Getting Ready for Fall

Autumn Horse Care

When summer is winding to an end horse owners can start making plans for the cooler seasons ahead. Riding the trails at this time of year can be the most anticipated because of the splendid fall foliage and cooler weather. For horses, cold weather does not mean coming in from the cold, but being assisted to withstand the cold as comfortably and healthy as possible. Horses are very tolerant of cold weather conditions and tend to be far more stressed by heat than by cold.

For a horse to be an "easy keeper" during the winter it needs to be free of parasites, in good flesh (plump) and properly immunized. The cost of de-worming, veterinarian checkups and immunizations will more than pay for themselves in reduced feed costs through the stressful winter months. Some trail horses benefit greatly from a set of so-called winter horse shoes (with studs) and snow pads at the very, end of fall, right before the first snow fall, to keep clumps of snow from "snow balling" under their hooves which can cause slipping and joint injuries.

Pre-Winter Care Essentials

It is essential to ensure that your barn is self sufficient and capable of riding out winter's worst. The most important items to consider before winter are:

• Your horse will need a well-ventilated shelter to protect him from the elements. Resist the temptation to close every window and door in the barn. It's better to put an extra blanket on if necessary than to keep horses in a completely closed barn.
• Consider what your horse's body needs to stay warm: extra food, a good hair coat, and maybe a blanket.
• Stock up now on hay, feed and bedding that might become scarce during winter months.
• Be prepared for winter power outages. Have your electrical wiring checked over. You will use the interior lighting more often in winter, it's best to avert a fire hazard.
• Check your water supply. Insulate above ground piping with wrap around insulation available at most hardware stores. Check insulated or wired interior and exterior buckets that won’t freeze overnight. Purchase new ones early before there is limited availability.
• Check and replace fencing if necessary. Check turnout areas for debris during the fall season to ensure it is cleared before the snow.

Horses love to frolic in the snow and kick up their heels in the cool weather. August, September and October is the time to pack on some extra weight (not you, the horse!!!). Throwing some extra hay, or feeding a scoop or two of additional hay stretcher pellets will often do the trick. Some horse owners swear by adding a cup of corn or vegetable oil to their horse's feed. Which ever works for you! Young and old horses will definitely benefit from a good fat cushion to keep them warm over the next months to come. If you prepare your horse and barn in advance, you and the horse will make it through winter safely and comfortably.