How To Look After Your Horse This Holiday Season
December is usually a busy - and chaotic - month for everyone. Work parties, well-meaning relatives, and the unavoidable moment you pretend to like yet another slightly lumpy sweater.
And while we all know that December can be a hectic stretch for us, it can also be a pretty overwhelming time for your equine friends as well.
As we move towards the holiday season, we thought we’d take a look at a few ways you can check in with your horse and keep them happy, healthy and comfortable during the holiday season.
And, if you’re looking to keep them comfortable on the trails and in the paddock, take a look at our range of hoof boots - a great gift for your barefoot or transitioning horse.
Keep an eye on hydration levels
When the weather gets a bit chilly, horses aren’t naturally inclined to drink as much water.
This can quickly lead to dehydration, an increased risk of colic and a whole bunch of other health issues.
To encourage your horse to drink more when it’s cold, try adding a pinch of loose salt or an electrolyte supplement to their feed. You could also try offering lukewarm water as horses find it more appealing than cold water in winter months.
If you’re in the southern hemisphere, the hot weather can obviously have a huge impact on your horse’s hydration levels. They’re usually better at taking care of themselves when they get warm, so ensure they’ve got shade and a plentiful supply of water as well.
Understand the Signs of Colic in Your Horse
Colic is a broad term for abdominal pain in horses, and it can range from mild discomfort to a life-threatening emergency.
Risk factors increase around the holidays when feeding times shift, travel disrupts routines, or weather conditions change abruptly.
Keep an eye out for signs like:
- Dullness or lethargy
- Biting or kicking flank (belly)
- Pawing the ground or air
- Laying down for extended periods, or getting up and down repeatedly
- Poor appetite
- Change in drinking behaviour
- Heavy or fast breathing
- Dark purple or pale gums
You can view more symptoms here.
Preventive measures include maintaining a consistent feeding schedule, ensuring regular access to fresh water, and providing plenty of forage to keep their digestive system moving.
If you suspect colic, contact your vet immediately and follow their advice - quick action can make a huge difference.
Leaving the House? Have an Action Plan
A lot of people travel during the holiday season, but having an action plan prepared for anyone who might need to look after your horse will go a long way in reducing any potential issues,
Before you head off, make sure you have a reliable, experienced equine caretaker lined up.
Leave clear written instructions about feeding schedules, turnout times, and any specific care requirements.
Include your vet’s phone number, along with alternative emergency contacts who can help if your horse-sitter can’t reach you.
A well-organized plan gives you peace of mind and ensures your horse receives consistent care while you’re away enjoying the festivities.
Ensuring a Consistent Feeding Routine
Horses thrive on consistency. Sudden dietary changes or irregular feeding times can upset their digestive system and increase the risk of colic.
If you can stick to a consistent feeding schedule throughout the holiday period, it will be really helpful for your horse.
If a caretaker is taking over, make sure they understand the importance of feeding at regular intervals and providing plenty of forage, especially in colder weather when horses burn extra calories staying warm.
Don’t Over rug
Blanketing can be tricky, and it’s especially important to consider your local climate. In colder Northern Hemisphere conditions, a well-fitted, weather-appropriate rug can provide comfort and warmth.
However, horses are generally more tolerant of the cold than we think, so layering too heavily can lead to overheating.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere’s warmer weather, some owners keep rugs on to provide UV and bug protection and also to maintain a sleek coat.
Always choose rugs based on the current weather and your horse’s individual needs, not just the season or a desire for a glossy coat.
Grooming for Health Checks
During the holiday period, building daily grooming checks into your routine is a great way to bond with your horse, while also allowing you to keep an eye on any potential problems.
Give them a quick brush, and keep an eye out for cuts, sores or rubbing.
In colder climates, check your horse’s hooves for ice balls or compacted snow that can make footing slippery.
In warmer regions, watch for dryness or cracking in the hooves and skin.
Regular grooming helps you monitor coat condition, body weight, and any subtle changes in behaviour or comfort level.
Keeping the Barn Environment Calm
Dressing up your horse in Christmas costumes is a great way to help them desensitise to different stimulants (providing they are okay with you doing so) but holiday decorations can cause issues.
Twinkling lights, tinsel, and other festive decorations can actually startle and stress your horse out.
If you want to decorate, keep it simple, and ensure that no decorations are within reach of curious noses or teeth.
Reduce unnecessary foot traffic around the barn and consider moving your horse to a quieter area if large gatherings are taking place nearby.
Keeping the environment low-key and familiar goes a long way toward reducing stress and maintaining a calm, safe space.
The holidays can be a wonderful time to create special memories with your horse - just remember that their comfort and routine is super important.
A few simple steps, such as encouraging proper hydration, maintaining consistent feeding times, not over-rugging, and ensuring a calm barn environment, will help them cope with any seasonal changes.
With a solid plan in place for your absence, regular health checks, and a focus on well-being, you and your horse can both enjoy a stress-free, healthy holiday season.