Winter Care Tips for Horses in Australia
Winter in Australia can be a challenging time for horse owners. The temperature drops, days become shorter, and the weather turns unpredictable. As a horse owner we want to make sure our horses stay warm, comfortable and healthy. While horses are built for the outdoors climate, they still need a little extra care and attention to thrive in the colder months. Here are some essential winter care tips for your equine friends.
Balanced Diet
During winter, your horse's energy requirements increase. The cold weather demands more calories to maintain body heat. It's important to adjust their diet accordingly.
Forage is key: Ensure a constant supply of quality hay. Horses generate heat through the digestion of fiber, making hay an excellent source of warmth. Offer around 1.5-2% of your horse’s body weight in hay daily. There are a variety of hay options on the market including grassy hay, lucerne, Teff,wheaten…the list goes on. Chat with your local hay provider regarding the needs you have for your horse and the best hay option for you. Note: Make sure to check the quality of your hay. You want to make sure it isn’t damp and mouldy or dry and dusty.
Monitor body condition: Regularly check your horse's body condition. Horses tend to lose weight in the cold if they don't receive adequate nutrition. Adjust the amount of feed accordingly to maintain a healthy weight.
Supplement as needed: Consider adding a vitamin and mineral supplement if your forage lacks nutrients. Adding a high-quality oil to your horses feed can be highly beneficial during the colder months. Some great options include Linseed oil (high in omegas) Flax-seed oil and Rice Bran oil.
Hydration is vital: Horses often drink less water in cold weather, increasing the risk of colic. Ensure fresh water is always available. Adding electrolytes to their feed can also assist with hydration during the colder months.
Insider tip: On those really cold winter days I love wetting my horses feed down with warm water. It feels like I’m giving them a big warm hug with their regular feed.
Shelter
Shelter is essential to protect horses from cold winds, rain, and frost.
Natural shelter: Trees and can offer some protection, but they may not be enough in extreme weather conditions.
Stables: A sturdy, well-ventilated stable if available provides amazing shelter for your horse from the cold. Ensure it is free from drafts but allows for good airflow to prevent respiratory issues.
Paddock shelters: If stabling isn't an option, consider a three-sided field shelter that provides a windbreak and keeps your horse dry. Paddock shelters also allow your horses to graze and roam their paddock naturally.
To rug or not to rug?
Rugging is a personal choice and depends on various factors including your horse’s age, health, and whether they are clipped.
Rug wisely: If your horse has a full winter coat and access to adequate shelter, they may not need a rug. However, older horses, those with health issues, or those without shelter might benefit from being rugged.
Choose the right rug: Use waterproof and breathable rugs to keep your horse dry and warm. Ensure the rug fits properly to prevent rubbing and discomfort.
Check Regularly: Inspect rug daily to ensure they are dry, clean, and haven’t shifted or caused sores.
Old rugs: If you have had your rugs for a few seasons you want to make sure they are still waterproof and can hold up to the Australian winter climate. There’s nothing worse than coming to check on your horses after a rainy day and their rug is soaked all the way through!
Warm days: During those unseasonably warm days its great to give the horses a day without any rugs on. The sun and fresh air can do wonders for the horse’s winter coat and skin. We affectionately call it a nudie day around our stable.
Exercise and Hoof Care
Even in winter, regular exercise can be highly beneficial for our horse’s heath … and ours!
Maintain a routine: Continuing with your regular riding routine (weather permitting) can be so beneficial to your horse during Winter. Be mindful of muddy or slippery conditions that could lead to injuries. Travelling to your local indoor arena can be a great option if riding conditions aren’t ideal at home.
Hoof care: Wet and muddy conditions can lead to a variety of hoof issues. Regularly clean and inspect hooves for signs of thrush, cracks, or abscesses. Consider scheduling more frequent farrier visits. If your concerned about your horses or they are showing any signs of lameness, make sure to reach out to your farrier and regular vet.
Grooming and coat care
Winter coats can become thick and matted if not properly cared for. Grooming is also a great alternative to spending time and connecting with your horse during the colder months when its more difficult to maintain a consistent riding routine
Regular grooming: Groom your horse regularly to prevent matting and to check for skin conditions. This also helps you monitor their body condition under the thick coat.
Prevent rain scald: Ensure your horse is dry before stabling or rugging to prevent rain scald, a bacterial infection that can occur when the coat remains damp for prolonged periods.
Avoid over-washing: Minimize washing your horse to prevent stripping natural oils from their coat. If washing is necessary, use warm water and ensure they dry thoroughly.
Overall health
Winter can exacerbate underlying health issues in horses, so it's important to stay vigilant.
Regular health checks: Conduct daily health checks, paying attention to their appetite, demeanour, and any signs of discomfort.
Vaccinations and deworming: Maintain a regular schedule for vaccinations and deworming. Cold weather doesn't stop parasites, and respiratory illnesses can spread more easily in winter.
Weight management: Regularly monitor your horse's weight and adjust feed as needed to prevent them from becoming underweight or overweight.
Special Considerations for Older Horses
Our golden oldies need extra love and care during winter.
Joint support: Provide supplements or medications for joint support if needed. Regular, gentle exercise can help keep their joints flexible. There are some great supplements on the market. Some key ingredients you want to look for are Green-lipped muscle, Glucosamine, Collagen and MSM to name a few.
Dental care: Ensure they can chew their food properly, which is especially important in winter when forage intake is crucial. Generally getting the dentist out annually is sufficient maintenance but older and younger horses may require more regular visits from your favourite equine dentist.
Additional warmth: Older horses may require additional rugs or more substantial shelter to stay warm.
Extra feed: During Winter your rations and types of feeds your feeding to your older horses may need to change to maintain body condition during the colder months. There are many excellent feeds on the market specifically designed for the nutritional needs of older horses. Your local feed store will be able to answer all your questions and suggest the best feeds for your horse.
Although caring for your horse during the colder months requires a little more effort than normal implementing some strategies early can set you up for a smooth season. The goal is happy, healthy horses all year round. I hope with these tips you can enjoy Winter with your horses knowing they are warm, healthy and happy.
