November 2020 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN November 2020 Page 11 Winter Ready Special Advertising Section The difference between a hard winter and a manageable one is all in the preparation. The information on the following pages can help you in many ways to plan for the inevitable short, cold days Old Man Winter has in store. Anyone can build a barn, but not every builder has cared for horses their whole lives. Ben Esh and Daniel Glick — the “B” and “D” of B&D Builders — have, and they bring that knowledge to every equestrian facility they design and build. In preparation for the winter ahead, here are a few tips from Ben and Daniel on getting your barn in tip-top shape: • Ventilation — Check for gaping cracks and holes that cause large drafts. All horses need the right amount of ven- tilation to help reduce respira- tory ailments, but too much is uncomfortable. • Barn Doors — Quality barn doors are worth the invest- ment. Inspect your barn doors for fit and coverage. Consider replacing with custom fitted doors. Add a design statement By Marty Adams, PhD, PAS – Cargill Equine Nutritionist- Technical Services Stress from winter weather can compromise your horse's health, but you can prevent some of that stress through proper feed- ing management. A less active horse needs fewer calories, but cold weather calls for a 10-20% increase in calories over maintenance to generate enough heat to maintain normal body temperature. Feeding more hay and less grain will allow the horse B&D Builders–Barn Builders Who Have Cared for Horses All Their Lives with your choice of wood and hardware. • Feed Room — Eliminate moisture. Store hay on pallets. Ensure feed containers have properly fitted lids to prevent insects and other unwanted guests. • Lighting — Shorter winter days mean less daylight. Ensure you have proper lighting and electrical wiring is not frayed. Change blown bulbs and install battery-powered flashlights and hands-free headlamps in case of a power outage. • Fresh Water Supply — It’s okay if your horse consumes snow, but there is no substitute for fresh water. Check your pipes for proper insulation and take measures to prevent freezing. Investing in a heating device can help ensure your horse is getting the hydration he needs. • Roof, Gutters, Down- spouts — Certain roofing mate- rials can help keep horses calm during a storm. Clear fall leaves from gutters and downspouts, as this will prevent overflowing and ensure your horse isn’t standing in mud during the thaws that follow snowfall. You are a great bellwether for measuring your horse’s comfort levels. Throw on your barn boots and take a spin in your horse’s hooves for a day. Will your horses be comfortable in their home this winter? Call B&D Builders at 717- 687-0292, or go to banddbuilders. com and build your barn right. Winterize Your Horse's Feeding Program to more easily maintain its body temperature. Substitute two pounds of hay for every pound of grain you decrease in the horse's daily ration. If you are feeding less than 0.5% of your horse's body weight daily in grain (less than 5 pounds daily for a 1,000 pound horse), consider feeding a diet balancer to provide the proper amounts of minerals and vitamins at a lower feeding rate. Tips for Winter Feeding • Feed more hay and less grain, substitute two pounds of hay for every pound of grain you decrease in the horse's daily ration to keep your horse warmer • Encourage water consump- tion by offering warm water, or use insulated or heated buckets to keep water at a higher tempera- ture (ideal water temperature is 45 to 65º F), to reduce incidence of impaction colic • Add salt, a mineral supple- ment or electrolytes to the feed to increase water consumption and reduce impaction colic risk (Continued on page 13)