Winter him well

A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season

- Ellie Hughes

WINTER is a tricky time to keep horses fit and healthy, especially if you have competitive aspirations. Shorter days and tumbling temperatures can mean significant shifts in routine and exercise patterns, some of which can have a big impact on equine health and performance.

From muscles and airways to digestive systems and skin, the shifting seasons can trigger veterinary issues seldom seen during the summer - or even see problems commonly associated with summer recur.

So what are the major considerations when it comes to keeping our horses in tip-top shape through the winter? How fit is fit enough? And what can we do to avoid injury and illness?

MAINTAINING MUSCLE

REGULAR exercise is vital for horses during the winter months to keep them physically and mentally fit, but this is easier said than done.

Vet Natalie McGoldrick MRCVS, who has evented to four-star level, points out the importance of being realistic with winter aims.

"Muscle fatigue predisposes a horse to soft tissue injuries, so if you want to go out and compete or work your horse hard at weekends then maintaining some sort of muscle condition during the week is essential," she says.

But there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fitness. A work programme that may keep one horse fit for a job may not be sufficient for the next.

"There are so many variables involved," points out Natalie. "A naturally active horse who has regular turnout will keep himself much fitter than a lazy horse who is stabled.

If you're competing at a low level and just want to jump a small course or go for a lesson then one hack and two 20-minute lunges a week might be enough, but if you want to do anything more strenuous then you have to maintain muscle fitness by doing harder work during the week."