Show notes
What should you check before winter, and what needs to change when cold weather arrives? Connie Flores shares a horse-first approach to seasonal feeding.
- Assess body condition: Understand why hard keepers and easy keepers may need different winter strategies, and monitor changes beneath blankets.
- Match feeding to workload: Prioritize forage and reassess concentrates when exercise decreases, while keeping vitamin and mineral needs in view.
- Check access—not just supply: Consider herd dynamics, hay station placement, shelter and whether your horse can comfortably use your hay-feeding system.
- Support hydration: Discuss water temperature, monitoring drinking habits and the role of daily salt, with adjustments based on the individual horse.
- Plan for seniors: Explore alternative forage forms when chewing or maintaining condition becomes difficult, with gradual dietary transitions.
- Rethink warm mashes: Connie discusses adding water to familiar feed rather than making sudden dietary changes during a cold snap.
- Know your horse’s normal behavior: Changes in appetite or drinking warrant attention; contact your veterinarian when concerned.
Connie previously joined the show in episode 56 to discuss nutrition basics. In this conversation, she also mentions a free body condition scoring guide on her website and individual nutrition consultations.
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