Horses: Dealing With Ice, No Water, and Frozen Ground

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Water versus Snow
3. Sheet Ice and Frozen Ground
4. Care of the Feet
5. Summary

Introduction

Occasionally, ice storms and adverse winter weather conditions result in reduced availability of water or frigid water, sheet ice and hard frozen ground. This can be a hardship for horse owners and detrimental to a horse's health.

Water versus Snow

Horses require 2 - 3 litres of water per kilogram of feed intake. A 454 kg (1000 lb) horse consuming 10 kg (22 lb) of hay would require 20 - 30 litres (4 - 7 gal) of water per day. Water consumption will decrease when the water provided is very cold. A decrease in water consumption results in a decrease in feed consumption and a resultant reduction in energy intake to maintain body temperature and weight during cold weather. Inadequate water consumption may also lead to the impaction of feed in the intestinal tract and consequently result in colic.

Snow is a poor substitute for fresh clean water. For each gallon of water required by the horse, 10 gallons of snow will have to be consumed and warmed to body temperature. This is a major drain on energy reserves. Mature horses with no additional energy demands for growth, gestation or lactation will get by with snow, provided they are supplied with sufficient hay of reasonable quality. However, foals, pregnant mares and older animals are at the greatest risk of developing dehydration and hypothermia.

When electrical failures limit water availability, look for help from other sources, i.e., neighbours, the fire department, or by sharing a generator to pump it. In such cases, obtain a stock tank(s) or barrel(s) and place it in the barn on straw or shavings. These will insulate the bottom of the container. Cover the sides and top with bales of straw. This will provide a reservoir of water, which can be replenished regularly, and will reduce unnecessary stress on both you and the horses.

Do not permit horses to drink from ponds or streams. These can be hazardous places at the best of times and can result in accidents such as severe ice cuts, or drowning.

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Sheet Ice and Frozen Ground

Icy conditions are extremely dangerous and can result in cuts (associated with sheet ice), sole bruising (associated with frozen hard ground), and injuries from falling. Help horses that are outside or are turned out during icy conditions. Drive over the paddocks with a tractor or truck to break up sheet ice and reduce the chance of ice cuts to horses feet and legs. If you have access to a grader blade, grade the paddocks to reduce the sheet ice problem and remove the sharp frozen chunks of ground at the same time. Cover frequently traveled areas, such as around water bowls and feeders, with bedding to level the uneven frozen ground once the sheet ice is broken.

Slippery surfaces can be roughened by the application of granular salt or fertilizer. These should be used with some caution as they can be caustic to horses' feet and legs.

Care of the Feet

Damp snow conditions can be hazardous to horses. Large "snow balls" pack solidly into the soles of the horses' feet. These can result in abnormal foot conformation and tippy situations, especially for older arthritic horses. Daily cleaning of the feet will help this situation and provide an opportunity to apply a hoof dressing. Products such as Neatsfoot oil, applied daily to the wall and sole of the foot, will prevent the hoof from drying out when continually exposed to snow and wet conditions.

Summary

Winter can be a fun time for horses but does bring with it a number of new challenges.
Ensure that:

• horses have free access to fresh clean water.
• horses are turned-out daily. It is essential for a horse's well-being, both physically and mentally.
• horses' feet are cleaned and dressed daily.
• young horses, which have been indoors for a few days, are not turned-out directly onto icy paddocks. Hand walk or provide controlled exercise to the overexcited youngsters and prevent unnecessary accidents.

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