Winter Wellness For Equines
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Winter Wellness for Equines
Allison Kosto
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
As the temperature drops, we automatically start thinking about our furry friends… felines, canines, equines and any other critters you may have. However, their winter needs are much different than ours. Horses specifically quickly become acclimated to the cold temperatures. Their winter needs in Montana are unique and might be different than you think.
While important year-round, nutrition and water are especially important in the winter. Horses generally drink more water in the winter. This is because they are eating hay or dormant forage which has a lower moisture content than green pastures. If horses don’t have easy access to a quality water source, they will eat less, which lowers their energy consumption and their ability to tolerate the cold. Additionally, decreased water intake can cause gastrointestinal tract compaction and an increased risk of colic. Use a water heater to keep it from freezing and allow for continual access. Research has also shown that horses will drink more water when the water temperature is between 45 to 65 degrees F than when it is closer to freezing. If a water heater isn’t feasible, then check the water twice a day and remove ice.
Nutritional needs also increase in the winter. When the air temperature drops below 18 degrees F, a horse needs additional energy to maintain body warmth. However, there are a few factors that can influence this including hair length, body size and age. Smaller animals have a greater surface area in relation to their weight and can lose heat more rapidly than a larger animal. This means a weanling is more sensitive to the cold than a mature horse. Research shows that for every degree below 18 degrees, a horse requires an additional one percent of energy in their diet. Also don’t forget to deworm your horses in the fall so that their immune system starts strong and can focus on maintaining energy.
Probably one of the biggest questions about horses in the winter is whether or not blanket. Horses start to prepare for the winter as soon as the daylight starts to get shorter. They will continue to build their winter coat until the winter solstice (December 21). After the winter solstice, they gradually start to lose their winter coat, but this is a slow process and will take months.
In general, blanketing is not necessary. A horse’s hair coat is naturally designed to insulate the horse by trapping and warming hair within. Blankets, because of their added weight, can actually reduce a horse’s ability for its hair to do its job. Wet or muddy hair also reduces the insulating value of hair and increases heat loss.
However, there are times when blanketing may be valuable. If there is a chance the horse will become wet such as from rain or ice, a blanket can help protect them. This is usually not a problem with snow. If you see snow build up on a horse that means the hair coat is doing its job and preventing heat loss. Other instances when blanketing might be an option is if the horse had its winter coat clipped, is very young or old, hasn’t acclimated to the cold, or is underweight. If you do use a blanket, make sure it is fitted correctly and checked frequently.
On the other hand, shelter is important especially when temperatures are below zero or there is a strong wind chill factor. If horses have access to an adequate shelter, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -40 degrees (yes even without a blanket). This doesn’t necessarily mean a barn. An open-sided shelter is ideal, but even a lean-to or windbreak helps horses weather the weather. They will turn their tails toward the wind, lower their heads and huddle together to stay warm. As long as they are dry, they will do quite well.
The last thing to consider for the winter is hoof care. Unless you plan to ride frequently, it is recommended to pull the shoes for the winter. Shod feet tend to become ice packed which increases the chance of slipping. It is also recommended to have horses’ feet trimmed every six to eight weeks, even in the winter.
Horses have lived in cold climates for centuries and have found ways to acclimate successfully. Making sure your furry friends are well-fed and watered is the most important thing you can do!
If you have further questions, contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or allison.kosto@montana.edu.
