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<p>Raising young horses outdoors in small or larger groups during the winter months is regarded as a good way of building strong, hardy horses. With access to paddocks and natural outdoor areas, horses have opportunities for varied exercise and lots of social interaction. We would do well to remember that these conditions should not be selected simply in order to rationalize and simplify the work of raising growing horses. It should also be looked upon as an extremely valuable period for natural play and exercise, a prerequisite for developing the strengths and skills that your horses will need on the day they enter into a more systematic training programme.</p>
<p>Young horses kept outside during winter should have the opportunity of finding shelter in a well-lit, dry space with sufficient floor room for all to lay down at the same time.</p>
<p>When it comes to feeding, providing enough good quality roughage is a must. Youngsters raised outside under winter conditions should always have free access to roughage, whether they are fed hay or haylage. If you buy some or all of your own roughage and do not have any previous experience with its nutrient composition, you should ask the vendor for a chemical analysis so that you can supplement it with protein or minerals if the quality of the roughage is below a good standard.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Based on an analysis of the roughage, it is easy to plan a basic ration which may include supplementary concentrates and minerals to cover the general needs for protein, minerals and vitamins. In cold and windy weather, you can select the “Active horse” option in the PC-Horse program. This will provide for 10 % extra energy needed to accommodate the requirement for extra activity and thermoregulatory need. To customize this basic ration to the needs of individual horses, concentrate should be given individually. It is therefore best to keep the youngsters tied when they are eating their individual portions of grains or concentrates. Whilst tied, you should take the opportunity to evaluate body condition, check for wounds and injuries, and get your colt or filly accustomed to handling.</p>
<p>In PC-Horse, you can adjust the targeted growth rate of individuals by selecting either a “Normal” or a “High” targeted growth rate when you define their characteristics. For young horses that are expected to compete at an early age, you should select a “High” growth rate, allowing for a 25 % higher energy intake than during “Normal” raising conditions. You may use a combination of the “Active horse” provision and the “Normal” or “High” targeted growth rate to customize the feeding for your local environment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In winter it also important to have a good treatment program to combat intestinal parasites. Contact your veterinarian about this. The Professional, Consultant and Education versions of PC-Horse have functions to help you plan parasite treatment, dental treatment, hoof care and other recurring treatment procedures carried out in your stable.</p>
<p>In the program, you can enter the young horse’s weight, based either on the weight measurements you take yourself, or by using PC-Horse to calculate the body weight from the chest circumference taken with a measuring tape. The most important thing, however, is to regularly and carefully inspect your young horses, and pay close attention to their body condition and development during winter. This applies in particular to horses in their first year of life. Poor growth and development during this early period can become very difficult to rectify at a later stage.</p>
<p><em>This article was originally written by Dr. Day Austbø.</em><br /><em> Copyright: PC-Horse International - Norway 2012.</em><br /> <em>Feel free to use and publish the material. Please indicate the source and author.</em></p>