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RE: [RC] [RC] to blanket or not - heidi

We free feed in winter, and one can really watch the consumption go up as the temp goes down.  In really severe weather, we will even free feed first cutting alfalfa.  I really love the free feeding, because there is never a worry about whether or not we fed enough for the weather.  My guys stay fat and sassy through the winter, and nary a shiver.
 
The impaction problem is very real--heated waterers are well worth the money.  All of our horses in herd situations have access to Brower automatic waterers that keep the water at around 50F--I love 'em!  We're gradually getting the stallions on heated waterers, too--and when it is REALLY bitter, I haul warm water to those without them at least once a day. 
 
Main thing with impactions is getting the gut rehydrated--either with fluids via a nasogastric tube or IV.  And no, a Fleet enema wouldn't do much--not only due to the small volume, but also because you can't get it in far enough.  They work great for foals that need to pass meconium--but aren't of much value in an adult horse (unless you put about 10 of them together and ran them in with a hose).
 
Heidi



Thanks for the info, Susan. I do feed about 30-40 percent alfalfa during the winter and during colder spells (low 30s) I feed about 25 percent more hay, but it was someone else wondering about acclimating their horse to colder temps.  Anyway, in reading the article that Patti referenced below, it got me wondering about impactions in the cold weather from horses not wanting to drink very cold water, and someone recently asking about giving fluids rectally. So I wondered, if you suspected a horse were impacted would it help to give a Fleets enema, like we do with the newborns? Or are they too small to be effective? Just curious.  
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