Nurturing Your Equine Companions with Equilibrium Products
As the chilly winds of winter wrap our horses snugly in cozy rugs, it’s easy to overlook the importance of caring for their legs. Cold, damp weather can leave your horse with stiff, achy joints, and turning them out in muddy fields poses the risk of injury and potential mud fever. So, how can we step up our game in safeguarding their legs during the colder months?
TLC for Horses with Sensitive Skin: Ensuring your horse’s legs stay clean and dry during winter is crucial for preventing abrasions and maintaining their overall leg health. Striking the right balance in hair length on the heels is key – heavy feathers can hinder skin drying, while closely clipped legs are susceptible to scratches. A smart compromise involves trimming shaggy winter legs with scissors or using the coarsest clipper blades early in the season, allowing feathers to grow back naturally. When your horse returns from the field, it’s advised not to hose off the mud immediately; let it dry, and then delicately brush it away. Use caution with dandy brushes to avoid damaging softened skin.
A myriad of lotions and potions flood the market as barriers against wet conditions. Surprisingly, something as simple as nappy cream paired with quality breathable turnout boots, like Equilibrium Close Contact Chaps, can serve as an effective shield against the elements.
Tailored Care for the Older Horse: Encouraging effective circulation and preventing stiffness in your horse’s legs involves keeping them warm both in the stable and field. A deep bed in the stable contributes to warmth and less strain on legs and joints. Extend stable bedding to the door or consider rubber matting to avoid prolonged standing on cold concrete, which can be uncomfortable for your horse.
While wrapping your horse’s legs ensures warmth, incorrectly applied stable bandages may do more harm than good. Equilibrium Stable Chaps offer a convenient alternative, providing warmth with gentle compression. In the field, Equilibrium Hardy Chaps offer protection against both mischievous antics and the cold for horses that feel the chill in their joints.
For the Field Hooligan: Managing the energetic antics of horses turned out in groups can be a challenge, but strategic planning can help. Turning horses out in smaller groups, ensuring they are well-rugged, and providing adequate shelter from harsh weather can reduce the likelihood of chaos. Consider feeding hay or haylage in the field to keep your horse calmer around feeding times.
Organize fencing and gateways to prevent horses from racing downhill, especially during unfavorable ground conditions. Sudden stops or sharp turns can lead to serious injuries. Equilibrium Hardy Chaps and Tri-Zone All Sports Boots offer robust protection for those instances when unexpected play or speed takes over.
In conclusion, winter presents challenges for both horses and owners and what works for one may not work for another. The core elements of care involve keeping legs and joints warm, dry, and clean in both stable and outdoor environments.
