Newsdate: Tue, 29 Nov 2011 - 08:31 am
Location: EAST LANSING, Michigan

My Horse University Extension at Michigan State University advises horse owners to follow these tips to maintain horse health in winter weather:

• Monitor horses carefully for shivering when they are turned out in cold, windy and/or wet weather, whether blanketed or not.
• Maximize indoor ventilation by keeping doors and windows open or using ceiling fans and vents.
• If blanketing, choose blankets that are water repellent, moisture wicking, and well-fitting.
• Consider booster vaccinations for diseases such as influenza, rhinopneumonitis, and strangles.
• Assess body condition score regularly.
• Provide adequate calories. A horse's energy requirements may increase up to 25%.
• Give unlimited access to unfrozen water.