|
|
|
How
To Keep Your Horses Warm in the Frigid CNY Winters… Mother
Nature gave horses their own thick winter coat which normally starts to grow as
daylight decreases. Their coat is all they typically need to keep warm so long
as they can be dry and out of the wind. It is best to have them inside at night
when temps are low, and out during the day soaking up the sunshine! Inside, you
should check your barn for drafts. You want to have good ventilation in your
barn, but too much draft is bad—it will simply stir up dust and possibly give
your horse chills. When the wind tousles your horse's hair it takes away all the
heat trapped by their thick winter coat. Likewise, keep them in on super cold
windy days! Feed your horse additional hay. Digestion generates heat. A general
measurement is 1 percent of his body weight in good quality hay is needed per
day to function. Increase this to help keep your horse warm as the weather
becomes more severe. Also make sure your horse is getting enough grain. In the
winter, your horse burns additional calories. Of course, to use waterproof
sheets and turn out blankets is recommended! Read my article on “Measure your
Horse” for blanket help. |
|
|
