Your horses nutritional requirements will change as the mercury drops. In fact, according to Marsha Hathaway, PhD, University of Minnesota, horses require an additional 1% of energy for each degree below 18 degrees. In order to provide these calories, she explains that it is beneficial to provide more hay as, “there is the heat generated from microbial fermentation of forages that occurs in the hindgut during digestion.”

“Even relatively mild ambient temperatures (e.g. 22°C) where the windows are partially lowered to provide ventilation can still cause an animal to experience hyperthermia (increased body temperature), which is a serious health and welfare issue. Animals that are exposed to the elements on the back of utility trucks may also suffer hyperthermia during hot conditions.”

“The industry as a whole is moving towards microchipping as the preferred method of identification,” said UHC Director Ashley Furst. “Initially, organizations hosting Operation Gelding clinics will be eligible to apply for microchips for Operation Chip. Eventually we hope to expand the program to be able to offer rescue organizations the opportunity to apply for just the chips to be inserted into the horses in their care. Microchipping horses in rescue organizations is one of the best ways to be able to track them through the system, as well as give the industry the ability to reunite them with their owner in the case of a natural disaster.”

Through Equine Affaire’s unique “Ride With A Pro” clinic program you can ride, drive, and have your horse trained in clinics conducted by many of the nation’s foremost coaches, competitors, judges, and horse trainers—for clinic fees designed to fit your budget.

“When it comes to feed and supplements, you can’t expect your horse will need and/or eat the same way they did at 15- now that they’re older,” she said. “In my experience with our older senior horses, they get pickier with their hay. They also tend to sift supplements or NSAIDs from their grain rations.”

Decide on a safe place to keep your livestock before disaster strikes. Think about whether you’ll be able to access your livestock after the event – particularly if it’s prone to flooding

Over recent years there has been considerable controversy about rider weight in relation to horse size. Following the Saddle Research Trust Workshop in 2014 and a meeting of British industry representatives in 2015, an initiative was set up, coordinated by the British Equestrian Federation and World Horse Welfare, to raise funds to support research into this topic.

Low moisture winter feedstuffs are also a risk factor for choke in older horses in general, especially if their chewing efficiency is poor. Soaking meals helps, but isn’t always enough when the horse does not chew well.

Discover how:
-Leaky gut syndrome impacts hoof health
-Weight loss can be accomplished and laminitis avoided
-Hay analysis reports can be best evaluated
-Insulin resistant horses can graze on pasture
-Quality protein influences hoof health
-Key nutrients can specifically target hooves
-The Paddock Paradise system can improve hooves and overall health
-Feeding in sync with the horse’s innate physiology is of paramount importance