Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse
-
Upload
gwyn-heyboer -
Category
Sports
-
view
799 -
download
3
description
Transcript of Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse
![Page 1: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Rutgers Equine Science Center
Winter Care & Feeding
Carey A. Williams, Ph.D.Rutgers University
![Page 2: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Introduction
• As the days get shorter and weather get colder
and wetter there are many things to consider to
maintain horse horse’s health and sanity through
the long winter months
• This webinar will address the most common
concerns regarding housing, health maintenance,
nutrition and exercise
![Page 3: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Housing & Shelter
• Even in the worst winter most horses do not
“need” a stall in a barn
– Requirement: at least shelter
• i.e. a run in shed or a stand of trees
![Page 4: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Housing & Shelter
• If horses are maintained in stalls, air quality
becomes a concern
– Wet bedding and manure should be completely
removed at least once a day
– Ventilation should be maximized by keeping
windows/doors open as much as
possible, even in very cold weather
– Ceiling fans/vents can also help
![Page 5: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Blanketing & Clipping
• Rule of thumb: if the horse is shivering it would
benefit from a blanket to help keep it warm
– Not necessary with a naturally thick hair coat and is
adapted to the cold
• How many of you blanket your
horses?A) Yes
B) No
C) No, don’t own a horse
![Page 6: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Blanketing & Clipping
• There is a wide variety of blankets:
– Lightweight “sheets” best for short term use after
riding
– Thick, water proof “rugs” for horses turned out for
long periods of time
![Page 7: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Blanketing & Clipping
• Select a blanket that is appropriate for your
situation
– If wet: water resistant and lined with a material
that will “wick” the moisture away the skin
– If in a stall: make sure the coat is not so heavy to
cause the horse to sweat
• Sweat under a blanket can
contribute to skin irritation
and infections
![Page 8: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Blanketing & Clipping
• It is equally important that the blanket fits the
horse well
![Page 9: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Blanketing & Clipping
• Rub marks can develop on the point of their
shoulders, withers and where the straps secure
the blanket if it is too small, tight, or ill fitting
– If blanketed continuously the blanket must be
removed at least once a day
• Groom, checked for rub marks, infections and monitor for
weight gain or loss
![Page 10: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Blanketing & Clipping
• If you plan to ride regularly through the season,
doing work that will stimulate a lot of sweat, it is
recommended to clip:
• How many of you clip your horse?
A) Yes
B) No
C) No, don’t own a horse
![Page 11: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Blanketing & Clipping
• Body clipped horses may have higher energy
needs
– They may be worked harder
– And will need to generate more heat to stay warm
when not blanketed
• The hair will not grow back rapidly in the winter
– Once you clip a horse be
prepared to keep it warm
for the rest of the winter
![Page 12: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Blanketing & Clipping
• Body clip = all the hair
on the neck, legs and
body has been shaved, it
should not be left out in
inclement weather even
if blanketed
• Trace clip = shave the
hair from the underside
of the neck and
abdomen, and the sides
of the horse from the
elbows to about a
quarter of the way up
![Page 13: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Blanketing & Clipping
• Hunter clip = hair is
removed as in a body
clip only hair is left in
the saddle area and on
the legs
• Blanket clip = the hair is
removed from neck and
body as in the hunter
clip only hair is left on in
the shape of a blanket
![Page 14: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Nutrition
• A change in feed depends on how hard you are
working your horse and how it is housed
• Major concerns =
1. Adequate calories to maintain good body condition
2. Adequate water intake to prevent impaction colic
![Page 15: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Nutrition
• Horses usually need extra energy to help keep
them warm
– Horses’ energy requirements will 25 % during the
winter months
– Usually this can be met with 25% more hay
• Extra hay will help keep them warm through the
heat of fermentation produced in the hindgut
(cecum and colon) when digesting/fermenting the
forage
![Page 16: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Nutrition
• Boredom can be a problem in winter when horses
are not being turned out or ridden as much
– Keep them happy with free choice hay or forage
based feeds
• I.e. hay cubes, chaff, etc.
– Salt and water will reduce the
incidence of stress related
problems and vices
• Grain and grain-based products should be used
only if absolutely necessary to maintain good
body condition
![Page 17: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Nutrition
• Poor quality hay may require supplementation with
vitamins and minerals
• Be careful when buying special ‘winter
supplements’
– Any multi-vitamin/mineral balanced for the type of
hay you are feeding and life stage of the horse will do
![Page 18: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Nutrition
• Horses will limit their intake of ice cold water to
only what is necessary
– This may not be adequate for optimal hydration
• Give access to water free of ice at least once a day
– Automatic, heated waterers the units should be
checked daily
![Page 19: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Nutrition
• A tablespoon or two of plain salt can be added to
the feed to encourage water intake
– If feeding pelleted feeds or hay cubes, they can be
soaked in water to further increase water intake
• Horses should always have free access to salt
blocks
![Page 20: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Exercise
• Stabled horses are often kept in
stalls for long periods of time if
weather is poor• As long as they have free choice
hay, salt and water most will
remain perfectly happy– Some will develop swollen legs, or
‘stock up’ – Some may be agitated in the stall
• It is best to turn them out for exercise as
often as possible• Indoor arena work well if no one is using
it for riding
![Page 21: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Exercise
• Horses can go barefoot if they are not ridden often
– Better traction on snow and ice
– Snow will not “ball up”
• If shod “snow pads” are recommended
– Full hoof pad or a rim pad
– Borium can be used as calks
– Ask your farrier about your options
![Page 22: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Exercise
• Sole bruising is a problem in the winter when
working on frozen ground, especially in horses
with thin soles
– If riding regularly in the winter keep workouts to
unfrozen footing (or deeper snow)
– If arenas are frozen it may be better to postpone
riding instead of risking a bruised sole
• How many of you ride outdoors in the winter?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Yes, but not on snow
![Page 23: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Exercise
• When working in the deeper snow it will act as a
sort of resistance training
– Be careful that the snow you are riding in is not too
heavy and damp
• It could potentially cause tendon injuries
– If the snow is light, doing trot sets or some lighter
flat work can help with cardio and hind end
strength
![Page 24: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Exercise
![Page 25: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Exercise
• It is recommended to use a quarter sheet if riding a fully clipped horse in the extreme cold
– A sheet that covers the horse’s hind quarters
– Especially during warm up and cool down
• With only a trace clip they may only need one when warming up
– When cooling down it will depend on the sweat
– A quarter sheet might be necessary to help wick away some of the moisture
![Page 26: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Exercise
• Even with clipped horses it is not recommend to
continue exercise with a blanket or sheet
• Never leave a hot, wet horse standing in a cold,
drafty stall or turning them out in the cold
– Could cause them to get chilled
– Also potentially stressed to the point where they
could get sick
![Page 27: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Health
• Most horses get their routine
vaccinations in the spring
• Booster vaccinations for diseases
transmitted by direct contact
– Recommended if transporting or
showing:
• Influenza, rhinopneumonitis and strangles
• Mosquito borne diseases should not be
a problem in the temperate climates
• Booster vaccines should be considered
if shipping to warmer climates
![Page 28: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Health
• De-worm only as needed
– Based on fecal analysis for
intestinal parasite larvae or
eggs
• Manure should be picked up in
the paddocks and sheds
– Help prevent unsanitary mud
accumulation and skin infections
on the lower legs
– More important when snow and
ice melt
![Page 29: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Health
• After storms always check the paddocks/pastures for fallen tree limbs
• Horses could chew on the branches of potentially toxic trees and shrubs
• In the spring, the first green plants to appear are usually the noxious weeds
– It is important to feed plenty of hay and try to keep the weed population down by mowing
![Page 30: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Facts and Myths
• There are several questions I always get asked in
the winter, some and myths and some are facts
![Page 31: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Bran Mashes
• “Bran mashes is good in the winter
to keep my horse from colicing.”
A.True
B.False
C.Don’t know
![Page 32: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Bran Mashes• FALSE:
– Wheat bran has never been proven to act as a laxative or increase fecal moisture when fed at 50% of the diet
– Theory is that wheat bran has high fiber so helps in digestion
• Oats have same fiber content as bran
• Increase water intake is the only benefit
• Very high in P, not recommended to feed daily
– Mostly bran mashes are a ‘Comfort Food’
• For the owner more so than the horse!
![Page 33: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Digestive Aids
• “Digestive aids or anti-colic supplements need to be fed in the winter to prevent colic.”
A.True
B.False
C.Don’t know
![Page 34: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Digestive Aids
• FALSE:
– Digestive aids usually consist of some sort of probiotic or yeast culture
• These have never been found to increase digestion in a healthy horse
• May be beneficial if sick or has digestive problems
– Anti-Colic Supplements have never been scientifically proven
– Problem in the winter is usually decreased water intake
• That can only be cured by increasing their intake!
![Page 35: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Hoof Supplements
• “Hoof supplements will help the
horses hooves grow quicker and
stay healthier in the winter.”
A.True
B.False
C.Don’t know
![Page 36: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Hoof Supplements• FALSE:
– Horses hooves may be brittle or crack from the cold dry climate in the winter
• Hoof supplements will not help
– Biotin and other hoof supplements work from the inside out
• A hoof grows from the cornet band down in 6 to 12 mo
– If hooves are poor due to weather conditions you need to apply something externally
– It is best to talk to your farrier about what product would be best
![Page 37: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Calming Aids
• “Calming aids or B-vitamins will help keep my horse calm when in the stall for a long period of time.”
A.True
B.False
C.Don’t know
![Page 38: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Calming Aids
• UNKNOWN:– These have not been scientifically proven– Some horses become very nervous if stalled
for a long period of time • If your horse responds to these supplements they may
not be a bad idea
– B-vitamins are water-soluble, so if your
horse has too much excess, they will just get
rid of what they don’t need in the urine
![Page 39: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Take Home Message
• Depends on how hard you are working your horse
& how it is housed to determine if a change in
feed is necessary
• Major concerns are adequate calorie intake &
adequate water intake
![Page 40: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Carey Williams, Ph.D.Equine Extension Specialist
www.esc.rutgers.edu
Thank You!
Better horse care through research & education
Equine Science Center
![Page 41: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Give us your feedback!• You will receive a survey by email. Please take a few
minutes to give us your feedback on this webcast. It will help us to better serve you!
![Page 42: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Upcoming Webcasts• Feeding & Care of Donkeys and Mules
December 6, 2011 | 7PM ET
• Find Your Dream Job in the Horse IndustryJanuary 10, 2012 | 7PM ET
• Horse Boarding Operations - What is Involved?February 28, 2012 | 7PM ET
![Page 43: Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse](https://reader036.fdocuments.in/reader036/viewer/2022081413/54701ecdaf795908158b479f/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Thank you for attending this live web presentation!
For more information about My Horse University please visit us at:
www.myhorseuniversity.com
[email protected] | www.myhorseuniversity.com | 517-353-3123