We can start to prepare for the colder weather by considering the general health and wellbeing of our horses. Preparation is the key.
Most horses can manage through the cold, with a little care! Their coats and body mass, along with good quality natural food like hay (which breaks down in the hind-gut and helps keep the horse warm) all help but some older, young or unwell horses can struggle.
Horses can adjust to colder weather if they have time adjust. Horse and ponies can maintain their tempreature if it is within a certain range. This is known as the Thermoneutral Zone (TNZ). This is the range in which a horse doesn’t need to adjust its physiology to be comfortable. Beyond this TNZ range, horses can alter their metabolism & behaviour in order to maintain their core temperature.
EVERYDAY CARE
1. Continually evaluate a horse's body score to ensure your horse does not lose weight too quickly
2. Provide access to a shelter of some kind for your horse
3. If possible, provide water that has been warmed and make sure that any ice has been broken on troughs
4. Provide additional feed if necessary
5. Don't overgroom unrugged horses as this can strip the coat of the natural oils
6. Spread stone or rubble on gateways or water access points so that horses (and you!) aren't walking in deep mud all day
HERBS TO ASSIST
There are few classic herbs that can ensure your horse approaches winter in the best of health.
Nettle - A great blood tonic and is high in bioavailable iron and vitamins. It stimulates circulation and contains chlorophyll. It can also assist arthritis (which is helpful throughout winter).
Rosehips - Rosehips Granules are one of the very best sources of natural iron and vitamin C. They also contain biotin for optimum hoof health. Rosehips play a major role in kidney rehabilitation and adrenal function and can be used to prevent Azoturia or "tying up". Routine usage will completely rehabilitate kidneys weakened by stress and/or the regular use of electrolytes or diuretics.
Dandelion leaf- Dandelion is rich in potassium, calcium, iron and Vitamins A, B, C, and D. It also contains high levels of vitamin A - higher than carrots! Traditionally used for cholecystitis, gallstones, jaundice, sluggishness and enlargement of the liver or spleen, impaired digestion and constipation. It is a traditional digestive bitter tonic.
Ginger - Ginger is a warming herb and can help improve circulation to all parts of the body, including the extremities. It helps clear the lymph and is a well received herb to include in feeds.
Garlic - Garlic for horses is a popular supplement as it is rich is selenium and sulfur. Sulphur is recognized as having blood-cleansing properties that are useful in treating and preventing equine disease. It has also believed that garlic supplementation assists in improving equine respiratory problems and maintains beneficial gut flora.
Kelp - Kelp contains phosphorus iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium which makes it great for strengthening bones and assists in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. Kelp can also help treat inflammation and may strengthen and promote the glands. It contains iodine, which controls the thyroid - the gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate as well as heart and digestive function.
Our favourite way to feed out any of these loose dry herbs in the cooler months is to make a tea with hot water, let it cool and then feed a warming mash with Speedi-beet or basic chaff.
PREPARED HERBAL MIX
Equitone-Forte
Contains ginger and kelp, as well as several other herbs that have traditionally been used to soothe digestion, improve physical mobility and comfort, as well as provide vitamins and trace elements for increased wellbeing.
Rheume-Eze
The herbs chosen for Rhema-eze have been traditionally used to improve comfort and mobility in ageing animals.
