Caring for Our Horses in February's Virginia Weather

February can be an especially challenging month for horse owners in Virginia. The weather can be unpredictable, with vastly fluctuating temperatures and the potential for snow and ice. At Stonehouse Stables, I'm spoiled because until I worked here I never realized all the details the trainers think about behind the scenes to keep my horse safe--they did all the worrying for me. They know it's important to take extra precautions to ensure the health and well-being of our horses all winter long. In this blog post, I'll share what I've learned about how we manage horses in Virginia's winter weather.

1. Shelter and Bedding

Providing adequate shelter is crucial during the winter months. When the temperature dips into the teens, our horses stay in for the night, and all the  barn windows and doors are carefully closed. When the horses are out, our fields have well-constructed run-in sheds that offer protection from wind, rain, and snow. Our barn and shelters are well-ventilated to prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can lead to respiratory issues.

Additionally, the trainers ensure there is enough bedding in the stalls to provide insulation and comfort. We use at least 4 inches of sawdust shavings evenly spread across our stalls as bedding material, and we make sure to keep it clean and dry to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi.

2. Water and Hydration

Water is essential for horses' overall health and well-being, even in cold weather. Our trainers have made sure our horses have access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. When they fear pipes freezing and jeopardizing our supply, the automatic waterers get turned off, and two buckets are hung in every stall. Staff are directed to make sure they are full and checked regularly for ice which must be removed.

Dehydration can be a serious issue in winter as horses may be less inclined to drink when the water is cold. We encourage our horses to drink by offering Gallagher's Water when we fear their intake is slowing. Some owners add electrolytes via SmartPaks that feeders can easily distribute at feeding time to further encourage regular water intake. 

3. Feeding and Nutrition

In colder temperatures, horses require more calories to maintain their body temperature. Our horses have constant access to hay. The staff hays the fields twice daily, and stalls always have a couple flakes on hand. Hay provides essential fiber and helps generate heat during digestion.

The trainers help owners monitor their horses' body condition and weight regularly to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition. When horses are constantly wearing blankets, it's harder to notice changes unless you've learned from experience why such close observation is necessary. The trainers are the first to notice if any horse, especially the older ones, start dropping weight quickly. The instructions on our feed cart are regularly updated as needed, and feeding staff are taught to pay careful attention to these instructions. The trainers consult with both our veterinarian and our equine nutritionist to ensure our feeding plan meets the specific needs of our horses.

4. Exercise and Turnout

Regular exercise is important for horses' physical and mental well-being, and our Hunter show horses are athletes who are used to regular work. However, during frigid, icy, or snowy conditions, trainers sometimes limit turnout or make modifications to provide a smaller, safer paddock for exercise. In addition, the trainers are quick to advise clients when they think we should exercise lightly rather than work full force in a freezing environment.

When we do turn our horses out, the staff makes sure the pastures are free from hazards such as ice patches or frozen mud. The trainers regularly ensure that the footing is safe for our horses to move around without slipping or injuring themselves. The gate entrances are often regraded and reinforced. We've all been taught to check hooves EVERY day, especially when ice balls might be lurking. We've been taught to look for "high heels" and listen carefully as our horses walk into the barn. Many of us use Farrier Barrier to protect hooves from moisture during this muddy season.

5. Blanketing

Blanketing provides additional warmth and protection for horses in extreme cold weather, especially for our show horses who are clipped. I never realized how much the trainers monitor the weather and decide morning and night which "clothes" our horses should wear. Our trainers have developed a colored tagging system for our blankets which one of them personally oversees. Each horse's blankets have been carefully tagged according to their personal needs, and our communication board is updated twice daily with instruction on how we're dressing our horses. I'm amazed at how much organization and thought have gone into this task.

Barn staff and owners have been taught to monitor our horses' body temperatures. When blankets are removed, horses are observed for both coldness and overheating. Any ripped blankets are reported in the crew chat, and trainers notify owners immediately regarding any concerns.

We use waterproof blankets to protect horses from rain and snow. We make sure the blankets fit properly and are in good condition to provide maximum insulation. At the end of each season, blankets are packed up and sent out for cleaning, repair, and renewed waterproofing. We use Luckyhorse Cleaners, and they make a barn pickup and return the trainers organize.

By considering the guidelines I've learned from our trainers, you too can ensure the well-being of your horses during the challenging month of February in Virginia. Remember to monitor your horses closely, provide them with appropriate shelter, nutrition, and exercise, and consult with professionals when you have any questions. Oh, and please don't forget to serve up some special Valentine's Day treats to your equine friend! Stay informed and proactive to keep your horses healthy and happy throughout the winter season.