Hoof and Hearts LLC

12/12/2025

COLD WEATHER COLIC
Brian S. Burks, DVM
Diplomate, ABVP
Board Certified in Equine Practice

Winter is back, and snow is on the ground (at least in some areas). There are several things to consider for your horse when it comes to winter.

The number one cause of colic during cold weather is lack of fresh, unfrozen water. Most horses consume 25 liters (12 gallons) of water daily. Horses not getting enough water, for whatever reason, are at risk for impaction (and other) colic. Even if the water is not frozen, some horses may not like super-cold beverages; water is best at 45-65 F for most horses. A heated water bucket could be used, but these are potential fire hazards. If you are going to use heated water buckets, ensure that the horse cannot get to any portion of the electric cord, so that it cannot be chewed upon, and that it is plugged into an outlet with a ground fault interrupter (GFI). Also, check the electric in the entire barn for frayed wires, ensure that the circuit breakers are functional, and that the correct amount of current is being pulled from the electric source.

If the water is too cold for your horse, and you are not using heated water buckets, consider adding warm water to make the bucket contain tepid water. Hot water can can freeze faster than cold water (mpemba effect). There are also bucket cozies to fit around the water bucket and help prevent freezing. Consider adding appropriate amounts of electrolytes to the water; every brand is different, but Peak Performance has electrolytes without fillers such as sugar. Salt may be added to grain or hay to help encourage drinking. Snow will not compensate for inadequate water sources, as it is largely comprised of air, thus not providing the same volume of water.

A second factor to consider is parasitism. This can sometimes occur in well dewormed horses. Small strongyles, or Cyathostomes, overwinter in the intestinal wall of the horse. When the larval forms detect that the outside temperatures are no longer warm- they like 70-800 F- they will, sometimes en mass, pe*****te the bowel wall where they have arrested development, or hibernation, and this massive entrance, causes intestinal inflammation. Clinical signs range from weight loss, to partial anorexia, to unrelenting pain, depending upon the amount of infestation.

There is no good way to test for larval cyathostomiasis. Since they are larval forms, there is no egg production to be detected upon f***l examination. It is not practical to take biopsies of the colon, but they can be obtained from the duodenum via gastroscopy and the re**um. If the samples detect an eosinophilic enteritis, this is supportive, with appropriate clinical signs of larval cyathostomiasis. Abdominal ultrasonography may also be supportive. The bowel wall may have thickening, and there may be hyperechoic (bright white) foci present within the bowel wall.

It is important to recognize that most dewormers do not affect the encysted larval forms. There are a couple of ways to treat this condition, one of which in tube deworming for three days with high doses of fenbendazole. Moxidectin gets at least some of the larval forms, but not all of them.

Gastric ulceration may occur due to the stress of being kept inside rather than being turned out, as in the summer months. You may choose medication as prevention, or simply continue to turn out, except in extreme weather. Horses that are used to being turned out in cold handle the weather without any problem. Turn out also keeps the horse moving, which helps keep the GIT moving, preventing colic. Standing in a stall reduces intestinal motility. Remember that wet blankets will make horses colder than no blanket at all, although wet hair coats do not function normally. When on turn out, adequate shelter should be provided to allow them to get out of the wind, rain, and snow.

Providing adequate forage is essential for proper digestive function. This will also provide more internal heat to keep your horse warm. Horses were designed as continuous grazing animals, and providing free access to hay will not only keep them warm, but ensure adequate gastrointestinal function, helping to prevent colic from impaction and gastric ulceration. High-fiber forage, however, can make movement through the intestinal tract more difficult, especially when coupled with decreased water intake.

The cold affects many things, including humans that do not wish to be out in sub-freezing temperatures. By spending a few more minutes, however, you may help ensure your horse gets through the winter with minimal issues.

Dr. Brian Burks is the owner/veterinarian at Fox Run Equine Center, a 24-hour medical-surgical center near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Equine Practice). This certifies him as an expert in all categories of equine practice.

Fox Run Equine Center

www.foxrunequine.com

(724) 727-3481

12/11/2025

Great read about winter hoof care .

Equine Winter Hoof Care
Brian S. Burks, DVM
Diplomate, ABVP
Board Certified in Equine Practice

Winter is here and it is important to remember the hooves that are between your horse and the snowy, icy ground. Although growth is reduced from about a quarter inch per month to half that rate, hooves still require care. Keeping hooves trimmed and balanced helps to prevent cracks and chips; it also keeps the angle of the hoof-pastern axis correct.

Plan and discuss shoeing options with your farrier, including scheduling and shoeing needs specific to your terrain and weather.

Horses that will remain in work through the winter may be kept shod, whereas other horses may not need shoes. Regardless of shoeing, horses should have their hooves picked out and inspected daily. Horses have better traction when left barefoot compared to being shod, and shod horses have more trouble with ice and snowballs, making it harder to walk and more likely to slip and fall.

Cold, hard, rough ground is more apt to cause concussion and therefore bruising and abscesses in your horse’s feet. This can be mitigated by using shoes with pads or hoof boots. Hooves can also be coated with petrolatum to make snow and ice not stick to the sole so easily. You may see a small crack and a darkened red area on the sole, indicative of bruising- or you may not as the bruise is deeper in the hoof capsule. Horses with bruising and abscessation can be obviously lame, requiring the abscess to be opened and drained.

There may be alternating wet and dry weather during the winter. The weakens the hoof wall and sole, allow bacteria to invade and multiply, causing an abscess. An abscess can develop acutely and cause the horse to be lame enough to look like a fracture. Improving hoof quality may help. The average sole depth should be 15-20 millimeters, more in large feet, with heavy walls and a strong frog. Good food or a supplement, such as Farrier’s Formula, can help. Shoes or boots may also help.

The wet and mud of winter can predispose horses to develop thrush, an infection of the frog tissue caused by a myriad of bacteria and fungi. The organisms will not be a problem when the ground is frozen, but as soon as it warms up and the freeze-thaw cycle begins, the frog will be weakened. Try to keep the feet as dry as possible.

Snow balling up inside your horse’s shoes can also cause sole-related injuries. A variety of pads are available to limit the amount of snow that can pack into the frog and sole areas: flat leather pads to keep snow out; urethane rim-type pads that force snow out; and bubble pads with tennis-ball-shaped centers that pop snow out. It may be better to leave your horse unshod as snow balls are smaller in unshod feet.

Snow pads wear down when the horse is ridden on pavement. Uneven shoe wear under dots of hard surfaces can cause ligament trouble quickly. Borium, caulks, and studs are other options for traction, but can also cause uneven pressure on the foot or even break off the shoe.

Mud can be a problem in winter on many farms. Standing or walking in mud can soften hooves, leading to internal hoof problems and hoof cracks. Steps to reduce the impact of mud include placing hay in different areas of the pasture, adding raised areas of fine gravel around water troughs and hang-out areas, and installing permeable geofabric in high-traffic areas, such as gates and walkways. Mud can become ice, leading to sole bruising. Ice is a danger to horses, causing slippage and potentially deadly injuries. These include lacerations, fractures, and blunt force trauma to the thorax and abdomen. Horses that fracture the pelvis or femur can lacerate large arteries and bleed out in little time. Some injuries result in permanent debilitation.

Remove obstacles and hazards from your pasture, driveway, and any walkway where horses are led.

Rake or harrow all your pastures where horses will be turned out after the first frost. On a dry day when the muddy sections are somewhat solid, walk the pasture. Look for nails, boards, and any sharp object that can hurt a horse.

Adjust blanket fit to eliminate your horse's chances of catching a hoof or shoe on too-long straps or ill-fitting blankets.

Check your fences, and gates. Gates are dangerous if horses gather there, and the ground is wet. When it turns icy, horses easily can slip a leg under a gate or through a gate (particularly a pipe gate) and hurt themselves.

Check the ground clearance on gates before it snows. Snow and ice buildup, decreasing clearance and makes them harder to open, especially with a prancing horse on the end of a lead. A gate that swings easily is safer than lifting one, or one that is frozen into the ground. Check latches and chains, too, to make sure you will be able to open and close the gate quickly.

Icy paddocks can cause slips and falls that lead to serious injury. If you are able, remove your horse from the paddock until the ice melts. Stock up on sand, salt, or shavings to use for traction, but make sure that your horse does not eat off the sand as this can lead to sand colic. Spreading a thin layer of wood ash or fresh manure can help. Make a habit of checking the pathways your horse needs to walk and sprinkle the way with something that will offer some traction. Another alternative is old carpeting or rubber mats that can be put in place to traverse ice, but be sure not to leave them out, as once they are covered with snow and ice, there is no traction provided. They may even freeze to the ground.

During heavy snowfalls, remove snow from paddocks to allow horses easy access to feed, water, and shelter. Avoid piling snow in low areas, drainage ways, septic tank areas, wellheads, and other drinking sources. Snow with manure, bedding, and soil can pollute streams and wetlands. Moving snow is expensive, so keep distances and travel time to a minimum. Removing snow helps the paddock drain and dry faster in the spring.

Fox Run Equine Center

www.foxrunequine.com

(724) 727-3481

12/10/2025

🩷🐴🩷🐴

A letter from your horse...

If I could speak to you in a language you understood,
I would start by saying thank you.

Thank you for choosing me…
even on the days when I wasn’t easy,
when my fear looked like stubbornness,
and my confusion looked like attitude.
You loved me through all of it.

If I could tell you what I feel,
you’d know how much your presence calms me.
How I hear your footsteps before I see you
and my heart settles…
because I know I am safe.

You’d know that every soft touch,
every scratch in my favorite spot,
every slow breath you take beside me
means more than you could ever imagine.

You think I carry you...
but you carry me, too.
In your voice,
in your patience,
in the gentle way you forgive me
when I make mistakes.

If I could tell you,
you’d know I notice everything:
the way you linger a little longer on hard days,
the way your shoulders relax when you bury your face in my neck,
the way your heartbeat softens
when you whisper secrets you tell no one else.

I want you to know I listen.
I understand you in ways words can’t explain.
I know when you're hurting…
and I try to stand a little closer.

If I could speak,
I’d tell you I remember the moments you think were small —
the treats tucked in your pocket,
the slow cool-down walks,
the promise you made to always show up.
Horses don’t forget love like that.
We hold it quietly,
deeply,
forever.

And if I could tell you only one thing,
it would be this:

You are my person.
My safe place.
My comfort.
My home.

I may not have the words to say it,
but every nicker,
every soft breath,
every time I lower my head into your hands…
I am telling you:
I love you, too.

12/09/2025

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❤️ Hoof & Hearts LLC

12/09/2025

❄️ 𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 ❄️

Unfortunately, I come from a long line of Minnesotans which means I am deeply rooted in the arctic tundra of the upper Midwest. And up here, our winter is about as long as our sunmer so we need to rely on some cold weather conditioning to optimize our competition season.

And while there really isn’t enough research to set strict, evidence-based rules about what counts as ‘safe’ winter riding weather, it is important to consider due to potential health implications of exercising our horses in the cold. So I pulled together some research from published studies on how cold weather can impact horse health and I turned that information into the general guidelines I personally follow to guide my winter riding decisions. Since a lot of people are navigating the same questions this time of year, I figured I’d share them here!

🫁 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡
A study evaluating cold weather exercise in horses (Davis et al., 2005) used eight healthy adult horses in a cross-over design and had them exercise at either 77°F (warm; 25°C) or 23°F (cold; -5°C). The exercise performed in this test included 5 minutes walking, 5 minutes trotting, and 5 minutes cantering three times each week. This study found that breathing cold, dry air during moderate–high intensity exercise caused measurable airway irritation and can produce bronchoconstriction and inflammatory changes in otherwise healthy horses. Additionally, repeated exposure is believed to contribute toward chronic airway conditions such as equine asthma.

🛡️ 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The previous study (Davis et al., 2005) also demonstrated a likely mechanism for immune suppression following strenuous exercise in a cold environment. Further research (Davis et al., 2007) evaluating horses exercising at similar temperatures supported this research and found an altered immunological response for at least 48 hours following exercise in cold weather. Both of these studies found that exercising in the cold amplified the expression of cytokines that suppress cell-mediated immunity. The concept of immune suppression following strenuous exercise is not new and could predispose these athletes to viral infections of the respiratory tract.

💪 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 & 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬
Cold weather can also impact the muscles and joints of the horse. While the work has yet to be done in horses, research in other animals and humans has shown that when muscles and nerves get cold, they don’t fire as quickly or efficiently (Racinais et al., 2017). Horses may also tighten around their joints or ‘brace’ with opposing muscle groups as a natural way to protect cold tissues. This is why a slow, progressive warm-up is so important in winter. Getting the horse’s body temperature up helps their muscles move more freely, improves coordination, and reduces the risk of strains or awkward, compensatory movement - especially during more technical maneuvers or intense work.

This is supported by a study (Dixon et al. ,2010) which found that humans who immersed their legs in cold water (54°F/12°C) for 45 minutes had decreased power on a vertical jump. However, this decline in performance could be negated by a 15-minute dynamic warm-up. These findings stress the importance of an intentional and lengthy warm-up prior to cold winter exercise.

✅ 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡
These are just a few examples of how cold weather can impact our horses, but they are important to consider when determining how to safely but effectively condition them this winter.

🔥 Warm-up is key. Walk at least 15–20 minutes before trotting or cantering.

🌡️ Monitor the temperature. Reduce intensity as temperatures drop to minimize immune and respiratory stress or risk of injury.

🐴 Observe your horse. Watch for coughing, stiffness, or changes in performance.

I hope this information helps to guide your equine exercise practices this winter! Stay warm out there!

Cheers,
Dr. DeBoer

Davis MS, Malayer JR, Vandeventer L, Royer CM, McKenzie EC, Williamson KK. Cold weather exercise and airway cytokine expression. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2005 Jun;98(6):2132-6.

Davis MS, Williams CC, Meinkoth JH, Malayer JR, Royer CM, Williamson KK, McKenzie EC. Influx of neutrophils and persistence of cytokine expression in airways of horses after performing exercise while breathing cold air. American journal of veterinary research. 2007 Feb 1;68(2):185-9.

Racinais S, Cocking S, Périard JD. Sports and environmental temperature: from warming-up to heating-up. Temperature. 2017 Jul 3;4(3):227-57.

Dixon PG, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, Howard RL, Gomez AL, Comstock BA, Dunn-Lewis C, Fragala MS, Hooper DR, Häkkinen K, Maresh CM. The impact of cold-water immersion on power production in the vertical jump and the benefits of a dynamic exercise warm-up. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2010 Dec 1;24(12):3313-7.

12/09/2025

Christmas is in the air and so are the smells that go with Holiday cooking! Whip up this sweet treat for your horse and let us know how they like it! 🐎🎄

12/08/2025

What do you do with your horses to encourage hydration during the winter?

12/07/2025

Why Mares Are Better Than Geldings (and yes, this is absolutely my biased opinion) ❤️ 🐎

There’s a pattern in the horse world that mirrors the human one a bit too neatly.

People don’t like mares for the same reason they don’t like strong women.
They’re direct.
They know what they want.
They have boundaries that aren’t negotiable just because you asked 4 times.

Call a mare “moody” and half the time you’re just describing a horse who refuses to tolerate behaviour that doesn't serve her.

Watch a herd for long enough and you’ll notice it’s the mares who stitch the whole thing together. They manage space, negotiate tension, hold social order, and they do it with very little fuss.

Geldings are lovely. They can be the reliable, soft-hearted labradors of the equine world. I adore them.
But mares… mares operate on another level entirely.

You don’t get anything for free, and that seems to be what rattles people. To work with a mare, you have to be clear, respectful, and emotionally tidy.
She will not pretend for you.
She will not humour you.
She will not let you blag your way through a session while you’re thinking about your Tesco shopping list. ✨️

And that is exactly why they’re my favourite.

A mare makes you accountable.
She makes you present.
She makes you honest about who you are and how you show up.

People say mares teach patience.
I think they teach you how to communicate with someone who knows her own mind.

And when a mare with that kind of intelligence chooses you?

That is not luck.
That is a privilege.

12/05/2025

Soo true!!! 🥰🥰🥰