HANDSON
TIPS FOR SNOWY TURNOUT
On a cold winter day, your instinct may be to leave your horse inside a cozy barn, but turnout is key to maintaining his health in the winter. Inactivity contributes to impaction colic and exacerbates arthritis, and fresh air is crucial to respiratory health. The good news is your horse can most likely cope with snowy conditions just fine and, if he can’t, there are ways to help him.
A fit, healthy horse can navigate even deep snow, but it will be tiring. As horses walk through snow, they will naturally “plow” paths to resources like hay, water and shelter. If you turn them out while it’s still snowing, this process will go more quickly. An elderly or arthritic horse may have trouble coping with deep snow, so let younger herdmates establish paths that he can follow first.
