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Posted by Dr Thunes
on 10/12/2009, 2:07 pm
128.120.218.130
I just wanted to post a few nutrition related friendly reminders now that the weather will be changing.
With the storm coming in tonight the temperature will drop and there will be considerable wind chill. Horses take about 3 weeks to adapt to temperature changes and cold combined with wind and rain is the worst. For every 5 degrees drop in temp (factor in wild chill too) horses need about 1 pound of additional hay. Hay or forage is best as the fermentation process of digesting it releases heat.
Additionally as the weather cools they drink less water increasing the risk of colic. Having access to white salt is important and possibly adding a tablespoon to bucketed feed is good insurance as sodium stimulates thirst.
Also if the weather curtails your riding you may need to consider reducing their caloric intake or reducing grain in favor of more hay.
These few considerations will help your horse not to loose weight as the weather changes, and avoid colic and laminitis/weight gain.
Time to batton down the hatches.
Stay safe,
Clair
Independent Equine Nutritionist,
Equilibrate Equine Consulting,
www.equilibrateequine.com
clair@equilibrateequine.com
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