As temperatures start to get cooler in the fall (after having 95+ temperatures on October 1 it’s about time!), there are several items on the fall to-do list for horse owners to make sure horse health stays good. Here are a few things to consider for fall health care and management.
First, most horse owners like to take care of internal parasites in the fall and going into winter. Ashley Robbins did a great job in explaining the importance of fecal egg counts on this blog last week (Ever Heard of a Fecal Egg Count?, posted October 14, 2019), so I‘m not going into detail here about controlling internal parasites. However, counting parasite eggs is not a once and done thing. Conduct a count periodically to monitor the level of internal parasites and treat accordingly. Remember as grass gets shorter in the fall, horses may graze nearer to manure piles in the pasture and get some parasite eggs that they may have avoided when grass was more plentiful. The number of parasite eggs available may be higher in the summer months, but as grass supplies dwindle in fall pastures, parasite eggs may become more concentrated and easier to pick up while grazing.
Horse owners should pay attention to changing grazing conditions in the fall. As grass growth slows with lower temperatures, look for other plants that my still be green, but could be harmful if grazed. This not only includes perilla mint and members of the nightshade family, but can be such things as Red Maple leaves that make be on a fallen branch. Wilted red maple leaves or wild cherry leaves can be deadly to horses and other livestock. Another concern is to watch for concentrations of acorns in the pasture. Many horses can eat acorns and have no problems, but some horses can develop colic or laminitis, have diarrhea, or have loss of appetite from eating too many acorns.
With the drought conditions we have had until recently, grass has been short, and the hay supply is short going into the winter. This would be a good time for horse owners to make sure they have enough supplemental forage going into the feeding season. When purchasing hay, get a forage analysis done so plans can be made to meet the nutritional needs of the various classes of horses on the farm.
Remember that exercise levels tend to be reduced during the winter months, so make any needed adjustments to the ration. Less work or exercise means less energy and protein will be needed. Feeding the summer ration, which is when most horses are most active, during the winter can lead to a fat horse by spring! If there are pregnant mares on the farm, pay attention to their nutritional needs. The later into gestation, the higher the nutritional needs as the foal develops. Pay attention to both the nutrients supplied by the ration and to the mineral needs during gestation.
Make plans for annual vaccinations and to get any boosters needed. Consult your veterinarian to make sure that horses are protected against the major disease threats in your area, including rabies. Many horse owners will get the annual vaccinations at the time that horses are tested for Equine Infectious Anemia. Knowing that the Coggin’s test is due can serve as a good reminder that annual vaccinations are also due. However, some vaccines require a booster in order to be most effective. Again, talk to your veterinarian and set up a vaccination schedule that includes giving any needed boosters.
Now is also a good time to take care of the miscellaneous chores that tend to get put off. Take care of any dental needs that may have been noted but delayed for one reason or another. Also, inspect barns and shelters to make sure they are ready for winter weather. While most horses don’t require a lot of shelter, having a place to get out of wind and weather can help keep horses healthy by reducing weather related stress. Check fences and make any needed repairs. Check the barn and stall doors to make sure they are in good working order. Oiling the hinges now and then makes them last longer and makes it easier to swing open and shut.
Make a chore list to be sure that fall health care is taken care of. Note any issues that may need follow at t later date, and be sure to talk to the veterinarian about any health-related issues. This will prepare the horses for colder weather, which will be with us in the near future.
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