ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: horses in the cold

Re: horses in the cold

BP&A (scuba@b022.aone.net.au)
Wed, 26 Feb 1997 08:21:22 +1000

Anne Barnes wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> Please excuse me if this is a subject that has been covered before, but I
> could not find any information in the archives on it. I don't know what the
> term used elsewhere is for what we in Australia call "strapping" - cooling,
> feeding and generally looking after the horse when you come in from the ride.
>
> At a recent club discussion, the issue of "strapping" horses in winter was
> raised and I was hopeful that there may be some good suggestions from the
> list. Should you wash the horse with warm water, what sort of rugs do people
> use, how do you get the inside of the horse cooler and get the heart rate
> down without freezing the outside of the horse, should the horse be clipped
> in winter etc. In winter here it can get cold and wet, although not snow.
> All suggestions gratefully received.
>
> Thanks,
> Anne
> Western Australia

Dear Anne

Even though we live in the heat most of the time it still gets cold in
Brisbane. I always clip in winter usually just before the Quilty. I
then use Weatherbeater rugs and neck rugs at night and whatever is
necessary during the day.

As far as strapping is concerned a lot depends on the horse. I have a
mare who never stiffens so she is easy. A lot of horses stiffen up in
the cold so you have to keep them warm and walking. Too many people
cool them down too much and this puts the pulse up.

Ask your strapper how cold it is and go from there (you're always warm
after riding). Make sure there is warm water available. If it is very
cold throw a rug on and only remove the mud by sponging the legs and
belly with warm water. Feel the horse constantly - if it feel hot take
a rug off or fold the rug back off the shoulders but make sure the rump
is warm. If the horse feels cold add another rug.

Clipping definitely helps the horse cool faster and it is a matter of
choice whether you clip all over, leave a saddle patch etc. I always
monitor the horse constantly with a heart rate monitor during a vet
check so I can see immediately whether there is a problem and react
accordingly.

Regards

Anne

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