Save money caring for horses in winter

Anyone who keeps horses in winter will tell you how expensive looking after them is. If they are stabled, they will be in for longer as the days are shorter and fields are wetter. This means more money goes on bedding. Whether in or out, they will need more feed as the grass has little protein at this time of year – if you have any grass! Without doubt, winter time is when the feed man makes his money.

We have nine horses and ponies here at present and only bring in the ones who are being ridden. Older ones who feel the cold, such as thoroughbreds are given rugs and, if they are not being exercised, live out. We had an ex-racehorse who lived to the age of 30 and he was never stabled in later years as he would stiffen up. He much preferred being out.

Another idea is not to put rugs on native breeds and good doers. Instead they will grow a thick, warm coat. If they are not clipped and being ridden, there is no need for a rug but remember to keep grooming to a minumum as it takes the oils and grease out of their coats which are there to keep them warm.

Feed plenty of fibre in the winter. Fibre helps a horse to keep warm from the inside out and this means hay or haylage. We still have plenty of grass at the moment and our ponies living out have more condition than usual so we haven’t started feeding hay yet. Last season, during the snow, we fed hay out in the fields.

For more ideas on how to save money in winter, click here.