1 - Choose the housing that suits your horse

Always outside or partially in the stable. 24/7 outside sounds great to most horse owners. And the majority of horses will also prefer this. But 24/7 outside is not ideal if it doesn't meet the "requirements" of your horse. Not all horses find peace in a herd, usually the herd is unstable or the horse is low in rank. And a 24/7 outdoor space must always have a dry place to stand and lie down, which can be a challenge in the Netherlands. Choose the housing where your horse is happiest. It is important to know your horse and also take into account its nutritional needs. If your horse needs extra feed to maintain weight, then a place where your horse can eat quietly alone is essential.

2 - Use a blanket if necessary

In principle, almost all horses can get through the winter without a blanket without any problems. But if you train your horse (and potentially clip), your horse is older, struggles to stay at the right weight, or has muscle problems, a blanket can be a suitable and maybe even necessary option. Horses are waterproof and very capable of keeping themselves warm, provided there is enough roughage to keep the furnace burning. But in case of health problems, it is advisable to use a blanket. The horse doesn't have to spend energy on keeping itself warm, and can use that energy to recover. Therefore, carefully consider the needs of your horse. Does your horse have a lot of overweight? Then consider not using a blanket so that the horse has to use more energy to stay warm.

Did you know that horse owners often overdress their horses?

Horses (unshaven) have a comfort temperature of approximately -5 to 10/15 degrees. In humans, this comfort zone lies at higher temperatures. When we feel cold, horses often find it very comfortable.

3 - Adapt the nutrition

Every horse is different and has different nutritional needs. However, most horses' diets change during the winter period. Most horses will stop grazing and be on hay-only. The transition from grass to hay requires a change in gut bacteria, which can result in a period of wetter manure for the horse. With a digestive product that has a prebiotic effect, you can support these issues. In addition, a horse no longer receives vitamin E because it is only available in fresh grass. Therefore, vitamin E is recommended in the winter.

Additionally, monitor your horse closely. Do you have an older horse? Pay close attention to ensure it doesn't lose weight in the winter, and act promptly if it does. It can be challenging to help an older horse gain weight. Older horses also often have dental problems that make it difficult to eat hay, so there are many roughage replacements available.

Did you know that watery manure is caused by packaged hay?

The fermentation process in packaged hay/pre-cut hay/silage can trigger the intestines of many horses, resulting in watery manure. Even hay that is extremely dry but packaged can cause this. If your horse has watery manure, see if it improves when your horse is on unpackaged hay.

4 - Support the immune system

Weather changes can affect a horse's immune system. Cold temperatures are often not a problem, but large temperature fluctuations or prolonged rain can cause problems.

Boost your horse's immunity by giving extra minerals (from concentrated bering sea water). Additionally, natural therapists recommend cleansing the body twice a year with a detox, in the spring and autumn. Doing a nettle tincture cure can also help your horse get through rough periods.

5 - View the horse as an individual

No horse is the same, so continue to look at your horse as an individual. What works for a stable mate's horse may not work for yours. All horses have their own needs and preferences. Where one horse functions well in a large herd, another horse may prefer to be with a few peers. A horse that is low in rank may sometimes need more attention in terms of nutrition than a horse that is high in rank. Also, a horse with a condition will have different needs than a healthy horse. Additionally, some horses get cold faster than others.

So keep looking at your horse and choose the way of keeping and caring for it that suits your horse best.

Tips for an easier winter for you as an owner:

• Ensure warm, waterproof boots
• Have a suitable, water- and windproof jacket (or jackets)
• Dress in layers so you can take off items during riding
• Have multiple pairs of gloves and hats
• Take wet items home if there is no heated place at the stable, as everything dries much faster
• Store feed in barrels to keep mice and rats out of your storage