Managing your mobile shelter through winter
Managing mobile horse shelters through winter is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of your equine companions during harsh weather conditions. Here are some key considerations and tips for maintaining your mobile shelters effectively throughout the colder months:
Shelter and Protection
Mobile shelters provide essential protection from winter elements such as snow, wind, and rain. Ensure your shelters are well-anchored and positioned to block prevailing winds, helping to maintain a dry and draft-free environment. Regularly check and maintain the structural integrity of the shelters, addressing any damage or weaknesses promptly.
Nutrition and Hydration
Horses require more calories in winter to maintain body heat. Increase their hay intake as the digestion of hay generates internal heat, which helps keep them warm. Providing free-choice hay ensures they have a continuous source of warmth and nutrition. Additionally, ensure access to fresh, unfrozen water. Using heated waterers or regularly breaking ice in troughs will encourage adequate water intake, reducing the risk of dehydration and impaction colic.
Grooming and Health Monitoring
Regular grooming is vital to maintain coat health and check for any skin issues or abnormalities. Grooming distributes natural oils, helping to keep the coat water-resistant and insulating. Keep an eye on body condition, especially in older or health-compromised horses, adjusting feed as necessary to maintain an ideal weight.
Exercise and Turnout
Even during winter, regular exercise is important for maintaining your horse’s health and preventing boredom. Try to provide daily turnout, even if just for short periods, to allow for natural movement and mental stimulation. Ensure that turnout areas are safe and free of ice to prevent slips and injuries.
Shelter Maintenance
Keep the shelters clean and dry to prevent respiratory issues and hoof problems. Regularly remove manure and wet bedding, and provide good ventilation to maintain air quality. In icy conditions, clear and salt walkways to ensure safe passage for both horses and handlers .
Clipping and Blanketing
If your horse is clipped for winter riding, make sure they have appropriate blanketing to compensate for the loss of their natural insulation. Clipped horses may need additional calories to maintain body heat, and their blankets should be checked regularly to ensure they remain dry and secure.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your mobile shelters provide a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for your horses throughout the winter months. This proactive approach will help mitigate the challenges posed by cold weather, ensuring your horses remain healthy and content.
