Thin horses may also need an increase in grain, but when changing grain rations, remember to do so gradually. In nature horses build condition all summer when grazing is lush and enter the cold months in their best possible condition. When we interfere with the horse s ability to store body fat in the warm months, we need to help a little more in the cold months. The nutrient most likely to be deficient in cold weather is water. In addition to it s many metabolic and biochemical functions, water is the agent that carries all the other feed smoothly and safely through the digestive tract.
Veterinarians respond to more colic cases in cold weather than any other time.
Horses require less water in cold weather but, too often, they don t or can t drink even enough to satisfy the reduced requirements. In cold weather spend a little thought each day to make it easier for your horse to get the water he needs. There is no substitute for looking objectively at your horse. The same need for a common sense approach in matching your horse s ration to his requirements is amplified in cold weather. Remember that a little time and thought on your part can help to safeguard your horse s health and comfort.