Horse snow safety!

 

Most of us have this romantic notion that snow and horses are meant to be together… and sometimes this is true! It’s fun and cool to see horses rolling, playing, and pawing in the snow. But every now and again, some real issues crop up that can harm your horse. And if the snow is really deep with lots of road closures – your Vet may not be able to get to you.

 

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ice-icy-ground

Ice is not your friend.

 

The hazards of snow for your horse include:

 

  • Tripping and twisting and tweaking legs. This depends on how deep the snow is, how silly your horse acts in the snow, and just some bad luck. It’s exhausting to walk through snow that’s a foot deep or more – and it’s also tricky to pick up your legs – which can lead to injuries!

 

  • Snow hides stuff. Frozen ground that has hoof imprints, tire marks, and all sorts of other rock-solid topographical challenges can damage your horse’s hooves. Bruises are a real possibility. Snow also hides ice – and I think we can all relate to crashing down by slipping on ice. A horse going down is a terrifying thought.

 

barefoot-hoof-with-snow

Even barefoot hooves can get “snow high heels”.

 

  • Snow can create frozen high-heeled shoes for your horse. A recipe for disaster – including torn soft tissues and broken bones. Snow can be “wet” or “dry” or somewhere in between, and at some point, the snow can pack into your horse’s hooves. Barefoot horses are not immune to this!

 

  • You can get special snow inserts from your farrier, you can get all sorts of studs and borium on your horse’s shoes, or you can oil up the hoof and be smart about letting your horse walk around in the snow. For climates that only see the occasional snow, you probably have little need for the snow pads or borium, so keep some oily goodness on hand. Grooming oils or cooking sprays often work. Hoof picks hung on stall doors and paddock gates allow you to do some hoof snow picking easily.

 

grooming-oil-hooves

Grooming oils can create a hoof surface that is less likely to collect snow.

 

zeolites-for-horses

Borrow the zeolites for ammonia to sprinkle around sidewalks and paths. It won’t turn to slush like cat litter and salts, and helps things grip.

 

The benefits of snow for horses include:

 

  • Bright chrome! Snow is nature’s stain remover.

 

  • Cooled hooves and legs. A horse that struggles with laminitis, bruises, or soft tissue injuries may benefit from standing in the snow.

 

horse-in-snow

That’s a lot of snow!

 

  • Don’t forget about wonderful photo opportunities!

 

go-shopping

 

Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you.  You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront.

Shapley's No.1 Light Oil
$20.99 $19.81

For shine, conditioning, detangling, and stain protection.

09/08/2024 09:23 pm GMT
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Grand Circuit White Lightning Liquid (64 oz)
$108.85

Buy bulk and save! This is great for stubborn hoof infections like seedy toe and thrush.

09/08/2024 07:38 pm GMT
Quiessence (Large-14 lbs)
$85.98

This supplement helps high-laminitis risk horses and has calming ingredients like magnesium.

09/08/2024 07:28 pm GMT
Professional's Choice Ballistic No-Turn Overreach Bell Boots
$33.99

The gold standard for bell boots in a rainbow of colors.

09/09/2024 05:08 am GMT
CENTAUR Double Tab Bell Boots
$17.56

So bright and fun for hoof protection.

09/09/2024 04:57 am GMT
Cavallo Simple Hoof Boot for Horses, Size 3, Black
$189.95

This style is great to protect the hoof, but is not soft and squishy for laminitis cases.

09/08/2024 07:38 pm GMT
CHALLENGER Crease Nail Puller Shoe
$42.99

Using this makes shoe removal easy!

09/09/2024 04:44 am GMT
EasyCare Glove Hoof Boot
$93.95 $82.95

These boots are great for protecting barefoot horses.

09/08/2024 08:19 pm GMT
Silver Bells - Sox For Horses

For hoof protection when equine pastern dermatitis is a risk.

Durasole
$16.02
09/08/2024 10:05 pm GMT
Handson Ergonomic Hoof Pick
$19.99

This is the strongest hoof pick available!

09/08/2024 11:06 pm GMT
HORZE Vail Square Wool Cooler
$119.99

Old School Cooler!

09/08/2024 10:06 pm GMT
HORSEWARE Ireland Rambo Deluxe Fleece Blanket
$154.95

A classic pattern in a modern colorway. And it's so thick!

09/08/2024 05:09 pm GMT
Kensington Protective Fly Boots (Pair)
$39.85

Banish the stomping!

09/08/2024 04:33 pm GMT
CENTAUR Original Irish Knit Sheet
$83.43

Soak up all the sweat and water with this Irish Knit, best for warm weather use.

09/09/2024 12:58 am GMT
CENTAUR Original Irish Knit Sheet
$83.43

Irish knits are the best wicking coolers for warmer weather.

09/09/2024 12:58 am GMT
HORZE Vail Square Wool Cooler
$119.99

Square coolers are traditional and versatile, and wick more than a fleece cooler.

09/08/2024 10:06 pm GMT
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Cashel Quiet Ride Horse Fly Mask with Long Nose and Ears
$32.99 $29.99

This style is great for riding!

09/09/2024 01:15 am GMT
Back on Track Therapeutic Black Mesh Sheet
$219.99

The OG of therapeutic blankets.

09/08/2024 05:18 pm GMT
Harrison Howard FocalMax Quarter Horse Exercise Sheet Horse Blanket Hi-Vis Reflective Stripe
$34.99

Keep your horse dry and visible with this reflective quarter sheet.

09/08/2024 09:35 pm GMT
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Ultra Cozi III Detach-A-Neck Heavy Horse Blanket
$292.93

This heavyweight turnout blanket gets even warmer with the neck.

09/08/2024 08:48 pm GMT
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Sweet Itch Shield Combo Neck
$109.95 $95.96

Sweet itch is best battled by not letting those annoying midges bite your horse.

09/09/2024 12:58 am GMT
Schneiders Adjusta-Fit Mosquito Mesh Hybrid
$299.99

For horses with sweet itch and other insect allergies, more coverage is better.

09/08/2024 09:23 pm GMT
Horze Nevada Heavy Weight 1200D Waterproof Horse Winter Turnout Blanket (400g Fill)
$119.99 $109.99

This affordable heavy blanket will keep your horse warm in the worst weather and cold snap.

09/08/2024 07:28 pm GMT
High Spirit Fleece Quarter Sheet, Black/Grey
$52.99 $49.13

Keep your horse's bum warm!

09/09/2024 05:08 am GMT
Harrison Howard Quarter Horse Fleece and Mesh Exercise Sheet
$44.99

Be seen from space with this hi-viz quarter sheet. Keep your horse's bum safe and dry.

09/09/2024 04:54 am GMT
WeatherBeeta Anti-Static Fleece Cooler Combo Neck, Maroon/Grey/White
$99.95

Keep your horse dry and spiffy with this cooler combo. Love the neck for fast drying.

09/09/2024 12:39 am GMT
Tech Equestrian Rain Sheet with Neck Cover | 1200Denier
$79.95

Keep your horse dry during bad weather, this rain sheet is also great for windy days.

09/09/2024 12:43 am GMT
Rub Protector Lycra Fly Mask GG Equine

These fly masks are fantastic for protecting ears and eyes, and do great under halters and grazing muzzles to stop rubs and hairless patches.


Use code 15PROEQUINE for a sitewide discount on muzzles, halters, accessories, and slow feeders.

 

Thank you! 

 

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