Prepare Your Horses and Facilities for Winter
Winter is right around the corner and planning ahead can benefit your horse and prevent difficult repairs when the snow and cold winds are blowing.
Winter is right around the corner and planning ahead can benefit your horse and prevent difficult repairs when the snow and cold winds are blowing.
Cold weather increases feed or energy intake so the horse can tolerate the weather. Many horses consume more hay. Water has a role in moving digesta through the intestine. Lack of fresh, unfrozen water is the number one cause of colic during the winter due to intestinal impaction.
One major investment for a horse farm are installation and upkeep of fences. The fence should be safe and keep horses on the property. Fencing decisions should be based on the age of the animal, breed and temperament of the animal, production system, and situation.
High-traffic areas around fences, gates, and barns are a common problem facing horse owners. A sacrifice lot is used to protect pastures and improve grass growth during poor weather with excessively wet or dry conditions.
Horse health and care is a year-round process. Good nutrition, vaccination schedules, parasite control and other care should be continued throughout the winter.
Horses are popular animals on Iowa acreages. Do you know your horse's needs during the cold winter months? A horse’s adaptation to cold weather is either acute (immediate) or chronic (long-term).The immediate response of a horse to a sudden change in temperature is to change its behavior.