The colder months can be a tough time for horse and pony owners. Unless an individual has a background in equine nutrition, it can be tricky to know which types of feed and precise quantities to provide the horse with, to ensure they remain warm and in good physical shape throughout winter. However, if a few key rules are kept in mind, the horse should cope very well with the chillier months and come into spring healthy, happy and in good weight to start the new season.

Being exposed to freezing, damp and windy weather conditions can significantly increase the amount of food and energy a horse requires because it is much harder for them to maintain their body temperature. Horses that are staying out 24/7 must be given a constant supply of high energy roughage and concentrates as needed on a regular basis. Good quality horse feed along with a block of vitamins and minerals in the field will help them to digest their feed properly, maintain condition and keep warm.

Older horses will need extra attention when the temperature dips. Some veteran animals have problems with dental health which can make things difficult for them over winter. With the increased reliance on long stem forage, such as hay, they might not be able to ingest enough roughage to keep them warm. If an older horse starts losing weight over winter a dental check is recommended, along with a vet check and worming check to pinpoint any other problems. It may well be that the equine requires a higher energy horse feed. Many horse feed companies now manufacture feeds especially for veteran horses which can be a convenient solution.

At the other end of the scale, fit competition horses may also need some additional support throughout winter. These horses usually have minimal body fat and are often clipped at the beginning of winter to prevent excessive sweating during exercise. Body fat and hair are both fantastic insulators that these athletic animals will not be able to benefit from. Consequently, they must have a constant supply of hay when they are turned out to keep them warm. A well fitting, wind and rain proof winter rug will also go a long way to keeping a horse warm and comfortable.

Along with roughage and concentrate, it is vital that horses receive enough water over winter. Springtime grass contains a large amount of water, meaning the horse doesn’t need to rely as much on its water trough or bucket. During winter, the water content in grass is much lower, meaning they must be provided with a constant supply of clean, fresh, uncontaminated water. If temperatures enter the minus figures, owners must check the trough every morning and night to break any ice that might have formed.

If an owner is at a complete loss when it comes to winter nutrition, horse feed companies can be a great help. Most brands have nutritionists available that are qualified to give advice on what a particular age and breed of horse or pony needs. The most important thing to remember is to monitor your equine carefully over the winter months. Rugs and thick winter coats can hide a multitude of sins. Check a horse’s condition score regularly, ensuring that ribs are well covered with a nice layer of warm, insulating fat. If a close eye is kept on the horse and any potential problems are dealt with straightaway, there is no reason the equine shouldn’t make it through winter without any health issues whatsoever.