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Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones - and that includes your equine friends. Caring for your horse during the festive period is just as important as every other time of year, but family gatherings, parties and bad weather create obstacles, making it difficult to stick to a regular routine. Whether it's the joys of mucking out on Christmas morning or scowling as the promise of a white Christmas comes true (causing frozen water buckets and burst pipes at the stable yard), it may not feel like the season to be jolly! Help is at hand to organise the twelve days of winter horse care, with our handy tips on how to look after your horse over the festive period...  
  1. Keeping warm
When it's cold and crisp outside, the low temperatures normally won't have a particularly detrimental effect, but there's no harm in helping them tolerate the wind and moisture when outdoors. Put a rug on your horse if it's particularly cold. Keep yourself warm too. There's no fun in a winter ride if you're chilly, so wear the correct clothing, such as a lot of layers and a waterproof coat.  
  1. Feeding well
Avoid too many treats for your horse, as their gut bacteria need to adapt slowly to any changes, so suddenly giving them food that they’ve never eaten before is a bad idea.  It might even cause colic. A high-fibre diet will keep your horse in better health. Also, remember your horse burns more calories keeping warm in winter, so provide plenty of good quality hay as a staple. Fruit makes a healthy, refreshing treat too.  
  1. Don't overdo it
If you find you have more time on your hands, you may think it will be great for your horse to go for more rides. However, bear in mind that if you normally ride only once a week, it's not fair to expect your horse to go out every day. It's better to stick to your usual routine.  
  1. Check rugs frequently
If you put a rug on your horse in damp or freezing weather, check underneath it regularly for any signs of skin irritation. If your horse is sweating and then drying under a rug, it may cause bacterial skin problems if you don't detect signs of irritation early.  
  1. Keep to a routine
Your horse doesn't know it's Christmas Day, so don’t lie-in too late. A horse is a creature of habit, so it won't be happy with a rumbling tummy because you're still lazing in bed! Similarly, if you don’t usually go to the stable until later in the day, don't sit at the lunch table too long, leaving your horse frantic in your absence.  
  1. Don't neglect your horse
Even if it's cold and you're installed watching Christmas TV, opening presents and playing party games, make sure your horse gets out of his stable at least once a day. Leaving them cooped up 24/7 will lead to feelings of boredom.  
  1. Be smart about clipping
Horses have a heavy winter coat designed to protect them from the elements. Some riders clip their horses throughout the winter, just the same as in summer. If your horse is out a lot of the time, they need their winter coat. If they’ve been clipped, make sure they’re wearing a rug when the temperature drops. Think about it this way; making them go out uncovered is like going outside yourself in winter without your coat on.  
  1. Care for elderly horses
The cold weather can affect older horses far more than their younger companions. Keep your veteran horse comfortable and healthy, taking extra care to ensure they’re eating and drinking well and making sure the stable doesn't have any draughts or leaks. Rugging will help to maintain a comfortable temperature for your horse.  
  1. Mulled wine and mucking out
While most of us want to relax with a glass of mulled wine on Christmas Day, complete your horse care duties before consuming alcohol. While you might be able to have one glass of wine and drive, don't get carried away during Christmas lunch and then realise you can't get back to the stables.  
  1. Organise a Christmas brunch
If you work alongside a few people at the stable yard, why not organise a get-together for breakfast to make it more fun? Even if it's just a case of stopping at a coffee shop and getting takeaway beverages and muffins on the way, it's always pleasant to give your chores a festive boost by having a friendly moment with fellow horse owners. It is Christmas, after all!  
  1. Keep your horse hydrated
Don't underestimate how much your horse needs to drink in the winter. Always make sure there is plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. An adult horse drinks, on average, between 24 and 36 litres of water a day, equating to three or four buckets, even in winter. If you increase their forage in winter, water consumption can increase to 40 to 45 litres a day.  
  1. Winter ailments
Your horse is at a greater risk of developing certain health issues in winter, especially if the conditions are wet and muddy. Look out for even slight changes in their behaviour and condition. If you think veterinary advice is needed, take into account the holiday period and ensure you organise something before everywhere closes for Christmas. During winter and the Christmas period, always ensure your horse has time out of the stable and daily exercise to keep him in tip-top shape, both mentally and physically. You will enjoy your own Christmas more knowing your equine friend is satisfied too.