In case you haven't noticed, it is extremely cold in some areas of the USA. Whether it is a polar vortex or just winter, either way it’s about to get cold across the country again this week as arctic air pushes down from Canada.
Where is the horses' water?
Horse owners can take several precautions to assist equine comfort and survival during frigid weather, but the most important item is making sure the horse has adequate amounts of water that is at least 43 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the Northeast, 8 to 10 inches of snow with gusty winds and ice cold temperatures are predicted, while across the country temperatures will plummet each day through next Sunday
This brings up the question, what is the most important thing you can do for your horse during frigid sub-zero weather the United States has been experiencing?
Should you keep the horse within a shelter, blanket it, increase feed, make sure your horse's coat is free of mud and dirtand give it a good daily rub-down?
Horse owners can take all these precautions to assist equine comfort and survival during frigid weather, but the most important item you can do is to make sure the horse has adequate amounts of 43 degree Fahrenheit temperature water.
Often horses appreciate warmer water during cold blasts, but that is a challenge for horse owners, for most barns are not equipped with heated water. At the least, make sure that horses have access to water that is not extremely cold and certainly not near freezing temperature.
Providing fresh water will enable the horse’s digestive system to work properly, encourage normal eating habits, and assist the horse in maintaining normal body temperatures and functions.
Depending on the wind chill factor, rain or snowfall, other options might need to be considered to ensure your horse’s comfort.