How to Keep Your Horse Healthy Through Seasonal Changes

Spring: Transition and Preventative Care

As the weather warms up, horses start shedding their thick winter coats, and fresh grass begins to sprout. Springtime can be tricky if you don’t manage your horse’s transition properly.

• Gradual Diet Adjustments: Lush spring pastures can be tempting, but sudden access to fresh grass can lead to colic or laminitis. Gradually introduce your horse to grazing, starting with 30-minute intervals and increasing over two weeks. You might even want to look into a grazing muzzle to prevent problems such as laminitis or weight gain if your horse is prone to it.

• Vaccinations: Spring is the ideal time for core vaccines, including tetanus, equine influenza, and rabies. Consult your vet for a personalized vaccination schedule.

• Grooming: Assist with shedding by using curry combs, shedding blades, and grooming mitts to remove loose hair.

• Parasite Control: Spring is also prime time for deworming. Perform a fecal egg count before deciding on a treatment with the help of your vet to avoid deworming if there is no need.

• Hoof Care: Mud and moisture can cause thrush, a bacterial hoof infection, abscesses and many more problems. Clean hooves daily and schedule regular farrier visits. You can also use products such as Hoof Doctor Oil or Absorbine Hooflex to promote healthy hooves!

Summer: Managing Heat and Insects

Hot weather and buzzing insects present new challenges for horse care.

• Hydration: Provide unlimited access to fresh, clean water. Horses may drink up to 15 gallons a day during hot weather. Electrolyte supplements can help maintain hydration. Adding salt to your horse's feed/having a salt block available can also incite them to drink more water.

• Insect Protection: Use fly masks, fly sheets, leg wraps, and insect repellents. Installing fans in the barn can help deter flies.

• Sun Protection: Light-colored horses are more prone to sunburn. Apply equine-safe sunscreen or invest in UV-blocking fly sheets.

• Exercise Scheduling: To avoid heat stress, ride early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

• Pasture Maintenance: Mow pastures regularly to reduce weeds and improve grass quality.

Fall: Preparation for Winter

Fall is a transitional season, making it perfect for preparing your horse and barn for colder weather.

• Nutrition: As pasture quality declines, increase hay feeding. Consider a nutritional evaluation to ensure your horse is getting the right balance of vitamins and minerals.

• Dental Care: A dental check-up ensures your horse can chew forage efficiently during winter.

• Blanket Maintenance: Inspect blankets for rips and clean them before winter arrives.

• Pasture Management: Remove toxic plants and prepare for muddy conditions by adding gravel to high-traffic areas.

• Body Condition Monitoring: Ensure your horse maintains a healthy weight going into winter.

Winter: Staying Warm and Healthy

Winter care involves keeping your horse warm, well-fed, and healthy despite freezing temperatures.

• Hay and Forage: Increase hay feeding to help your horse generate body heat. Horses need around 2% of their body weight in forage daily. The best way to insure your horse never runs out of hay is to have unlimited hay access. Don't forget: horses relay a lot on forage to keep warm during winter.

• Water Access: Heated water buckets or tank heaters prevent freezing and encourage water consumption.

• Shelter: Ensure your barn or run-in shed provides protection from wind and rain. Bedding should be clean and dry.

• Blanketing: Not all horses need blankets so don't use one if it isn't necessary. However, older or clipped horses may benefit from insulated, waterproof blankets. I personally use a rainsheet during winter because my horse sometimes gets wet and starts shivering. Never had this problem again with a rainsheet and she doesn't require anything warmer. Some horses might be more sensitive to cold so make sure to get a blanket that fits your horse's needs.

• Exercise: Don’t stop riding altogether. Gentle exercise keeps joints healthy and prevents stiffness. During warmer (or should I say less cold) days, hiking in heavy snow can also be a great exercise to build muscle!

By adapting your care routine to each season, you can ensure your horse stays happy, healthy, and comfortable year-round!