{"id":266,"date":"2017-06-05T15:33:00","date_gmt":"2017-06-05T15:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runningcool.com.au\/?p=266"},"modified":"2023-02-01T15:34:14","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T15:34:14","slug":"5-tips-for-feeding-your-horse-during-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runningcool.com.au\/2017\/06\/05\/5-tips-for-feeding-your-horse-during-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Feeding Your Horse During Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Winter is here! It\u2019s time to evaluate your horse\u2019s diet to ensure they\u2019re receiving everything they need for their health and wellbeing. The easiest way to start is with our top five recommendations for feeding your horse during Winter.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 1: Fibre, fibre, fibre<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your horse\u2019s digestive system is designed to process fibre. Fibre provides them with energy, helps to keep them warm in Winter and assists in preventing
digestive upsets, such as gastric ulcers, colic and diarrhoea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Winter, your horse\u2019s diet should be comprised primarily of forage sources, including quality pasture and hay. In addition, it\u2019s important to encourage
natural foraging behaviours to keep your horse chewing. Consider utilising slow feeding hay nets as low to the ground as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 2: Keep them hydrated<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration is just as dangerous in Winter as it is in Summer. Due to the colder temperatures, your horse may consume less water, which increases their
risk of impaction colic. Therefore, it\u2019s vital they have unlimited access to fresh, clean drinking water around the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, providing water is only part of the solution. You should also encourage your horse to drink throughout the day, including before and after exercise,
and at feeding time. Allowing your horse to graze also helps as pasture contains more water than hay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 3: Support their fitness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating the ideal feed ration for your horse begins by evaluating their body condition, workload and current fitness level. If you intend to keep your
horse in work throughout Winter, ensure their diet contains the right blend of energy, fibre, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We encourage you to continue working your horse in Winter. Vary your riding and lunging routines with different exercises to keep your horse engaged, and
reward them with a relaxed hack at least once a week. Paddocking your horse, instead of stabling, will also help in keeping them active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip 4: Protect their health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter is not a time to neglect your horse\u2019s health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n