10 Winter Survival Tips

1. In this cold snap remember to check water buckets daily to ensure they do not freeze (you may want to try a bucket heater!)

2. Monitor your horses' body condition (with the blanket off) at least twice weekly.

3. Make sure your horse has good quality hay/forage to make up for poor quality pastures during the winter.

4. Provide several piles of hay or multiple feeding stations for horses turned out together, to ensure each horse gets his/her fair share.

5. A structure to block the wind is essential during cold, windy days.

6. Consider adding a second water bucket with electrolytes to your horses stall or pasture during colder winter months.

7. Despite popular belief, deworming is still very critical during the winter months.  Stick to your regular deworming schedule during the winter.

8. When riding, be sure to warm your horse up adequately and that you provide ample time for them to cool down and dry off when you are done.

9. When there is snow and ice on the ground, pick your horses' feet daily to prevent buildup within the hooves.

10. Finally, be sure to check your fences after winter storms to ensure that no branches have fallen across them and caused damage