For many of us, we’re in that odd time of year where one day might be 60 degrees and sunny, and the next might bring snow, ice, and below-freezing temps. These weather changes can be hard on your horse, so don’t fall into a false sense of security that winter is over just because of a few sunny days. Stay prepared for spring storms, and monitor your horse during sudden weather changes.
Here are some essential ways to prepare your horse for sudden temperature and weather changes.
Simple Storm Prep Tips
- Provide a windbreak or shelter that your horse can choose to use.
- Double-check your feed reserves. Don’t get caught in the middle of a spring storm when you’re running low on hay. You’ll need to feed more during cold weather to help your horse regulate his body temperature. Ensure you have plenty of hay and a way to move it if necessary.
- Blanket your horse if he requires it. This could include senior horses, hard-keepers, and horses that have already shed out their winter coat.
- Adjust your plan based on the type of precipitation. Spring storms often mean very wet conditions. A horse that is soaked to the bone might struggle to stay warm compared to when the snow stacks up on his back.
Feed for Success
- Up your horse’s forage intake. Provide plentiful, high-quality, high-protein forage for your horse to eat when cold weather hits. This can help him regulate his body temperature to stay warm.
- Avoid sudden diet changes. Feeding more of the same hay can help your horse stay warm. But don’t suddenly switch his feed or forage without slowly introducing new hay. You might be tempted to switch to alfalfa during cold weather, for instance, but sudden feed changes can cause issues like colic. Make changes gradually over a period of time, and ideally not during or right before a sudden change in weather.
- Watch for signs of cold-induced health conditions. Sudden weather changes can disrupt eating and drinking patterns in horses that can lead to problems like colic. Monitor his feed and water intake, and encourage drinking by providing water from heated sources. Your horse might drink less during cold weather. Soaking his hay or mixing water with electrolytes can motivate him to drink more.
Keep Things Fairly Normal
- Keep an eye on your horse’s feet. Pick out ice balls from his hooves. Watch for hoof health issues that can occur during sudden weather changes, such as cracking or thrush.
- Ensure proper ventilation. If your horse spends time in a stall or barn, make sure it has adequate ventilation to keep his respiratory system healthy. An enclosed barn might seem like a cozy and warm place, but dust, allergens, and hay can wreak havoc on your horse’s respiratory system. Your horse needs adequate airflow even in cold weather.
- Keep him moving. Allowing regular turnout and exercise even during inclement weather is beneficial for your horse. Keep him moving to keep his gut and body happy. Except in the case of severe and dangerous weather, avoid making drastic changes to his turnout routine that can lead to health or behavioral issues.
Try to avoid making any major changes to your horse’s routine during bad weather. Typically, horses handle inclement weather better than we give them credit for. If your horse has shelter that he can opt to use and plentiful hay, water, and a human who’s keeping an eye on him, chances are he’ll be fine. But, take these few extra steps when you’re facing a sudden weather change to ensure your horse’s health and comfort.
This article originally appeared on Horse&Rider.
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