Tip 1 - Ensure sufficient exercise even in winter

Horses are animals that require movement. However, during winter, it can be less appealing - and sometimes even impossible - to go out with your horse. If you only have access to an outdoor arena, or have to work during the day, this may mean that your horse gets less exercise in winter. Make sure your horse has as much free movement as possible daily, even if you don't find it appealing to be outside. Generally, horses tolerate cold weather much better than humans. It is often better for them to roam in a fresh breeze rather than stand in a poorly ventilated stable all day. Dust and ammonia are worse for their lungs than lower temperatures. Only if your horse is getting completely soaked in the rain all day, it might be wise to bring him inside earlier or put on a blanket, especially if there is no shelter. Try to provide some additional exercise even in poor weather conditions, even if you find it too slippery to ride. You can engage in games with your horse, or walk over poles on the ground while on a lead rope even in a wet arena. Make sure you have good boots for yourself! If you have a nearby forest, a walk or a quiet hack is always a good idea.

Tip 2 - Supplement with vitamins and minerals

Many horses do not require much concentrate feed. Sufficient high-quality forage, free of dust and continuously available, is the key to a healthy horse. Note that horses need more forage to keep warm in cold weather. However, hay alone is not enough. You should always supplement with minerals and vitamins to provide your horse with all the necessary nutrients for its body. Consider providing a balancer pellet, for example. Make sure to seek advice, as the vitamin and mineral requirements may be higher for a horse that is working hard, pregnant, or has an underlying illness. Many manufacturers indicate a low dose on their packaging, which may be insufficient for your horse. In that case, you may need to temporarily supplement with an additional mineral supplement made from pure Aegean seawater. This contains all the minerals and trace elements your horse needs. Whether this is necessary varies from horse to horse. Sometimes you can opt for a different brand of balancer. Feel free to call us for advice.

Tip 3 - Boost vitamin C with rose hips

Your mother may have told you before: "Child, have another tangerine, it's good for vitamin C." She was right. Vitamin C is an important and powerful antioxidant that helps the body fend off invasions of viruses and bacteria, preventing diseases. You can give your horse a tangerine, although some horses might not like them, but rose hips are even better. These fruits are true vitamin C powerhouses. Adding an extract of rose hips to the feed as a week-long course is an excellent immune boost for your horse. And unlike tangerines, all horses enjoy it!

Tip 4 - Mild cleansing regimen

To maintain your horse's immune system, we recommend a cleansing regimen twice a year. However, if your horse is already experiencing a dip, this is not a good idea. A cleansing regimen releases a lot of toxins, which can make a horse that is already feeling under the weather even sicker. Fortunately, a mild blood-purifying regimen with nettle extractis almost always safe to use. Nettle helps eliminate accumulated toxins without burdening the body heavily. This powerful plant gives your horse's immune system a boost.