Great Tips on How to Care for Your Horse This Winter

Riding a horse is one of the most relaxing activities on the planet. Millions of people in the United States own and care for horses. If you are the owner of a horse, you know how important it is to make sure these majestic animals are properly cared for. With winter right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about how you will care for your horse during this time of year.

Failing to plan ahead for this care can result in your horse getting sick or injured. Below are some things you need to do to keep your horse happy and healthy this winter.

Choosing the Right Boarding Facility

Unless you have lots of land and a state-of-the-art barn, housing your horse will be difficult. Many horse owners rely on the help of boarding facilities in their area when it comes to housing and caring for their animals. If you are in the market for a boarding facility, you need to do your homework before making this important decision.

When researching a boarding facility, you need to find out more about the accommodations they provide and the reputation they have. Choosing a service that offers things like daily feedings and stall cleanings is imperative. Paying more for a comprehensive boarding facility will be worth it considering the care your horse will receive. As you tour different boarding facilities, you need to find out more about the heating systems they have in the stalls. The more you know about what a boarding facility offers, the easier it will be to make the right decision regarding which one to use.

Allow Your Horse to Eat More During Winter

As your horse tries to stay warm during the winter months, it will burn a lot of additional calories. If these calories are not replenished, your horse will start to lose weight. Instead of dealing with health problems, this drastic weight loss will cause, you need to allow your horse to eat more.

Increasing the amount of hay or chaff your horse receives is crucial during this time of year. Working with an experienced boarding facility will allow you to take the guesswork out of how much to feed your horse in wintertime.

Warm Your Horse Up Before a Ride

Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on a horse’s joints. Generally, a horse will be stiffer than usual on colder days. Trying to jump on a horse and ride them without warming them up first can be disastrous. The last thing you want is for your horse to pull a muscle or ligament during a wintertime ride.

This is why you need to walk them around and let them warm up before putting additional weight on their backs. By doing this, you can reduce the chance of injuries during a ride.

Check Out Our Boarding Facilities

If you are looking for a great boarding facility for your horse, the professionals at Ocean View Stables can help you out.