Taking good care of your horse during the cold winter months is essential for its health and wellbeing. Knowing the signs to look out for that indicate your horse is cold is an important part of this. In this article, we will discuss the different signs that can help you tell if your horse is cold and what you can do to keep your horse warm and comfortable.
Signs That Your Horse Is Cold
The most obvious sign that your horse is cold is that it is shivering. However, there are other signs that can indicate your horse is cold, such as:
- Horse is restless and fidgets
- Horse is standing with its head lowered
- Horse is breathing heavily
- Horse is rubbing its body against objects
- Horse is reluctant to move
If you notice any of these signs, you should take steps to warm up your horse.
Ways to Keep Your Horse Warm
If you notice that your horse is cold, there are several things you can do to keep it warm and comfortable:
- Provide Shelter – Make sure that your horse has access to a shelter or barn where it can get out of the wind and rain. If you don’t have a shelter, you can use blankets and tarps to provide some protection from the elements.
- Provide Blankets – Blankets are an effective way to keep your horse warm. Make sure to use a blanket that is the right size and weight for your horse. If you’re not sure which blanket is best for your horse, you should consult your veterinarian or a knowledgeable equine professional.
- Keep the Stall Clean – Make sure that the stall your horse is staying in is clean and free from debris. This will help to keep your horse warm and prevent it from catching a cold.
- Provide Extra Bedding – Adding extra bedding to the stall can help keep your horse warm by providing an extra layer of insulation. The type of bedding you use should depend on the conditions in your area.
- Provide Extra Food – Feeding your horse extra food during the winter months can help to keep it warm. Adding extra calories to your horse’s diet will help it generate more body heat.
- Provide Exercise – Exercise is an important part of keeping your horse warm. Exercise helps to generate body heat, so make sure to provide your horse with regular exercise during the winter months.
Preventing Cold-Related Health Issues
When the temperature drops, your horse is at risk of developing cold-related health issues such as pneumonia, colic, and joint stiffness. To help prevent these issues, you should make sure to:
- Provide Adequate Shelter – Make sure your horse has access to a shelter or barn where it can stay warm and dry.
- Provide Adequate Blanketing – Make sure that your horse is properly blanketed for the current conditions. Make sure to check and adjust the blanket regularly.
- Provide Adequate Bedding – Make sure that your horse’s stall is comfortable and free from debris. Adding extra bedding can help to keep your horse warm and comfortable.
- Check Your Horse Regularly – Make sure to check your horse regularly to make sure it is warm and comfortable. Pay attention to any signs that your horse is cold or uncomfortable.
- Provide Adequate Nutrition – Make sure your horse is getting the right amount and type of nutrition to help it stay warm and healthy. Providing extra calories during the winter months can help to keep your horse warm.
Conclusion
Knowing the signs that indicate your horse is cold is an important part of taking good care of your horse during the winter months. By providing your horse with the right amount of shelter, blankets, bedding, nutrition, and exercise, you can help to keep it warm and healthy. Paying attention to the signs that indicate your horse is cold and taking the necessary steps to keep it warm can help to prevent cold-related health issues.
References
- American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). (2020). Cold Weather Care for Horses. Available at: https://aaep.org/horsehealth/cold-weather-care-for-horses [Accessed 12 December 2020].
- The Horse. (2020). How to Keep Your Horse Warm in Cold Weather. Available at: https://thehorse.com/151778/how-to-keep-your-horse-warm-in-cold-weather/ [Accessed 12 December 2020].
- Horse & Rider. (2020). How to Keep Your Horse Warm in the Winter. Available at: https://www.horseandrider.com/horse-care/stable-care/how-to-keep-your-horse-warm-in-winter [Accessed 12 December 2020].