As temperatures cool across Central Texas, the article says now is a good time for horse owners to review their horses' nutrition and health. It notes that Texas winters are generally mild, but sudden temperature changes, cold rain and occasional freezing can challenge horses. Horses should ideally enter winter with a body condition score of about 5 to 6 on the 1-to-9 Henneke scale, with ribs not readily visible but felt with light pressure.
Horses need more energy to stay warm in cold, wet or windy weather. The article calls good-quality hay one of the best ways to provide that energy, since forage fermentation in the hindgut produces heat. It says more forage is often more helpful in cold weather than more grain. Senior, growing and underweight horses may need extra nutritional attention.
The article says horses may drink less when water is very cold, and that reduced water intake, less green grass and more hay can raise the risk of impaction colic. It advises providing clean, fresh water and checking troughs regularly during freezing weather. Free-choice salt or an equine mineral supplement can help encourage drinking.
Fall is also a good time to review a parasite control program, the article says. It states that routine deworming every six to eight weeks was common for many years, but current recommendations from the American Association of Equine Practitioners favor a more strategic approach because parasites have developed resistance to commonly used dewormers. It describes a fecal egg count as a useful management tool.