HORSE SENSE FOR CANADIAN WINTERS

Horses adapt well to colder temperatures but they need an adequate balanced ration, ample supply of fresh clean water and protection from the elements.

 

Many people believe corn or oats should be added to the ration during winter months for increased energy.  Although this may increase the caloric value of the ration, there is the risk of causing the ration to be unbalanced. Also, Dr. Joe Pagan, PhD, of Kentucky Equine Research states that this provides very little ‘waste heat’ for the maintenance of body temperature.  Whereas, feeding immature grass hay allows the gut bacteria to produce enough heat to regulate body temperature.

 

Dr. Nadia Cymbaluk from Carberry, Manitoba states that until the temperature reaches

 -15oC, horses will adapt to the drop in temperature in a matter of 10-21 days.  As the temperature drops below –15oC your adult horses will require a 2.5% increase in energy for every degree drop in temperature.  Young horses may require even more energy to maintain natural development in temperatures 0oC degrees or lower.

 

 The easiest way to account for this energy requirement is to provide immature good quality grass forage.  Horses will consume what they require for thermoregulation to maintain body temperature.  However, it is very important for this forage to be of good quality & sufficient quantity(i.e. Free choice). Mature grass hay will use more energy for digestion, and it absorbs less water, which can increase the risk of impaction colic, particularly during the winter months when water intake tends to be reduced.  Adding one tablespoon of loose salt with each feeding, and heating the water (between 2-10oC) will encourage water intake and greatly reduce the risk of colic.

 

A great deal of heat loss for your horse can result from wind and rain.  Horses will lose heat when the air around them is cooler than that of their skin and evaporation draws substantial heat from the body.  A winter hair coat provides insulation from snow and cold but is far less effective in wet weather.  For this reason, protection from the elements is important.  A simple three-sided shed, facing south or southeast will provide protection from wind and rain.  Particularly for young horses, adequate bedding is important for additional warmth.  Although straw is preferred, keep in mind that straw is not fermentable in the horses gut and horses should not be allowed to eat their bedding.  Consider a good quality shaving instead.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local Minor Bros. store.  www.minorbros.com or 905.774.7591