by Jo.H

Created on: October 20, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Your winter preparation will depend on whether your horse lives in or out, but whichever te case it should be started before winter begins.

FOR THE STABLE KEPT HORSE.

One of the big jobs of the year is to check all of your horses rugs. Be thorough and check the stitching to make sure it will last through another winter. Horses need a variety of out door rugs, starting with a rain sheet which is just a light weight water proof rug, going on to a heavy duty outdoor rug. I always have two of each type of rug as it can often take longer than a day for a really wet rug to dry out again. I always recommend sending your rugs off to be cleaned and re-waterproofed every summer. Please remember hat every horse owner will be doing the same thing so allow enough time.

I also like to thoroughly de-cobweb my stable in autumn, after the flies have died off. Once the stable is clean, disinfect the walls and if needs be give it a lick of paint. Check all guttering and roofs for leaks or blockages. Check your yard hose pipe is insulated against freezing. There is nothing worse than tipping your horses water away to find you can't refill it again.

I also loke my horse to gain weight just before winter so he will have enough excess fat to keep him warm. If you have to ride on the roads also make sure your farrier puts road nails in your horses shoes to give you extra grip in icy weather. Talking of riding on the roads, also make sure you have reflective riding gear, both for you and your horse so you can be seen in the darker evenings.

Horses need extra feed in winter, depending on their breed of course, but make sure you have changed their diet accordingly and that you have enough good quality hay or haylage to see you through the cold months.

Depending on breed and the amount of work your horse does, he might need clipping. Unless you are very experienced then I would get a proffessional person in to clip for you. remember your horse will feel the cold if he is clipped and will nee extra blankets under his rug.

THE FIELD KEPT HORSE.

Again, check and repair your horses rugs. Hardy horses can live out quite happily in winter but they don't like being cold and wet so provide them with a good field shelter. Even the hardiest breeds will need their feed supplementing in bad weather so make sure you have good quality hay and preferably a dry place for them to eat.

Check water troughs daily as they will freeze up. Do not just break the ice as it will re-freeze very quickly. Scoop out the broken ice. Try to insulated your water trough, raising them off the ground on a pallet helps, or place them on some well rotted manure as this will generate its own heat.

Check the fencing daily as high winds and storms can do alot of damage.

If you get an extended cold period you can always add hot water to your horses feed. This will warm their stomachs and help to conserve body heat.

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