Us poor suckers (me included) who stay up north during the winter know it's challenging to
provide proper care for horses, especially for show
horses, and one of the concerns is keeping a slick and short hair coat during
this cold season.
There are several things that can be done to keep your
horse’s hair short and slick during winter, regardless if you want to show or
sell them. The best method is by keeping him in a heated barn with a light
sheet on, keeping the temperature between 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit depending on
how cold the weather is. However, if you don’t have the luxury of having a
heated barn or stall (helloooo!) then a double blanket, hoods and/ or sleazies
can play an important role. The horse must be kept warm, but not so much that
it would make him sweat, since sweating can totally reverse the shedding
process .and instead of losing hair, the horse can get chilled thus signaling
the sensors on its body to grow more hair. Lights should also be kept on for
12-16 hours or from 6am to 10pm (an alarm clock can be very useful to closely
monitor the time). It must be bright enough where you can read a fine print
from a magazine or book. The goal is to make the horse think that the daylight
is longer. Don’t forget to perform regular grooming sessions; this will allow
your horse’s coat to breathe well.
Other tips or advice during the cold-weather season includes
the application of Vaseline or spraying of cooking oil to under the
hooves so every time the horse goes out this will keep the ice out of the
hooves. If the road is a little slippery, adding barium to the bottom of the
shoes can offer a better grab and support. Ice balls can also be prevented by
adding silicone/rubber or leather pads. Also don't forget to drain the lines
and unhook the hoses. It is also vital that you maintain a good diet for
your horse and a continuous supply of clean water, free of ice which can be a challenge
for those of us who do not have water bucket heaters or auto waterers.