Winter has arrived with a bang this week as temperatures dramatically dropped here in Ireland and Germany. Cold, winter conditions bring its own set of challenges for horse owners, from freezing temperatures to icy ground. While blanketing is a key part of winter care, a holistic approach to managing horses in cold-weather will help ensure your horses stay healthy & comfortable despite the drastic change in temperature. Here are our key tips:
BLANKETING 101
While horses are naturally equipped to handle the cold with their thick winter coats, not all horses can rely solely on their natural illustration during temperature drops. Reaching for the correct blanket or layering up may be essential for such as horses who have been clipped, senior horses, or those with difficulty maintaining weight often need blankets to compensate for their reduced ability to stay warm. As temperatures drop below freezing overnight, adding additional layers using the Aloga liners can easily increase the warmth of compatible blankets without adding excessive bulk. For horses that are spending more time indoors the Aloga Pro Stable blankets offer a heat retaining solution while still being breathable to help your horse regulate themselves correctly.
Stay watchful for signs that your horse might be cold based on changes in behavior or signals such as:
- Shivering
- Cold Ears (base of the ear)
- Tucked Tail
- Hunched Posture
- Body areas that are cool to the touch
When changing blankets or adding Aloga liners, always check the blankets are fitting properly to prevent rubbing or slipping and refer back to our fitting guide. Be vigilant in monitoring both your horse and weather conditions as over-blanketing can cause overheating. Check your horse’s temperature under the blanket frequently and adjust based on the weather.
SHELTER
Where possible, providing access to a comfortable, protective environment can make a huge difference when caring for your horses this winter. Access to a windbreak or field shelter to protect against wind, snow, and rain act to keep your horses shielded from harsh weather. Regularly inspect paddocks for ice, hazardous objects, or damaged fencing that could pose risks during weather changes. If horses are being kept in or stable for longer periods of time increasing bedding depth can provide additional warmth and insulation against cold ground surfaces.
FOOD & WATER
Horses generate body heat through digestion, making correct nutrition a vital part of management during cold weather. Increase forage by offering free-choice hay or increase rations during colder periods. Digesting fiber in hay is one of the best ways for horses to stay warm naturally. Ensure they’re receiving adequate vitamins and minerals to maintain overall health in their daily feeds. Adding oils such as Carron oil at this time of year can help maintain body weight & condition in an easy to eat format. Access to fresh, clean drinking water remains essential when temperatures drop. Horses tend to drink less when water is cold or frozen and this increases risk of dehydration and colic. Adding a splash of warmer water to buckets or floating objects such as balls to help keep water flowing. Additionally adding electrolytes to feeds during this time can help encourage your horse to drink regularly.
STICK TO ROUTINE
Horses thrive in a regular daily routine so while the weather might impact turnout or grazing try to keep the rest of their days as close to normal as possible. Aim for daily grooming sessions where blankets are removed fully to allow for you to check coat health and stimulate the natural oils that help promote shine. Hoof care remains a key area of attention during cold spells - regularly picking out hooves will remove mud, snow or ice buildup. Keeping hooves oiled helps maintain natural moisture levels. Keep an eye on your horse’s general state of being including their weight, condition, and behavior. Sudden weight loss or lethargy could indicate underlying health issues.
For horses that are still in work or competing throughout the winter season cold weather can bring unique considerations. You may need to allow for extra time for a thorough warm-up and cool down to help muscles fully acclimatize to external temperatures. Post exercise ensures your horse is completely dry before re-blanketing them. Using a fast wicking cooler such as the Aloga Waffle cooler can help to speed up drying time and remove sweat from your horse’s coat allowing them to be bundled up in their stable or turnout blankets faster. Whether possible, avoid riding on icy or overly hard ground to prevent injuries.
As the weather conditions continue to change through the mid-winter in Europe stay up to date with our Blanketing 101 series for our top management times for keeping your horses happy and comfortable whatever the weather.