Rain, sleet, snow, mud, and ice can be a MESS! It’s not easy taking care of animals outside in the cold, especially in Wisconsin winters. Some horses do well on their own with a little extra hair, food, and shelter while others may not. Dr. Howard Ketover, veterinarian at Irongate Equine Clinic says there’s several things to take into consideration when it comes to caring for your horses in the winter.

He says, “Maintaining access to clean, warm water is very important as horses tend to drink best when the water temperature ranges between 85 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Utilizing heaters to maintain appropriate water temperatures reduces the risk of decreased water consumption, which can lead to potential medical issues. Additionally, rather than increasing grain during colder months, having constant access to high-quality forage, particularly hay, is advised.