Horses are a lot like people, they get colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. You must keep your horses comfortable when it’s cold outside by keeping them hydrated and warm in this cold weather with Caribu horse rugs and accessories.
Keeping your horse warm and dry in cold weather is important for their health and well-being. Keep reading to learn more about how you can keep your horses healthy during the cold months.
Rug your horse up
Rugging up your horse is a great way to keep him warm and comfortable in cold weather. However, if you don’t know what rug size is right for your horse, or if the rug isn’t fitted well enough, he could end up overheating or getting too hot to stand on. Here are some tips that will help you make sure your horse stays safe and comfortable.
Fit the rug properly by putting it over his back and legs first, not over his belly or chest! If there’s any room left over after fitting everything else, then this will be enough space for airflow under his body weight so he doesn’t sweat through his coat like an elephant does when walking around all day long outside under direct sunlight.
Keep an eye out for dehydration
Dehydration is a serious risk in cold weather and can lead to serious health issues such as internal bleeding, heart problems, and even death if left untreated. To help ensure that your horse stays hydrated, try feeding him more often than usual, even if it means breaking up his schedule so that he doesn’t go too long without eating or drinking. He will also need more feed than usual because there is less moisture in the air and therefore less available for digestion.
Treat rugs with care
Rugs are a great way to keep your horse’s legs warm in cold weather, but they can also cause problems. If you’re not careful, rugs can trap moisture and become wet or muddy. This may lead to leg rot or blisters if left on too long.
To prevent this problem:
- Don’t leave the rug in direct sunlight or rain. It will get too wet and lose its insulating properties.
- Don’t leave damp rugs lying around. They should be cleaned regularly by wiping them off with a cloth before storing them away from other items that might pick up dirt from the outside.
Don’t let horses get too wet
Wet horses can get cold and sick. They’re also more likely to develop flystrike a skin condition caused by the presence of maggots inside the horse, which is a serious problem that causes an animal’s flesh to rot away due to anemia.
In addition to keeping your horse dry, you’ll need a waterproof flysheet that covers his body completely with no gaps for water or air circulation between him and the sheet itself. This prevents any moisture from getting into their coat while they stand still, and it keeps them warm at night when he lies down on top of it!
If you’re using a plastic sheeting material like polyethylene instead of fabric or wool blankets then make sure that you seal all seams properly. Make sure there are no gaps for water entry through those cracks/openings the same goes for using fleece.
Be careful with sudden changes in temperature
It’s important to be aware that horses are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Horses can get sick, hurt, or injured by sudden changes in temperature.
For example, if it’s cold outside and you’re riding your horse around in the wintertime, you’ll need a hat for them. You may also want some warm clothing for yourself and another person who is riding with you on their horse as well!
Watch out for wind chill
The wind chill is a factor in cold weather, and it can affect your horse’s body temperature. Wind chill occurs when the wind blows against you or your horse’s skin, limiting their ability to maintain their body heat and causing them to cool down faster than normal.
To keep your horse warm in cold weather, make sure he has plenty of water available and stand close by so that you’ll be able to feel his breathing rate change as he exhales heat from his lungs into the air around him. If possible, try wearing gloves while working with horses, they will keep hands warm even if they’re not touching any part of an animal directly!
Some horses need extra care
Some horses are more prone to cold weather than others. If your horse has low metabolism and doesn’t burn calories as quickly, he’ll need more food to keep warm.
Similarly, if your horse is sensitive to temperature changes or has a hard time regulating his body temperature. For example, if he’s from an island, then you may want to consider adding extra bedding or rugs for him before heading out into the cold.
Horses need a helping hand to stay comfortable and healthy in cold weather.
The cold can be harsh on your horse’s body and health, but it’s important to keep him safe and comfortable. Keep them dry. Make sure they have access to shelter or an area where they can stay out of the wind while they’re eating their hay. And if you have a barn with a lot of stalls, consider adding additional insulation so that each one has enough room for horses to stand comfortably without having their heads bump into other horses’ noses.
Feed them well during winter months. Horses need more calories than usual because their metabolism slows down as temperatures drop. This means making sure you give them plenty of treats throughout the day and making sure those treats are high-quality feed like alfalfa pellets or cornstalks with molasses added on top!
Conclusion
Cold weather can be a challenge for horses and their owners, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools, training, and good horse sense. With Caribu horse rugs and accessories you can help keep your horse warm and comfortable even in the coldest days of winter.
