The next 10 days are forecast well below freezing, with some near zero degree temperatures at night. Probably everyone is well practiced after the Polar Vortex, but remember extra hay (not grain) for warmth. Microbial digestion of hay provides much more heat over a longer period of time than grain can ever hope, and is less apt to cause digestive upset (colic) than additional grain. Hay should be fed at about 3% of body weight, whereas grain should be no more, and for most horses less than, 1% of body weight. Some sort of shelter to get out of the wind is also advisable, though sometimes horses wont go into the barn or run-in shed; they are much better adapting to cold then we humans. The hair coat will stand up (piloerection) to trap air, providing an additional barrier to the cold. Of course if the horse is not used to the cold or has a clip, or has not been allowed to grow a winter coat, blanketing will be a must, along with a nice warm (relative) barn. Be sure that the barn does have good air exchange. The body heat and urine in the barn will cause condensation and ammonia, which can predispose to pulmonary infection. Despite the cold, Fox Run Equine Center, as always, remains available for emergencies.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 14:55:35 +0000
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