Jumping clinic with international show jumper Laura Kennedy
Saturday 16 November 2024
Autumn is upon us, and you know what that means: winter is coming.
As a pony owner, this can be a stressful time of year. You want to make sure that your pony stays as cosy as possible during the colder months - but it's not always easy to keep them warm!
Here are our tips for how you can ensure that your pony stays cosy in the cold weather months ahead.
Rugs are a great way to keep your pony cosy in the colder months. Your pony will need a rug depending on the health of their body condition, the weather conditions and the hair coat quality. If you're unsure whether your pony needs a rug or not - ask your vet.
For starters, if you're going to buy a new rug for your horse/pony this winter, make sure it's correctly fitted so it doesn't rub them anywhere that could be uncomfortable or painful.
Ensure that your pony has a dry, windproof shelter. It’s important to keep ponies dry as much as possible, especially in the colder months when they can be susceptible to laminitis and other health problems caused by cold, wet weather.
As well as providing shelter from the rain and wind, you should also ensure that your stabled pony has access to plenty of straw or shavings. The lack of insulation from these materials can make them more vulnerable to hypothermia in cold weather.
Shavings are better for warmth than straw because they hold more air – so if you have neither available, use old bedding materials instead!
If you have the option, insulating your pony’s stable is a simple way to keep them warm. Blanketing will also help during wet, very windy and frigid weather.
A wet coat loses its loft - like a down jacket would become waterlogged if it was left out in the rain. Without loft, your pony cannot hold its body heat as well as it could with its natural waterproofing intact.
In addition to dampness hampering insulation abilities, draughts also pull warmth away. So while you may not be able to eliminate every draught in your barn or stable, there are ways to reduce them and keep your horse cosy this winter!
If you're planning on riding your pony in the winter, it is essential to ensure they are not overworked. This means reducing their exercise levels and avoiding intense activity where they could breathe in cold air that could potentially irritate - or even damage - their airway and lungs.
In general, mild to moderate exercise is best for your pony during this time of year. Consider taking them out for shorter rides where they’ll be able to warm up quickly after being outside without sweating too much, which may result in hypothermia if left uncovered for too long.
Increasing the amount of hay given to your pony is important as the weather cools and pasture quality and accessibility decline. Hay is an excellent source of fibre and energy.
This is especially important if you live somewhere where there isn’t any grass available for your horse – either because there isn't any or because it's simply too cold to graze outside without risking frostbite on their ears or legs.
Ponies can also be less feed-efficient when temperatures drop below their comfort zone so ensure that you monitor feeding patterns carefully at this time of year by offering extra feed if necessary.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your pony cosy is to ensure they have constant access to fresh water. Water requirements also increase in winter, as ponies eat forage with a lower moisture content than pasture grasses that they have access to in summer.
It’s preferable if you can provide a heated water bucket, but if you don’t, it’s worth keeping an eye on the temperature and quality of the water. Remember to keep the bucket away from draughts, as this will lower its temperature quicker than usual.
Keep your pony happy and cosy during the colder months with vari-layer technology from Horseware!
Vari-layer will help keep your pony warm without the heaviness of a standard fill. Caring for your pony and ensuring optimal comfort for them during the colder months has never been easier!
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