Most horses in freezing temperatures will try their hardest to find ways to get warm. They will seek out shelter, even if it is only the overhanging boughs of a tree, and they will huddle together if turned out in groups. However, it is up to people to learn and remember cold weather horse care.
The Horse's Response to Freezing Temperatures
Like most other animals, horses possess built-in responses to freezing temperatures that help them to survive in the wild. They grow longer, thicker coats that insulate them against the cold, and their nostrils contain spirals of bone and cartilage that help warm air as they inhale.
A horse's metabolism also slows down in cold weather, allowing him to store fatty tissue just under the skin. He has a long mane and a forelock that provide protection for his neck, and his eyes are shaped to block out damaging light that might cause snowblindness in humans.
For these reasons, most horses in freezing temperatures can survive without human intervention. However, horses that have become dependent on their owners will not fare as well.
Caring for Pasture Horses in Winter
The animals most likely to suffer in freezing temperatures are pasture horses. In winter, these animals are exposed constantly to the elements, and do not benefit from a warm barn in which to take refuge. This does not mean they cannot survive; however, their owners should take steps to prepare.
Water troughs kept outside for horses in freezing temperatures, for example, will turn to ice if not treated properly. It is important to remember that grain impactions are more common if horses are not able to drink sufficient water, which will inevitably lead to colic.
When watering pasture horses in winter:
- Use a stock tank to heat the water so it does not freeze
- Wrap pipes to keep them from bursting
- Check water levels on a daily basis to ensure continued supply
Many people are also often concerned about their horses in snow. It is true that snow can pack into the frog of the hoof and cause bruising and other problems, so special shoes or pads are sometimes required. Additionally, constant moisture can lead to thrush infections, so pastures horses should be checked regularly in winter.
Horse Feed in Winter
A horse's dietary needs change during the winter months. They require more fiber and fat content to maintain their natural protections against freezing temperatures, so it is important to adjust horse feed in winter accordingly.
Look for complete feeds that contain high levels of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Depending on the temperatures where the horse is stabled, the fat content should be somewhere between 5 and 8 percent. Higher fat content is sometimes necessary for extremely cold climates.
Maintaining a Warm Barn
A warm barn is necessary for horses that are stabled inside. Although it is usually prohibitively expensive to actually heat a stable throughout winter, there are other ways to keep the temperature up.
For one, it is a good idea to close all doors and windows whenever they are not in use. This includes the windows that might allow horses to look out from their stalls as well as the doors at the ends of the stable. A warm barn is one without constant assault from the wind.
During the day, when people are always around, space heaters can be used to maintain a warm barn. They should be the kind with a hard plastic casing and no exposed metal coils. If everyone leaves the barn, space heaters should be turned off and unplugged from the wall.
Additionally, space heaters should never be turned on near stalls or hay supplies. They are more appropriate for warm barn offices, tack rooms and other common areas.
Horse care in winter is not difficult once the basics are understood. The primary goal is to keep horses in freezing temperatures as warm and comfortable as possible, which generally means applying common sense. However, horse owners who have questions should contact their veterinarians for specific, individualized advice.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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