Horses and ponies can be prone to impaction colic in the winter. This is due to the fact that we are often confined to stables in bad weather and receive less turnout and exercise, while still receiving a full short feed ration. The fact that we often drink less in winter,when the water is at or near freezing, increases the chances of colic.
In addition, the roughages common in our winter food contain less than 20 percent moisture compared to the 75 percent or more water content in spring and summer grass. With insufficient liquid in the digestive tract, the food being processed becomes too dry to be moved along by peristaltic action and blocks a portion of an intestine. The stemminess of poor-quality hay contributes further to blockage formation.
The people caring for us should do everything they can to ensure that we have adequate drinking water because it will reduce the incidence of colic. You can buy water-trough or -bucket heaters but these are very expensive. Fortunately there is a lot you can do that costs absolutely nothing - carrying hot water to thaw frozen buckets and pipes or trekking twice daily to the stream to break a hole in the ice and check on the footing.
Like people, a horse's digestive system depends on body movement to help push food along. At pasture, we spend the bulk of our time wandering from one grazing spot to the next. The inactivity enforced by confinement in stables or small paddocks may slow the movement of food along the digestive tract. Leave us turned out as much as possible to ensure sufficient digestive stimulation. You won't be endangering our health in other ways as, when we are in good condition, with heavy winter coats or adequate rugs and access to windbreaks, we can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. Unless we are being pelted by drenching rain or stinging ice, we are better off outdoors.
Laminitis
Don't be lulled into a false sense of security that with the coming of winter the danger of laminitis is over! When the temperature drops, people are inclined to boost our short feed to meet the increased energy demands of keeping warm. Whilst I am as fond of my tummy as the next mare, I have to admit that this increase in carbohydrates in proportion to fibre can do more harm than good. The carbohydrate overload can trigger toxins which are implicated in the development of laminitis. So, reach for an extra flake, not scoop, when temperatures start to drop: its hay, rather than grain, that provides the most efficient heating fuel.
Mud Fever
Mud fever has many names including cracked heels, scratches, rain rot, greasy heel, dew poisoning. It is a common condition, usually affecting horses lower limbs; especially the back legs, and particularly if they are white, where the underlying skin is more sensitive.It is characterised by inflammation of the skin, and the appearance of crusty scabs, formed from oozing serum.
This is usually caused by the invasion of a bacterium called dermatophilus congolensis, which penetrates the skin following either damage, or softening through exposure to the wet or mud. The bacterium thrives in wet muddy conditions, and our increasingly mild and wet winters are escalating the prevalence of this troublesome condition.When the same condition occurs on the upper body, it is also referred to as Rain Rot or Rain Scald.
Preventing mud fever in the first place, is certainly preferable, however it can at times be extremely difficult to prevent. Some horses, like me, will always be more susceptible than others, and wet muddy fields exacerbate the problem. If susceptible to mud fever, the person who cares for you should protect your legs from the wet and mud as much as possible, and apply a barrier cream. They should also check your legs regularly, and at first signs of soreness, weeping or scabs, treat immediately with an effective mud fever cream, to prevent the condition worsening.
Mud fever can be a very persistent condition, and once contracted it is always best to seek the advice of your Veterinary surgeon about the best treatment in each individual case. However , treatment usually follows a similar pattern --
The skin must be prevented from coming into further contact with the wet or mud, whilst the condition is being treated.
All the scabs must be removed, so that the treatment can reach the skin.
The infection must then be treated with a product that attacks the bacteria.
Coughs and Colds
We can be susceptible to a number of conditions that affect the respiratory tract.
What are the signs to look out for?
Coughing during exercise, when eating or at rest. If condition is infectious there may be a raised temperature (normal 99.5 - 100.5 F) and depression. Nasal discharge may be present, it may be clear initially becoming white and purulent. Often there is an increased respiratory rate and wheeziness. Be on the lookout for exercise intolerance and a depressed appetite. What should you do?
If an infectious cause is suspected keep away from other horses, as it may be contagious and get someone to call your vet. Do not exercise until you have been examined.
How can problems be prevented?
People should maintain a good standard of stable management. Vaccination is available for equine influenza.A regular and effective worming program helps (ugh!). Remember if you have donkeys in the same field, get them wormed too! They can carry lung worm and show no signs. If new horses are coming into the yard, they shoud be isolated for the first ten days as they may be incubating a respiratory disease.
In addition, the roughages common in our winter food contain less than 20 percent moisture compared to the 75 percent or more water content in spring and summer grass. With insufficient liquid in the digestive tract, the food being processed becomes too dry to be moved along by peristaltic action and blocks a portion of an intestine. The stemminess of poor-quality hay contributes further to blockage formation.
What should you do? 
