Horse-keeping during the winter brings its own unique challenges, and those challenges can wreak havoc on your horseâs gastrointestinal (GI) tract and increase his risk for digestive upset. However, with the right care and support, you can help ensure your horse has everything he needs to maintain a happy and healthy hindgut.
Cold weather health challenges for horses
Horse-keeping during the winter brings its own unique challenges, and those challenges can wreak havoc on your horseâs gastrointestinal (GI) tract and increase his risk for digestive upset.
Is your horse at risk for these common health challenges?
âWhile a direct correlation between weather and digestive upset can be challenging to prove,â said Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak Staff Veterinarian, âexperts have definitely been able to show links between activity changes, hydration, and diet changes so I recommend owners focus their efforts on those areas.â
Increased Stall Time
Winter weather often leads to changes in your horseâs turnout and exercise routine. Research shows that increased number of hours spent in a stall has been associated with increased risk of colic. It also suggests that there is a higher risk of colic in horses that have a significant change in activity, like suddenly being stuck inside during a storm.
One tip is to keep your horseâs turnout and exercise schedule as consistent as possible, and try to make any changes gradually. When winter weather limits your horseâs turnout time, try hand-walking, lunging, or riding if possible.
Inadequate Water Intake
Some horses drink less in the winter because of cold water, but proper hydration is essential to your horseâs well-being no matter season it is. Because a dehydrated horse may not have adequate water supplies to successfully pass feedstuffs through his digestive tract, heâs at risk for GI trouble, including impaction colic.
Make sure your horse has fresh water, ideally free from ice, available at all times. If your horse is a poor drinker, consider adding a salt supplement like SmartSalt Pellets or a daily electrolyte to encourage normal drinking. In addition, a heated bucket or water bucket cover may be helpful if you notice your horse isnât a fan of cold water.
Hay and Grain Changes
Changes in hay, including switching types or feeding a new cut, can increase your horse chances of developing colic by ten times. In addition, studies indicate that changes in the amount or type of grain can increase his risk up to five times.
Keep your horseâs diet as consistent as possible. If you must make a change to your horseâs hay or grain (either in type or amount), make the change gradually over 7-10 days. A digestive supplement that provides yeast, prebiotics, and enzymes may also help keep your horseâs hindgut happy as he makes feed transitions.
Protect Yourself and Your Horse
Now that you know more about winter colic risk factors, take the next step and protect yourself and your horseâs digestive system by enrolling in SmartPakâs free ColiCare program! By combining hindgut support supplements and a veterinarian-directed wellness program, you can rest easy knowing that youâre providing the ultimate in digestive health. Best of all, ColiCare provides up to $7,500 of colic surgery reimbursement, should your horse ever need it.
Prepare For Winter
To find all of the management tools you need to help keep your horse healthy and happy this winter, visit www.SmartPak.com.
About SmartPak
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.
With the success of this simple and convenient feeding system, SmartPak has continued to expand its offering of quality products, including its own line of more than 60 supplement formulas called SmartSupplements, and a wide variety of tack, equipment, and supplies. The company has grown rapidly each year and is now the largest retailer of equestrian products in the United States.
SmartPakâs success has been powered by a passion for delivering an unbeatable customer experience, and the company has been recognized with a Bizrate Circle of Excellence award as well as an âEliteâ rating from STELLAService. A nine-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree, SmartPak is the only equine company ever named to the Inc. 500 list.