Nybakken warned that some horses may be new to Alaska and they are not acclimated to the frigid winters. If they don't produce a proper coat as veteran horses do, blankets may be needed on extremely cold days. He also stressed the importance of horses not losing weight. The animals have to have a kind of stalky hay source, so they can ferment the rough forage to maintain body heat. If they lose weight, it means their body is unable to keep up with the cold.
Water also is important for larger animals.
Nybakken said he recommends heated water bowl because horses do not like cold water. Contact the web master at Peninsula Clarion Copyrighted by Peninsula Clarion, a Division of Morris Communications Privacy and terms of use.