What precautions should you take when its icy conditions with horses? X
Be sure they are warm, whether it be a barn, blanket, or if you don't have either of those, put a roundbale & another buddy out there for them. (:
Prevent weight loss. The need for nutrients doesn't increase, however, their body will burn more calories trying to keep them warm. You can feed them a bit of extra grain/hay to prevent this, or add corn oil to their grain.
Make sure they have access to thawed water, & make sure it isn't too unbearably cold or warm. I would NOT recommend electric buckets, I personally think they are a hazard.
Don't put them in pastures that are very hilly, leave them in if possible, don't ride outside. If shod, get borium put on the shoes for traction.
I just leave my show horse in when it gets too icy. The others are fine-But leading him in and back on icy paths worries me, especially after 3 horses in our area slipped on the ice and had to be put down in a 1.5 week period. I ride him every day when I do this-It's better than him breaking a leg, and he isn't shod in the winter so no Borium.
you shouldent really ride your horse at all when its icy but if you do you should get him or her some boots that have grips on the bottom of the boots kinda like human shoes and try to ride them in the snow or grass as much as possible so they have a better chance of not slipping hope ive helped
1. Use salt around where the horse might walk
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
2. Give it a nice thick rug (it needs a rug even if its fur is thick)
3. Ride indoors
4. Give your horse some splint boots for riding
5. Keep YOUR guard up while riding. I find that horses get more energetic in winter.
6. Close any windows in or near its stall (also if the way into your stable is a door or garage, close that)
7. Winterize your horse's water buckets (there are other great tips in there too):
http://dailyequine.blogspot.com/2007/07/... 8. YOU need to dress warmly as well. Use an appropriate jacket and gloves (a cold rider is not a good rider lol)
Bonus: Put a space heater by your horse's stall if you feel the need:)
put down lots and lots of salt ..!!
