Horse Owners Need to Prepare for Colder Temperatures

The onset of winter means horse owners need to ensure their animals have adequate water, feed and shelter. “Our Alberta winters from north to south have a great deal of variance, but there is one thing that is common: Our livestock need to be fed,” says Bill desBarres, chairman of the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada and member of the Alberta Equestrian Federation – the Alberta Equine Welfare Group and the Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFAC).
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desBarres emphasizes that snow is not a replacement for water. Domestic horses need a good, clean supply of potable water. Wild horses grew up eating snow but they also know where to find the creeks and are able to locate these even better than man can.

“We need to have good, wholesome feed,” adds desBarres. “I recommend that if you have any questions about your feed, take it to your local fertilizer dealer and ask that it be analyzed for protein and ask your veterinarian what supplements you might use.”

Shelter is also a necessity, and desBarres suggests bushes are acceptable. Slab fencing is also adequate but in the event of blizzards and very bad weather, accessibility to buildings so the horses can get behind them is highly recommended. The colder it gets, the more important it is to have good water, good feed and good shelter.

AFAC maintains the ALERT LINE at 1-800-506-2273, and any cases of animals in distress can be reported to that toll-free number.

Contact:
AFAC
1-800-506-2273