Monthly Discussion Post- December
Your response (at least 150–200 words) is due by January 5th at 11:59 PM. Please also comment on at least one other member’s post.
Topic for this month: Winter Horse Care ❄️🐴
Cold weather can affect our horses in different ways; including how much water they drink, how they stay warm, and how their digestion works. Horses are at a slightly higher risk for impaction colic in winter, especially when they drink less water or don’t get enough forage.
Before you write, do a little research on one winter horse care topic, such as the listed below or find your own!
blanketing (when horses do or don’t need one)
keeping horses hydrated in cold weather
preventing winter colic / impaction colic
warm-up and cool-down in cold weather
winter feeding changes and body condition
hoof or skin care in wet/cold conditions
Your post should include:
1) What you learned. Explain your topic in your own words and why it is important for horse health and safety.
2) How you would use it with your horse. Give real examples! What you would check, change, or do differently this winter to help keep your horse healthy and comfortable.
Hydration is key for the survival of all horses. In fact, it is crucial for almost all living things! In the winter, keeping your horses drinking water is a necessity for preventing several illnesses, but especially impaction colic. A short definition of impaction colic is a blocked intestine. Naturally, horses are very picky eaters and drinkers. They like their water to be a specific temperature and if it is not, some horses will refuse to drink. An example of a way we can combat this is soaking your horses hay and maybe even their grain. This is a simple to way to increase their water daily intake. Another great way to help prevent colic and dehydration is to invest in a tank heater. Heating horses water buckets can increase the palability by keeping the water temperature around 45 to 60°. Furthermore, adding salt or electrolytes to your horse's feed or water bucket can increase the delectability of water to your horses. I also studied on the symptoms and warning signs of dehydration. Some of these symptoms include: lethargy, decreased appetite, tacky gums, dark urine, and sunken eyes. In conclusion, it's important to understand how necessary keep your horses thirst quenched and why it can be dangerous if you don't!