Winter can be a difficult time for horses and their owners alike. There are many problems that can be caused by the lowered temperatures and poor weather conditions. It is important to prepare properly for winter. This will help prevent any winter problems from occurring with your horse.
Nutrition
Your horse’s nutrition will likely change quite a bit during the winter. Rather than grazing, they will be eating dry hay. Their food will have a significantly lower water content, which may lead to dehydration. The winter is one of the most important times for your horse to be drinking plenty of water. Additionally, a horse will need to eat more food during the winter. Their bodies will burn more calories as it tries to keep itself warm.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a common problem in horses during the winter. Insufficient water consumption can affect the horse’s digestion. This can even result in colic, among many other issues. Horses will be unlikely to want cold water when they are in cold temperatures. It is important to keep the water at a sufficient temperature for winter consumption. The easiest way to ensure that enough water is provided at the right temperature is through the use of an automatic watering system. An excellent option, that doesn’t involve electricity that could harm your horse, is the Bar-Bar-A Automatic Watering System.
Weight Loss
The change in both diet and dehydration can result in weight loss. Horses also burn more calories during the winter, so horses are very likely to lose weight during the winter. It is important to ensure that they are getting enough food and water during the winter.
With cold temperatures comes an array of problems. Preparation is key to preventing these problems. A simple way to prepare for winter is through the use of an automatic watering system. To learn more about obtaining an automatic watering system, contact us at the Horsedrinker today!
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