Seasonal Information
Winter’s Waning!
According to the calendar, winter is about half over. In New England, though, we know that we probably will have several more really good snowstorms, and at least one cold snap before we can be thinking much about spring.
While it’s not too early to start planning for spring, starting to send entries in and schedule spring vaccinations, acupuncture and chiropractic “tune-ups” and exams, winter sometimes intrudes. Here are some continuing winter horse care tips to help you through the waning half of winter.
Water
Many people have a heated stock tank, or heated water buckets. If you don’t, you can still help your horse to have warmer, liquid water. Wrapping your bucket or small tank with Tek-foil (an insulated, foil-covered bubble wrap, available in most hardware stores) will help to keep the water warmer longer.
Store 10 gallons of water per horse in covered buckets in your basement or other inside location. This gives you 1-2 days worth of water for your horse in case of a power outage.
Hay
Look at your remaining hay store. Do you have enough to get your horse through until May/June when you’ll get next year’s hay? If not, check now with your hay supplier. Don’t wait until April when all the hay is gone.
Hoof Care
Since many people are not riding, or are riding less often, you may not be looking quite as carefully at your horse’s feet. Make sure that his/her feet are not getting too long, and, if shod, that all the shoes are tightly in place. Check for snow balling, and treat any thrush that you find before it makes your horse lame.
Blankets and Body Weight
If your horse is blanketed, when was the last time you took the blankets off and looked at your horse? Blankets can rub at the shoulders and withers, and can make your horse body sore if they don’t fit well. Slightly hairless areas now can become raw before spring.
Check your horse’s coat for infection, and check his/her body condition and weight. Many horses tend to lose weight during the winter, so if you horse is a bit thin, now is the time to call us to discuss his/her diet, or schedule a visit to see why your horse is losing weight.
Lameness Issues
Was your horse lame last fall when you “put him away”? If so, now would be a good time to check again. If your horse has healed and is sound, great! If not, wouldn’t it be great to get the lameness issue diagnosed and treated before spring/summer riding and competing?
Deworming
Don’t forget about parasite control during the winter! Call us if you have questions about which dewormer you should use now.