Seasonal Health Tips for Horses: Keeping Your Horse Happy and Healthy All Year Round

Caring for a horse requires a seasonal approach, as each time of year brings unique challenges and needs for equine health. At South Willamette Veterinary Clinic, we understand the importance of preparing for the seasonal shifts to keep your horse healthy, comfortable, and thriving. Here are some essential tips for each season to help you navigate horse care year-round.

Spring: Shedding, Deworming, and Grazing Management

As winter fades, horses begin shedding their thick winter coats, making spring an important time for regular grooming. Grooming not only helps remove the loose winter hair but also supports healthy circulation and allows you to check for any underlying skin issues, such as dry patches, wounds, or parasites. Keeping up with grooming during this transition helps your horse feel comfortable and stay in top condition.

Spring is also an ideal season to focus on deworming. As horses spend more time outside, they're more exposed to internal parasites. Conducting a fecal egg count test can help tailor a deworming plan specific to your horse’s needs, ensuring they’re protected without overusing treatments.

The fresh, nutrient-rich spring grass can be tempting for horses, but it also presents a potential risk to their digestive systems. The high sugar content in new grass can upset digestion, increasing the risk of colic or founder. To prevent these issues, introduce grazing gradually, allowing your horse to adjust slowly to the new diet and maintain digestive health.

Summer: Hydration, Pest Control, and UV Protection

During the hot summer months, hydration is crucial for horses. They require plenty of fresh, clean water to stay hydrated and prevent heat-related stress. If your horse is sweating heavily from exercise or work, consider adding electrolytes to their diet to replenish lost minerals and maintain optimal hydration levels.

Summer also brings an increase in flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, which can be irritating and even harmful to your horse. To minimize pest issues, use fly sprays, masks, and other equine-safe repellents. Keeping up with a regular manure management routine around the stable can also help reduce fly populations and create a more comfortable environment for your horse.

Horses with light-colored coats or pink skin are more prone to sunburn, so it’s important to protect them from direct sunlight. If possible, provide shaded areas in pastures to give your horse a break from the sun.

Fall: Immunizations, Nutrition Adjustments, and Hoof Health

Fall is an important time to prepare your horse for the winter months ahead, particularly when it comes to immunizations. Essential vaccinations can help protect your horse from diseases that thrive in colder weather, such as equine influenza. Staying on top of your horse's vaccination schedule as fall approaches ensures they’re better equipped to stay healthy through winter.

As pasture quality begins to diminish in the cooler months, your horse's diet may need adjustments to maintain a healthy weight. Adding high-quality hay and, if necessary, supplementing with grain or higher-calorie feed can provide the extra nutrients and energy needed. Monitoring your horse's weight closely during this time will help you determine if any further dietary changes are required to keep them at an ideal condition.

Fall’s damp conditions can create an environment where hoof problems like thrush become more common. Regular trimming, thorough cleaning, and maintaining good hygiene in stables and pastures are essential for hoof health during this season. Consistent hoof care will help prevent common issues and keep your horse comfortable as the wet weather sets in.

Winter: Shelter, Blanket Management, and Digestive Health

Horses are resilient animals, but they still need protection from harsh winter elements like wind, rain, and snow. Providing adequate shelter is essential to keep them warm and comfortable. For horses that don’t grow a thick winter coat, a blanket can be especially helpful on extra-cold days, offering added warmth when temperatures drop significantly.

If you do blanket your horse, it’s important to regularly check the blanket’s fit to prevent issues. Look for signs of shifting, rubbing, or skin irritation, and ensure that the blanket allows your horse to move naturally. A well-fitting blanket will provide warmth without causing discomfort or restricting movement.

Winter’s cold can sometimes reduce water intake, which may increase the risk of colic. To keep your horse hydrated, consider offering warm water, which is often more appealing during colder weather. You might also add soaked beet pulp to their diet, which can provide both hydration and extra fiber, supporting their digestive health through the season.

Year-Round Tips: Regular Checkups and Mental Enrichment

•          Regular Veterinary Visits: No matter the season, regular checkups are crucial to catch potential health issues early and stay on top of vaccinations, dental care, and any needed diagnostics.

•          Mental Enrichment and Exercise: Horses are social animals who benefit from regular exercise and mental stimulation. Activities such as ground training, time with herd mates, or interactive toys can keep them engaged and happy.

Partner with South Willamette Veterinary Clinic for Comprehensive Equine Care

Keeping up with seasonal care needs will ensure your horse stays healthy, happy, and resilient through the year. Contact South Willamette Veterinary Clinic for tailored advice, wellness plans, and any support your horse may need across the seasons. Visit our facility in Creswell, Oregon, or call (541) 895-5665 to book an appointment today.