings and nights can make time on the yard quite testing. So make sure you are well prepared and dress appropriately. Have at least three pairs of gloves handy at the yard, so you can change them if they get wet. Wearing two pairs really helps to keep your hands warmer! A flask of hot drink can be very welcoming as well!
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