Seasonal Care

🌸 Spring Horse Care

Goal: Prepare your horse for increased activity and changing weather.

1. Shedding & Grooming

• Horses lose their thick winter coat — brush daily to remove loose hair.
• Use a shedding blade or curry comb to keep skin healthy and shiny.

2. Pasture Check

• Inspect fields for toxic plants and broken fencing before turning horses out.
• Gradually introduce them to lush spring grass to prevent colic or laminitis.

3. Deworming & Vaccination

• Start a deworming schedule as parasites become active.
• Give core vaccines (e.g., tetanus, influenza, West Nile virus) as advised by your vet.

4. Hoof & Dental Care

• Schedule a farrier visit for trimming.
• Have your horse’s teeth checked to prevent feeding issues.

---

☀️ Summer Horse Care

Goal: Keep your horse cool, hydrated, and protected from pests.

1. Hydration & Electrolytes

• Provide constant access to fresh, clean water.
• Add electrolytes to the feed or water during hot weather.

2. Shade & Shelter

• Provide shade (trees, shelters, or barns) to prevent heatstroke.
• Avoid riding in peak heat hours (12 PM–4 PM).

3. Fly & Parasite Control

• Use fly sprays, masks, and sheets.
• Clean stables regularly to reduce manure and flies.

4. Bathing & Grooming

• Rinse sweat and dirt after rides to keep skin healthy.
• Use gentle shampoos and conditioners.

---

🍂 Autumn (Fall) Horse Care

Goal: Prepare for colder weather and transition to winter feeding.

1. Feeding Adjustments

• Slowly increase hay as pasture grass decreases.
• Introduce higher-fiber diets for warmth and digestion.

2. Blanket Check

• Clean and repair winter blankets before cold sets in.
• Begin using light blankets on chilly nights if needed.

3. Health Check

• Get a fall veterinary exam and deworming before winter.
• Ensure your horse’s hooves are trimmed before frozen ground.

4. Shelter Maintenance

• Inspect roofs, doors, and water systems to ensure everything’s ready for winter.

---

❄️ Winter Horse Care

Goal: Keep your horse warm, fed, and hydrated through the cold.

1. Warmth & Shelter

• Provide shelter from wind, rain, and snow.
• Use waterproof, insulated blankets if your horse is clipped or older.

2. Feeding More Hay

• Horses need extra hay — it helps generate internal heat through digestion.
• Keep feed areas clean and dry.

3. Water Management

• Prevent water buckets from freezing.
• Horses drink more when water is slightly warm (not icy cold).

4. Hoof & Exercise Care

• Continue regular farrier visits (every 6–8 weeks).
• Allow light exercise to maintain muscle and prevent stiffness.

---

🧾 Seasonal Care Summary Table

Season	Key Focus	Common Risks	Main Actions
Spring	Shedding & vaccination	Colic, laminitis	Groom daily, vaccinate, pasture check
Summer	Heat & hydration	Heatstroke, dehydration, flies	Provide shade, clean water, fly control
Autumn	Preparation for cold	Weight loss, worms	Increase hay, check blankets, deworm
Winter	Warmth & feeding	Cold stress, frozen water	Shelter, warm water, more hay