Cold Weather Horse Care Tips

You may be surprised at how well horses can adapt to colder weather. In the wild, horses can withstand temperatures at well below zero. However, there are a number of things that you can do to maximize your horse's health and condition during the colder months. Here are a few tips that will help to keep your equine friend happy and healthy during winter months.
One important thing to remember is that although horses do well in colder temperatures, they can be affected by cold winds which not only make them extremely uncomfortable but also have a tendency to spook the horse. You can keep your horse happier by providing some type of wind break such as a run-in shed in the pasture. If your horse does not have access to a run-in shed, a line of trees may be adequate to block some of the wind, but it is advisable that they at least have some sort of shelter from potential wind, snow, and freezing rain.
In addition to a nice shelter for your horse, you should increase your horse's hay intake during the winter months. Hay digestion creates increased heat production which helps your horse stay warmer in the winter months. Be sure that you are not increasing the grain intake, as increased grain intake will not provided the desired results of helping your horse to stay warmer. In fact, excess grain has been linked to foundering and potentially colic.
If your hay is not of the best quality, you should take your hay to be tested so that the hay is providing all of the nutritional benefits to your horse. Beet Pulp has been used by many horsemen as an additional feed source to supplement hay. The qualities of beet pulp allow it to be an easily digested feed with similar nutritional benefits as hay. Be sure that your horse is receiving enough feed through high quality forages to help him or her sustain a healthy body weight throughout the winter.
In addition to providing extra hay, you should also always provide fresh water for your horse. Although the weather is colder, horses still need enough water intake to keep their digestive tracts in line. Water prevents dehydration and is a vital part of keeping your horse healthy. Not only should you provide fresh water, but check the water regularly for ice. You may need to either install an electric heater in the water trough or keep a rubber mallet nearby to break ice which accumulates in buckets.
Another tip to keep in mind is to cool down your horse after exercise. Although this is equally important in the summer time, horses can easily chill after a rigorous work out if they are not provided with a cooler blanket to keep their body temperatures from losing heat too quickly and to keep them from becoming chilled while wet with sweat. Remember to walk your horse after a work-out so that they can cool down slowly.
Winter months can be refreshing and exhilarating for horses as long as they are kept healthy and happy!

For expert information on horses, tack at affordable prices, and special tips for new horse owners, be sure to visit our web page at http://www.smarthorseowner.com

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For Great Natural Horse Care Use a Hot Bran Mash

A hot bran mash is a great natural horse care product and will be a welcomed by your horse on a chilly day. It can be a nice once a month treat but should not take the place of the horse's daily feed. But what is a bran mash from a nutritional standpoint?

Wheat bran is expensive for the nutrients it provides and it is delicious for horses.

It is comparatively high in riboflavin, thiamin, folate and niacin in contrast to other feeds, however, it has less vitamin B than other feeds.

Wheat bran is a low density, fluffy feed that is similar in nutrient content to oats. The same volume of wheat bran when compared to other foods has a density one half that of whole oats and one fourth that of corn or wheat. It contains three to four times more phosphorus and has slightly more protein than oats. But it provides less digestible energy for the horse than these other foods.

Bran is a great natural horse care product and is an excellent form of roughage for horses. Using bran will increase roughage in the horse's diet, which may enhance bowel motility. This could be the most significant advantage of bran.

Horses that have no opportunity to graze or limited opportunity may profit from being fed bran once a week, because it may be necessary for them to acquire more roughage in their diet. This can be helpful for older horses that are having trouble chewing hay.

Even though wheat bran is a great natural horse care product, there is a potential draw back. If you over feed wheat bran, there is the possibility that it could decrease calcium absorption. The problem is the phosphorus in bran is in the form of phytate, which could have unfavorable results. When bran is fed on a regular basis the calcium may need to be adjusted in the horse's diet. The ratio that calcium and phosphorus are to be fed in your horse's diet is 2:1. If you use more or less of either element, it can cause an imbalance in your horse's diet. So if you are feeding your horse bran on a weekly basis, you should consult your veterinarian about supplementing your horse's diet with calcium.

If a horse is suffering from a calcium deficiency, then calcium can be metabolized from the bones. The calcium can be taken from the legs, ribs, or face, which causes the bones to become less dense as calcium is removed. This can result in the disease known as Big Head, which is caused by fibrous developments causing swelling of the facial bones of the affected horse. Fibrin will replace the area where the bone is becoming less dense.

Another advantage of using bran mash as a natural horse care product, is that it is a great way to get more water into your horse during the winter months. When the weather is cold, horses do not drink as much water. A bran mash must not be used as an only source of water, but it can be used to supplement water intake.

Horses like bran mash. On a cold day the warmth of the mash and the taste appeal to the horse. Here is a recipe for bran mash:

• 3 cups hot water
• 3 cups wheat bran
• 1-2 cups sweet grain or molasses (only if your horse is not glucose intolerant)
• Chopped carrots, apples, and pears

Combine these ingredients in a feed bucket and mix together and make sure it is not too hot for your horse. If you have a horse that has difficulty chewing, you may want to add more water to make it easier to chew.

This is a great natural horse care treat, and is something special that your horse will enjoy on a cold day. There are many benefits to a warm bran mash, but it should not be fed too often. Just remember, too much of a good thing can be bad for you, and your horse.

For additional information about practical horse management please go to http://wcf-ltd.com/horse/ to learn more about how to care for your horse.

Fran Mullens has been a barn manager, trainer and riding instructor for several years, and has worked with horses for nearly 25 years. Fran is co-author with Skimbleshanks the Farm Cat at his blog. To learn more about the farm cat go to http://skimbleshanksthefarmcat.blogspot.com/

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Things To Think About When Caring For Your Horse

THE SIMPLE PLEASURE OF FEEDING

Food is one of the simplest and greatest pleasures of our horses, so make sure that your horse always has all the food requirements that he/she needs.

There are three types of food that your horse may eat. Pasture is the favorite meal of all horses, supplying needed nutrients, roughage and protein. Pastures and forage crops provide a major part of the nutritional needs of horses almost year-round. Horses are constant grazers, I mean 24/7. There are many types of pasture grass so do your homework, different parts of the country have different types of grasses that grow better in different areas and will provide the proper nutrients for your horse.

Hay is another type of food for horses, when fresh pasture is not available, hay is the best choice. There are many types of hay, such as alfalfa, coastal, T&A, Tifton, and the list goes on. Make sure you provide the best hay for your horses needs. Some hay such as alfalfa has tons of protein and for some horses you will want to give this type of hay sparingly as too much protein is not good for your horse, so do your research.

Secondly, always store hay in a dry but well-ventilated area. Feeding your horse with moldy hay can lead to various medical complications. Feeding your horse with hay alone will never make a sufficient diet so consider including another component in your horse's diet such as horse pellets or sweet feet to ensure that all your horses nutritional needs are met. Do not forget to consider what your horse does, for example: racing, pleasure, show, competitive, jumper, etc. Horses that expend allot of energy need higher percentage of protein feed and a higher quality hay. Ask you vet for help in determining your horses diet needs.

WATER AS THE SOURCE OF LIFE

Horses are always thirsty, and can consume up to 10- 15 gallons of water daily. As such, it is extremely important that you have a ready supply of fresh water for your horse. During the winter months make sure that you place the water in heated buckets to prevent it from freezing.

SALT, MINERALS, AND HORSE TREATS

Salt and minerals are also important factors in your horse's diet. Consult your veterinarian as to what your horse should take to consume the necessary vitamins and minerals. Salt blocks and horse treats can be purchased from your local feed store.

EXERCISING YOUR HORSE

The amount of exercise your horse needs depends primarily on its role in life. If you are using it for competitive riding, team penning or pleasure, whatever you choose will determine what type of exercise it needs and how many times it should exercise each and every week. As for all other types of horses, daily exercise is encouraged to allow horses' muscles and bones to strengthen and not become affected by arthritis, etc. when they become older.

CARING FOR YOUR HORSES' HOOVES

Horses need their hooves trimmed at least every 6-8 weeks. Pick your horses feet every day, and after each ride or workout. Depending on the work (pleasure, barrels etc.) you choose for your horse, will determine whether on not you need to have your horse shoed. Talk to some of your friends or your Vet, someone who can recommend a good farrier. Remember that just as it is with our feet, the hooves of horses are also the most abused and neglected part of their body so it's important for us to give them the best care we can afford. The old saying "No hoof, No horse really does apply!

CARING FOR YOUR HORSES' TEETH

Unlike human teeth, there is no end to periodontal growth for horses. As such, uneven usage of their teeth can lead to the development of sharply pointed teeth and which may cause chewing problems. Your Vet may have to (float) the teeth which means that he will have to file them down a little to help your horse's eating enjoyment. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you have your veterinarian check your horses' teeth annually.

GROOMING FOR YOUR HORSE

Allow your horses to enjoy baths regularly. Most horse enjoy their baths immensely but others need a little more coaxing in that area. Afterwards, use a sweat scoop to take off excess water and remember to brush their coat slowly, carefully, and thoroughly. Make sure that you use grooming products that are specifically designed for horses, they are reasonably priced and loads to choose from.

Above all, the best way to make your horse's life absolutely wonderful is by showering them with your love and affection!

Written by, Michele Anderson

Clipidy Clop to the Postershop for all your poster needs. Horse posters and western movie hero posters @ Posterhorse.com

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Horses For Beginners - Your First Horse

If you are interested in learning more about horses for beginners or are looking for your first horse, then this article is for you. This article discusses the types of things you should look for when looking for a beginners horse.

Time dedication

Horses require a lot of maintenance. If you think you can just turn your horse out to grass in a field and not worry about it, you are wrong. Horses need to have their feet trimmed and may need shoeing depending on the amount of work they do. Like people, they need to have exercise, or they can get out of shape and grow fat. Some horses can eat so much that that they founder, which means their feet hurt so much they are unable to walk. Horses that have a tendency to gain weight should wear a grazing muzzle when turned out to grass, to prevent overeating. Ponies are especially prone to founder. Horses need to be checked every day to make sure they are not sick or injured. If you board your horse at a boarding facility, your horse is usually checked each day, which helps if you can't always be there to do it yourself.

Your Ability

The horse's amount of training and your ability are a big consideration when looking for a horse for beginners. If you have no riding experience, it is best to get a well trained quiet horse. These horses are sometimes called schoolmasters. This means they know their job. They are good horses for beginners to learn on, especially if you find one that is very forgiving. A horse with this type of temperament is easy going and doesn't get upset when beginners do things wrong.

Your Finances

There are a wide range of prices related to horses. Fancy, flashy show horses can cost thousands of dollars, whereas horses that are less fancy can be more moderately priced. The amount of training a horse has can also affect its price. For example, if a horse is young and has a little bit of training, it will not cost a lot. Unfortunately, horses with little training are not good beginners horses. A horse that is between 6 - 8 years old and has good training is usually more expensive. These horses are in their prime. A horse that is over the age of 10 or 12 years old usually is well trained, but health and the condition of the horse's joints is a consideration. It is not uncommon for older horses to have arthritis. Older horses are usually great beginner horses, but they may have more associated vet expenses due to their age.

Choosing Your Horse

It is advantageous to have someone experienced go with you when you are choosing your first horse. It is best if you have a trainer, who will not only give you lessons after you buy a horse, but help you choose a horse that will be well suited to you. Before buying a horse, you should also have it examined by an equine veterinarian. This is an very important step that you don't want to skip! The cost of the vet check will depend on how thorough the examination is and how many tests you have done. Your vet can tell you what your options are, but it is always a good idea to get x-rays of the horses legs and joints. It is not uncommon to find something wrong with just about any horse during a vet check, but it is up to you to decide what you are willing to live with. For example, you may not care that a horse has arthritis in his hocks and cannot jump, if you are only going to use it for trail riding.

Buying vs. Leasing

You don't always have to buy a horse. You also have the option of leasing one. There are a lot of different lease arrangements available including half leases and free leases. With a free lease, you don't have to pay the owner to use the horse. In this arrangement you are responsible for the horse's care and living arrangements. With a half lease you may use the horse a few days a week, while the owner or someone else uses the horse the other part of the week. If you do decide to a lease a horse, make sure you have a written agreement, so you know who is responsible for all of the expenses related to the horse, like vet or farrier (blacksmith) bills.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when getting your first horse. Before you jump into a purchase or a lease arrangement, make sure you do a lot of research first, so you get a horse that is well suited to your individual needs.

For more helpful horse related information, including horse grooming equipment, visit http://www.beginners-guide-to-horses.com

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