Winter Nutrition for your Horses
By Bruce Arentson, Ph. D., Nutritionist and Regulatory Compliance Manager, Kent Feeds, Inc.
Even with cold, harsh weather, horses can adapt to and survive winter conditions. Giving attention to basic husbandry requirements provides horses more comfort, resulting in better-conditioned horses come spring.
The winter environment elicits physiological and behavioral changes. Horses grow a heavy winter coat that acts as an insulator. Cold weather causes the hair to stand up, trapping and retaining body heat. However, once the hair gets wet, the hair flattens, losing its insulating capability. Keeping horses dry is important in helping them maintain warmth and comfort.
Horses reduce their water intake as temperatures fall. This reduced water intake, combined with increased forage consumption can lead to greater incidence of impaction and colic. To maximize water intake, maintain water temperature between 45º and 65º F. Do not allow a horse’s water supply to freeze or require horses to eat snow for water. Check water twice a day and provide water at all times. Horses can drink 10 to 12 gallons a day.
As the environmental temperature falls below the comfort level of the horse, the body increases heat production by speeding up chemical reactions that produce heat. This heat production by the body helps keep the horse warm. With this physiological change, horses require additional energy in the diet. The most desirable way to meet horses’ additional energy requirements is to increase forage intake.
The high fiber content in forages is utilized though bacterial fermentation in the colon and large intestine. Fermenting fibers create heat to help keep horses warm in the wintertime. Because forages contain a greater concentration of fiber than grains, feeding forages during the winter should be the primary part of the ration for horses.
On the other hand, during times of extreme cold and when feeding “hard keepers,” feeding only forage will not provide sufficient energy in the ration. Consequently, body fat is used as a source of energy, therefore, depleting the insulating external fat. Supplementing with grain is required to provide energy in these situations. Avoid a sudden increase in the amount of grain fed to horses. Doing so can increase the risk of colic and laminitis (founder). Horses should be preconditioned to grain by feeding small amounts and then gradually increasing the daily amount over several days during an extended cold period. Stalling is not necessary for all horses during the winter, but some protection from winter elements is desirable for pastured horses. Providing an escape from the bitter winds and moisture is recommended. A three-sided shed or timberline is usually sufficient.
Remember your horse has special needs in the wintertime. Plan ahead. Condition your horse with a little extra fat for the coming cold winter days. Provide sufficient water, feed, and shelter.