Getting a horse ready for winter comes down to four things: feed that bridges the stabling period, care for legs and hooves in mud and wet, a coat that you may clip, and enough to keep him occupied in the stable. This collection brings together linseed oil, a herb mix for winter, lick stones and Horslyx, hoof tar, caring cream for the pastern area, clippers and a fleece rug.
Feed and distraction during the stabling period
When the grass stops growing, your horse gets more hay and less fresh grass. Excellent Horse Linseed Oil (cold-pressed linseed oil, from 500 ml to 200 litres) contains omega-3 fatty acids; the daily amount is on the bottle. Excellent Horse Herbs Wintermix is a herb blend including rosehip, thyme and chamomile that you mix into the feed during the winter months, according to the label. A lick stone or a Horslyx lick bucket keeps your horse occupied during long hours in the stable.
Legs and hooves in the mud
In wet, muddy paddocks, the skin on the legs needs extra attention. Clean the legs, let them dry thoroughly and then use a caring cream for the pastern area, such as Excellent Horse Mud Cream with shea butter and beeswax. For the hooves there is Stockholm hoof tar made from beech wood tar, in a 1-kilo tub or as a spray, for sole and frog. If you see scabs, swelling or open patches, consult your vet.
Clip or not?
A horse with a full winter coat dries slowly after riding. Many owners therefore clip (part of) the coat, for example with the cordless Wahl KM Supera or the Horse Clipper Toilet Plus with attachment combs for smaller areas. If you clip, you also remove the warmth of the coat: a clipped horse needs a rug. You put the black and grey Sweat/Fleece rug over your horse after riding to let him dry.
Also think of frost-free drinking water and check your water troughs. Further: skin and leg care, lick stones and lick buckets, hoof care, rugs and headcollars and the full horse range.
Frequently asked questions
When do I clip my horse?
Usually in autumn, once the winter coat is through and your horse starts sweating when worked. How often you repeat it depends on how quickly the coat grows back.
How much linseed oil do I give my horse?
Follow the feeding advice on the bottle and build up gradually. If you have questions about your horse's ration, consult your vet or feed adviser.
Is the fleece rug suitable for outdoors in the field?
No, a fleece rug is meant for letting a sweaty horse dry off or as an under-rug in the stable. For outdoors you need a waterproof rug.