Although the thought of riding in the winter may not sound pleasant, there are many good reasons to maintain at least a baseline fitness throughout the season. Horses with osteoarthritis benefit greatly from a winter exercise routine. Restricted mobility...
Protection from the elements is a basic tenet of animal care, and owning a horse is no exception. But what constitutes proper housing during the winter months? In many cases, adult horses in good health can tolerate winter weather...
Weight loss is the most common health issue seen in horses during the winter. Knowing when and how much extra to feed can be tricky. Research has shown that an average adult horse requires extra calories when temperatures dip...
Just as feed considerations are important for your horse during the winter, water is too. The greatest danger in winter is a frozen water source. Horses than don’t consume enough water are in danger of impaction colic, which is...
For your horse’s skin health, whether or not you choose to ride during the winter should not impact your regular grooming routine. Horses benefit greatly from daily grooming, and in the winter, this is an excellent way to warm...
Perhaps the quintessential question of winter horsekeeping is, to blanket or not to blanket? If you decide to clip your horse for the winter because of your active riding schedule, that’s an easy answer: blanket. But if you leave...
Senior horses are the most challenging to care for during the winter months. Generally, poor dentition is the reason for weight loss that so commonly plagues this age group year-round, with cold weather increasing a caloric deficit. Worn and...
Most horse owners dread the unavoidable annual march toward winter, when sub-zero temperatures and frozen precipitation provide a myriad of unpleasant challenges. Here are some tips to help make sure your horse is properly managed throughout the coldest months...
Many domestic horses live a life of luxury compared to their wild cousins. While a cozy, well-bedded stall might seem like the perfect environment, staying in a barn much of the time is not how horses were intended to...
Many horses adapt well to and even prefer 24/7 outdoor living, and pasture board can save you money on your board bill. Photo: Leslie Potter
Horse ownership comes with its fair share of expenses, but fun and worthwhile pursuits usually...
