Winter wrapped up

With the long-range weather forecast suggesting a chilly winter ahead, how can equestrians prepare for the challenges of frost, ice and snow? Stephanie Bateman finds out

- Stephanie Bateman

MOST equestrians would choose a cold, dry winter over a mild, wet one, but freezing winters aren't without their challenges. Icy walkways, frozen arenas and frost-covered paddocks all bring management complications, so how can we prepare for a Nordic winter?

Robyn Cherry is equestrian director at Bishop Burton College and Riseholme College, and has many years' experience managing big yards of horses.

"I believe in keeping horses in their normal routine, and turning out even in the snow, as it dramatically reduces the risk of colic," she says. "If it's deep, prolonged snow, ask your farrier to fit snow pads, or try applying a hoof dressing or baby oil across the sole and frog before turnout to prevent snow balling."

When it comes to riding in the snow, Robyn comments: "Stick to paths you know and avoid areas where the snow e the snow has been scraped, as this can make it more slippery. I stud up for snow work and apply oil or hoof dressing to the soles as I would for turnout.

"I avoid road work as this is where it can get lethal - black ice is no joke. But if the roads are well gritted, then you can get to a bridleway and hack out as normal."

WE tend to think that horses don't need to drink as much in the winter, but reduced water intake can result in dehydration and compaction colic, as Tracey Hammond, equine nutritionist at Dengie Horse Feeds, explains.

"Eating frosty or snow-covered grass is thought to increase a horse's risk of colic, but it is more likely the fact that the horse hasn't consumed enough fibre or drunk enough water that contributes to the issue. There are many dietary changes that occur during the winter that need to be done gradually to reduce the risk of colic."

For grass-kept horses, the gradual introduction of supplementary forage is advised to maintain fibre intake and digestive health.