Preparing Your Horse for Fall and Winter: Essential Care Tips for Canadian Horse Owners

As the days grow shorter and the crispness of fall fills the air, horse owners across Canada are reminded that winter is just around the corner. With our diverse and often harsh climate, proper preparation is essential to ensure our equine companions remain healthy, comfortable, and safe through the coldest months of the year. Whether you're in the milder regions of Ontario or the frigid prairies of Alberta, here are some key steps to help you transition your horse from the pleasant days of fall to the snowy embrace of winter.

1. Assess and Adjust Feed and Nutrition

During fall, horses naturally begin to grow a thicker coat and may gain a bit of weight in preparation for the colder months. As temperatures drop, they will burn more calories to stay warm. This is a good time to evaluate your horse’s body condition and adjust their feed accordingly.

• Forage First: Hay should be the primary component of your horse’s diet, as the fermentation process in their gut generates heat. Ensure you have a good supply of high-quality hay, as pastures will become sparse.

• Monitor Body Condition: Aim for a body condition score of 4-6. If your horse is underweight, consider adding supplements like beet pulp or higher-fat feeds. If they are overweight, adjust their feed intake now before winter.

• Water Intake: Horses are less likely to drink enough water in the cold. To prevent colic, ensure access to fresh, unfrozen water. You can encourage drinking by using heated water buckets or adding electrolytes to their feed, while ensuring they are getting enough salt.

2. Prepare for Coat Changes and Grooming Needs

As your horse’s winter coat begins to grow, grooming routines need to be adjusted.

• Daily Grooming: Regular grooming is essential to remove dirt, sweat, and debris that can get trapped in a thicker coat. Use a curry comb to stimulate the skin and promote healthy hair growth.

• Blanketing: Whether to blanket or not depends on several factors, including your horse's age, health, and whether they are clipped. Horses naturally grow a thick coat, but elderly or clipped horses may benefit from a blanket. Ensure blankets are clean, waterproof, and fit properly to prevent rubbing and discomfort.

  
  

3. Stable and Shelter Considerations

As the weather cools, providing adequate shelter becomes increasingly important.

• Shelter Access: Ensure that your horse has access to a well-constructed shelter that can protect them from wind, rain, and snow. The shelter should be dry and spacious enough to accommodate all the horses in the pasture.

• Bedding: If your horse spends a lot of time in a stall, consider increasing the amount of bedding to provide extra warmth and comfort. Straw or shavings can all work well.

• Ventilation: Proper ventilation in the barn is crucial to prevent respiratory issues, especially as horses may spend more time indoors. Keep doors and windows open when possible, even during cold weather, to allow for airflow.

4. Foot Care for Changing Conditions

With the ground freezing and thawing, fall and winter can be hard on your horse’s hooves.

• Regular Trimming: Even if your horse is not being ridden as often, regular farrier visits are essential. Overgrown hooves are more prone to cracks and splits on hard, frozen ground. Keeping your horse on a regular schedule will ensure hoof health is maintained.

• Traction: If your horse is shod, you may need to add snow pads or studs to provide better traction on ice and snow. Unshod horses can benefit from regular trimming to prevent slipping.

• Hoof Health: Moisture from snow and mud can lead to conditions like thrush. Pick out hooves daily, use a hoof conditioner if needed, and remove built up snowballs from their feet.

  
  

5. Planning for Emergency and Veterinary Care

Winter can make it difficult to access veterinary care quickly due to weather conditions, so being proactive is key.

• Health Checks: Schedule a fall wellness check with your vet. Address any health concerns, ensure vaccinations and deworming are up to date, and discuss whether your horse would benefit from any other preventive measures.

• Emergency Kit: Prepare a winter emergency kit that includes extra feed, blankets, and medical supplies. Ensure you have a plan for power outages or if you’re snowed in.

  
  

6. Mental and Physical Exercise

Keeping your horse physically and mentally engaged during the colder months can be challenging.

• Exercise Routines: If riding outdoors is not an option due to cold or icy conditions, consider groundwork or lunging to keep your horse active. Regular exercise is important for both their physical health and mental well-being.

• Enrichment Activities: Horses can get bored if they are stabled for long periods. Consider using slow feeders, treat balls, or hanging toys to keep them occupied.

7. Monitoring and Adapting

Every horse is unique and will handle winter differently based on their age, health, and living conditions. Keep a close eye on your horse’s behavior, body condition, and overall well-being throughout the fall and winter. Be ready to adapt your care routine as needed.

Preparing for winter might seem daunting, but with proper planning and attention to your horse’s needs, you can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and comfortable through the cold Canadian winter. By taking the time to assess their nutrition, shelter, and health now, you'll be better equipped to handle whatever weather comes your way. After all, a well-cared-for horse is a happy horse, no matter the season!

Stay warm, and happy horse-keeping!