With temperatures beginning to cool across Central Texas, horse owners in Brownwood and throughout Brown County are being encouraged to assess their animals’ nutrition and health before winter arrives. Sudden temperature changes, cold rain and occasional freezing conditions can create challenges even during Texas’ generally mild winters.
Early preparation can help horses remain healthy and comfortable as grass becomes less available, temperatures fall and wind increases. The key areas for review include body condition, forage, water, parasite control, shelter, hoof care, dental health and vaccinations.
Check body condition and winter nutrition
Horses should ideally enter winter with a body condition score of approximately 5 to 6 on the 1-to-9 Henneke scale. At that level, the ribs are not readily visible but can be felt with light pressure, and the horse has adequate fat reserves without being overweight.
Cold, wet and windy weather increases the energy horses need to maintain their body temperature. Good-quality hay is one of the most effective ways to provide that energy because forage fermentation in the hindgut produces heat. Increasing forage during cold weather can often be more helpful than simply adding grain.
Each horse’s needs differ according to age, workload, body condition and overall health. Senior horses, growing horses and underweight animals may need additional nutritional attention as winter approaches.
Water and parasite control remain important
Horses still need reliable access to water during winter, even when they appear to drink less in colder weather. Extremely cold water, reduced green-grass consumption and increased hay intake can raise the risk of impaction colic. Owners should provide clean, fresh water and check troughs regularly during freezing conditions. Water kept at a moderate temperature may encourage horses to drink more readily, while free-choice salt or an appropriate equine mineral supplement can also help support water consumption.
Fall is also a useful time to review a horse’s parasite-control program. Internal parasites can affect body condition, nutrient use and overall health. Rather than automatically deworming every six to eight weeks and rotating products, current recommendations from the American Association of Equine Practitioners emphasize a more strategic approach because parasites have developed resistance to commonly used dewormers.
A fecal egg count can show how many parasite eggs a horse is shedding. That information helps veterinarians and owners identify horses that may need more frequent treatment while avoiding unnecessary deworming. As the grazing season ends, fall parasite control may also need to address bots and tapeworms. Foals and young horses require different approaches from mature horses.
Pasture management is another part of parasite control. Removing manure from paddocks, avoiding overgrazing and preventing excessive stocking rates can reduce parasite exposure.
Shelter and routine care before cold weather
Most healthy horses grow a winter coat that provides effective insulation, but that protection is less effective when the coat is wet or exposed to strong winds. Access to a windbreak, run-in shed or other suitable shelter is especially beneficial during cold, rainy weather.
Blanketing is not necessary for every horse. A healthy horse with adequate body condition, a full winter coat and access to shelter can generally tolerate cold temperatures well. Clipped, older or underweight horses may benefit from additional protection.
Fall is also a good time to schedule routine hoof care, evaluate dental health and review vaccination needs with a veterinarian. Taking care of those details, along with forage, water and parasite management, can help horses enter the winter season in better condition.
Brown County horse and livestock owners with questions can visit the office at 605 Fisk Avenue in Brownwood, call 325-646-0386 or email [email protected]. Additional equine information is available through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, while further resources cover deworming practices and fecal egg counts.