If you are new to horse ownership, you may know little beyond how to saddle your mare. For instance, with winter coming, you may not know how much horse feed to give them when it gets cold out or how to help them stay warm. Below are some of the most important tips for beginner horse owners.

3 Tips for Caring for Your Horse in Winter

1. Have the Horse Dewormed

Have your horse's dropping analyzed for worms before the end of the grazing season. Worm activity diminishes over winter, so if you deworm the horse ahead of the cold weather, you won't have to worry about re-infestation for several months.

2. Increase Horse Feed & Water

During winter months, grass is far less plentiful for grazing animals, so it's important that you increase the amount of horse feed you provide. Moreover, the digestive process produces a lot of heat, so extra fodder helps your horse stay warm. Watch the horse's weight and add more horse feed if the animal appears to be thinning. Also, increase the water you provide to about 10 gallons per day since the water content of dry horse feed is not nearly that of fresh grass. Make sure the water you provide is warmer than ambient temperature to encourage the animal to drink.

3. Protect the Horse's Hooves

Horses tend to accumulate packed snow between their shoes, which is uncomfortable and can lead to frostbite. Cleaning this out frequently can be burdensome, so protect the horse's hooves. Smear petroleum jelly in and around each shoe to inhibit snow packing. Ask a local farrier about adding ice caulks or snow pads. These will keep snow from collecting and protect the horse's extremities.

For saddles, horse feed, and other equipment needed to care for your horse, stop by Liberty Western in Lebanon, OH. They have served customers throughout Warren County and beyond for more than 20 years. Call them at (513) 933-0900 to ask about winter hours or message them online through their website to ask about product availability and pricing.