The top 5 cold weather hazards for horses!
Sure, the bugs and humidity are gone, but winter and cold weather have their own set of challenges. Here are some things to watch out for:
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- Keeping your horse hydrated! This is “easy” if you do daily gum checks. Run your finger between the upper front teeth and the gums and notice…. sticky or dry is BAD, slippery is good. Stay ahead of freezing temps with a plan for water – heated tanks, bucket insulators, constant filling by hand. Pick what works best for you. Also, add some warm water to feed meals for some added hydration. This article has more on dehydration and what to look for!
- Your horse’s waistline! Some horses pack on the pounds, some horses drop them away. But it’s human nature to not notice the big changes if you see your horse every day. Use a weight tape weekly or so to notice trends and make adjustments. You may need to add extra calories somewhere, you may need to add extra exercise.
- Watch the ground! My very own vet euthanizes at least one horse every winter due to a fall on the icy ground. Make changes to your horse’s turnout if the ground is icy. Also, be wary of frozen ground – uneven areas are a tripping/twisting hazard. Not to mention the absolute concussion of frozen ground.
- Be on colic alert! There’s a whole lotta science that says BOTH weather causes, and doesn’t cause, colic. But really – it boils down to hydration, movement, feed, exercise, barn management. And most importantly, you paying attention. For more on colic signs, read this. For more on weather changes and colic, read this one!
- Skin issues! This may seem pale in comparison to the hard ground or hydration issues, but skin issues are real in winter. A winter coat can trap moisture from sweat and create the perfect petri dish for rain rot (a bacterial infection), sores from hair and goop and maybe tack friction, and overall grossness.
What do you stay on alert for in the winter?
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Bee Blanket Honey Heater, 5 gal Pail Heater with Cutout for Gate Valve
$127.41
Keep your horse's water and noms warm this winter.
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OVENTE Electric Kettle, Hot Water, Heater 1.7 Liter - Auto Shut Off Instant Water Boiler
$16.84
$15.99
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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.
04/10/2025 11:34 am GMT
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Ultra Cozi III Detach-A-Neck Heavy Horse Blanket
$332.99
This heavyweight turnout blanket gets even warmer with the neck.
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HORSEWARE Ireland Amigo Bravo Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable Horse Turnout Sheet
$169.95
This turnout sheet doesn't have fill, and is great for windy and rainy days.
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Horze Nevada Heavy Weight 1200D Waterproof Horse Winter Turnout Blanket (400g Fill)
$119.99
This affordable heavy blanket will keep your horse warm in the worst weather and cold snap.
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WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Combo Neck Heavy Horse Blanket
$169.95
$129.99
04/10/2025 09:37 am GMT
Tech Equestrian Rain Sheet with Neck Cover | 1200Denier
Keep your horse dry during bad weather, this rain sheet is also great for windy days.
04/10/2025 06:58 am GMT
iProven Pet Thermometer for Accurate Fever Detection
$14.97
$9.97
Every horse owner needs a digital thermometer for fast and accurate vital signs
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Thank you!