01/31/2026
❄️Hampton Roads Horse People, shivering your shoes off, here are some important tips and reminders from AAEP to keep your equine companions safe during extreme weather. ❄️
1. While lots of hay is ideal for horses to eat to keep warm, now is NOT the time to introduce a round bale if they’ve never had access to one before. It may be more work, but keep throwing them their normal hay source, just more frequently.
2. Similarly, if your horse is not used to being in a stall, now is NOT the time. The stress of a major change and the decreased activity can be risk factors for colic. Be sure they have access to shelter, hay, and drinkable water but let them move around if they choose to do so.
3. Horses that are thin, older, or fully body clipped are those most at risk in extreme weather.
4. Well-fitting blankets are great but be sure that horses do not get sweaty under them, or that the blankets don’t soak through if snow or rain covered. Wet, cold and covered is worse than dry, cold and naked.
5. Some of the highest risk times are when the temperatures hover right around freezing, as that can result in sleet/freezing rain/ice that can make horses wet and therefore colder. Slippery footing is a concern, too.
6. If using electric water heaters, be sure they are functioning and not shocking horses. Take your gloves off and stick your hand in the water (briefly!!!) to double check.
7. Entice your horses to consume extra water by flavoring a bucket, adding electrolytes to their meals, or soaking their meals in warm water.
8. The tips of your horses' ears can be at risk for frostbite. Putting on a WATERPROOF ear bonnet or other WATERPROOF ear covering can protect them from wind chills.
Stay Safe, Stay Warm, and Stay HYDRATED!
