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!

            Anxiety in horses is far from uncommon. Every horse will experience anxiety at some point in their life. Horses are prey animals, not predatory. This means that they are far more likely to flee than fight. Many things can cause horses to be anxious. Knowing the signs of anxiety in your horse, as well as the causes and possible solutions, can help you keep your horse calm.

Common Causes of Anxiety in Horses

            There are many things that can cause anxiety in horses. Unfamiliar situations can cause added stress. Specific triggers may also cause anxiety for your horse. Common triggers include noise, storms, bright colors, and more. An anxious or uncertain rider can attribute to a horse’s overall anxiety levels. Chemical imbalances can also cause the horse to be anxious. The leading culprit of this is magnesium deficiency.

            The leading causes of anxiety in horses are separation anxiety and performance anxiety. Horses are herd animals, so being separated from a herd can cause them to be anxious. Similarly, competitions or shows can be overwhelming. These should first be attempted with experienced trainers who know how to calm the horse.

Signs of Anxiety in Horses

            Several physical behaviors are caused by anxiety. Weaving and stall walking are common signs of stress. If the horse sways from side to side or walks in circles, it may be anxious. Shaking or trembling is another common sign of anxiety. Other signs of anxiety include rolling eyes, rearing, spooking, or bolting.

How to Handle Anxiety in Horses

            Consulting with a veterinarian or experienced trainer may be necessary when dealing with extreme anxiety in a horse. Implementing magnesium supplements may help with the horse’s anxiety. Ensure that you consult with your vet prior to using supplements to guarantee that you are using the correct dosage. Additionally, anti-anxiety drugs may be available, but these are usually not recommended due to their side effects.

            Maintaining a regular routine can help eliminate your horse’s anxiety. Similarly, limiting the amount of change your horse experiences can reduce their stress levels. Remaining calm is vital in limiting your horse’s anxiety. Your anxiety can directly impact your horse’s anxiety. Exercising your horse’s pent up energy can also help reduce their stress. Finally, you can use desensitization to help your horse’s anxiety when confronted with specific triggers. This involves controlled exposure to their fear.

            An anxious horse can be dangerous to itself and to others. Learning how to handle an anxious horse is necessary to keep you safe. In extreme situations, you should consult with a veterinarian or experienced horse trainer.

            Traveling with a horse is a significant undertaking. It is important to prepare and take all of the necessary precautions to keep your horse safe. Traveling with a horse isn’t something that you can do on the fly. It takes weeks of planning to safely travel with your horse.

Vaccinations

            Ensure that your horse has received all of the necessary vaccinations prior to travel. They will also have to be dewormed to help prevent possible illnesses. It is necessary to keep all of the health certificates and paperwork with you, especially when you cross state lines. Make sure you know all of the required health conditions for each place you intend to travel.

Make Sure the Trailer is in Good Repair

            Ensure that there is hay, rubber mats, and bedding in the trailer. Similarly, you must make certain that all necessary repairs and maintenance are up to date. It will also be important to make sure that all of the lights are in working order and that the tires are in good condition.

Frequent Stops

            Stop every 3-4 hours. Give water and check the trailer temperature at each stop. Never unload horses by the road. Don’t travel more than 500-600 miles per day. This can put a dangerous amount of strain on your horses.

Prepare Water

            Horses can be picky about their water supply. You may want to bring water from home to ensure that they will drink it. If this isn’t possible, you should begin to flavor their water prior to the trip. Using the same flavoring will make the water more familiar and the horse will be more likely to drink it.

Plan

            It’s important to make a plan prior to your trip. Make lists to ensure that you have all of the equipment that you need. Plan routes to make sure that you don’t travel longer than the recommended amount. It is also important to ensure that you spend any overnight stops in places that are safe for your horse.

            Planning can help make it safer to travel with your horse. It is important to take all of the necessary steps to keep your horse safe and reduce their stress levels from traveling.