BY Jim Hamilton, DVM

What about the Horse?

Take Good Care - There are several "extra" considerations when it comes to your horse's well being/survival during very cold winter weather. It is important to take special precautions because it is much easier (and cheaper) to think ahead than react after the fact. The age of the horse, does he normally live in or out, has he been clipped, are there automatic waterers or buckets... all factor into the winter equation. When you go to feed the horse on that ever-so-cold day, keep in mind that a large portion of the energy that is consumed will go to heating the body so, a higher dietary energy content is important. Another consideration is adequate water consumption. Studies have shown that if the water is warmed up, the amount consumed by the horse is much higher. Therefore, work several water changes into the schedule to promote more drinking. Any horse vet will tell you that most colics during the winter are impaction/constipation colics which, in large part, are due to poor water intake - a little extra labor now is much cheaper than the vet bill later! If your horse lives out a lot, then construction of a run-in shed (wind break) should be top priority. During heavy snow, the shed provides the only dry place in which to sleep - make sure to find a level spot in the field and face the opening to the south for maximum sun. The shed is a good place to feed and, if designed with a gate across the open side, you can close the animal in on the worst of days. There are many horse owners who boast of their animal's "thick skin", their amazing tolerance of a frigid environment. One can only wonder how that judgment is made. Hopefully the criteria is something other than survival!