Winter is a time of change for us all, including our equine friends. Although many horses continue the same level of performance year around, some riders become less active during the colder winter months. This reduced activity may require a change in our horse’s dietary energy requirements. The colder weather presents additional concerns as well.

Monitoring adequate consumption of fresh water is vitally important. Horses tend to drink less in winter than during warmer summer months, or when they’re physically more active. Add to that fact their reluctance to drink icy, cold water and the stage is set for potential colic problems. The water temperature at which horses prefer to drink is between 45-75 degrees Fahrenheit. A tank heater, or topping off the bucket with hot water, removes the chill encouraging your horse to drink. (Hint: Heat water in an electric kettle in your feed room.)

Always make certain that salt is available for your horse. In addition to being an essential dietary requirement, salt encourages water consumption. It is not of great concern whether a white or iodized salt block is offered. Locate it near the water source in an area exposed to moisture. It will break down enough to be more easily consumed.

Forage is another primary consideration. The type of hay (grass, alfalfa or local) is usually not as important as making sure that it is dust, mold, and weed-free. As the temperature outside drops, toss your horse some more hay to generate energy for body heat. Forage also stimulates water intake. Grass hays make an excellent choice for supplementing the diet during this colder season.

Grain concentrates provide energy and nutrients not provided for in forage and which would otherwise be lacking in the horse’s diet. A selection of commercially prepared processed grain products is available on the market which will properly balance your horse’s daily ration with necessary energy, vitamins, and minerals to maintain normal body functions. The specific product which you select to feed, and that which will most benefit your horse, should be determined by the type of forage being fed and, the age, lifestyle and activity level of the horse. Remember, growing horses and senior horses have significantly different dietary requirements than those of the adult horse. If you are uncertain of your feeding program, consult with an equine nutritionist or your veterinarian.

Visit with your veterinarian regarding your horse’s parasite control program. Depending upon your geographical location and farm management practices, they may recommend a rotation or a daily de-worming regimen. Not only are parasites the leading cause of colic, they rob your horse of nutrition. (Some studies indicate a horse’s ability to increase their nutritional efficiency by 25% or more when parasite levels are low!) By incorporating good parasite control into your horse’s wellness program, you reduce the risk of colic and maximize your feed dollar!

Senior horses demand a greater level of care during the colder winter months. Be alert to those individuals who require a higher caloric diet in order to maintain good body condition. Complete feeds designed for the senior horse, and supplements high in fat content, help provide this type of diet without excess carbohydrates. Assure that your older horse is able to utilize what you feed him by having your veterinarian complete a dental exam.

A proper shelter offers important refuge from the elements. If it isn’t feasible to construct a permanent shelter consider a suitable covered, portable unit.

By ensuring the proper care of your horse, you fulfill your responsibility as a good horse owner. If you should find yourself unable to adequately care for your horse any longer, please contact a local veterinarian or rescue organization. They are there to help.

No matter what the season, the basics of good husbandry remain unchanged. Maintain a heightened level of awareness and keep your horse well cared for during this colder time of the year. He’ll reward you with his continued good health!
 

Horse Rescue Resources

These organizations are doing a wonderful job rehabilitating and providing adoption opportunities for horses. Please visit their web sites and consider what you could do to help a horse within your community.

Circle F Horse Rescue Society
Box 73, Station Main,
Abbotsford, BC V2S 4N7
Canada
604-859-5192
circlefhorse@hotmail.com
www.circlef.ca 

Orphan Acres Inc.
1183 Rothfork Road
Viola, Idaho 83872
Phone: (208) 882-9293
Fax: (208) 882-8203
orphanacres@hotmail.com
www.community.palouse.net/orphanacres/ 

Angels Among Us Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.
415 Anderson Lane
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 885 – 4504
angels_among_us_rescue@hotmail.com
www.geocities.com/angels_among_us_equine_rescue 

EVEA Horse Rescue
P.O. Box 26516
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Sandy 541-935-3906
Lee Ann 541-747-3072
Barbara 541-420-0417
www.eveahr.com 

End of the Trail Horse Rescue
Central Oregon
AVansic713@aol.com
www.cjvansickle.tripod.com/cjvansickle/ 

Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County, WA
360-455-6100
vice-president@har-otc.com
secretary@har-otc.com
www.har-otc.com 

Hope for Horses
PO Box 1790
Woodinville, WA 98072
360-453-4040
info@hopeforhorses.net
www.hopeforhorses.net 

People Helping Horses
24717 43rd Ave NE
Arlington, WA 98223
360-920-6444
Info@PeopleHelpingHorses.org 

Sleepy Hollow Horse Rescue
Education, Rescue, Adoptions
Spokane, WA
PO Box 452, Creston, WA 99117
www.sleepy-hollow.org
adoptions@sleepy-hollow.org 

Whidbey Island Rescue for Equine (WIRE)
316 SE Pioneer Way, #340
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
360-675-9252
montanya@whidbey.net