Horses First, Equine Emergency First Aid Training

01/27/2026

Always there to support us.❤️😅

01/18/2026

01/12/2026

Did you know that the little finger type fringe around a horses pupil are called the Corpora Nigra and they are equivalent to sunglasses on a horse?They help reduce glare so that horses are able to see better in bright light.

01/06/2026

12/23/2025

Learn the causes, signs, and natural remedies for colic in horses. Discover the best feeding practices, prevention methods, and treatments to reduce colic risk.

12/23/2025

Did you know?

As cold weather sets in, and snow builds up, making movement more limited, you may find your horses sheath looking swollen.

Reduced exercise and less movement, especially in winter, leads to fluid (edema) pooling in the sheath.

12/20/2025

Did you know ⁉️➡️ a blanket of snow on your horse's back is actually a good sign??

When the snow is blowing and temperatures drop, we bundle up to stay warm—but how can we tell if our horses are comfortable in winter weather?

Here are some tips on how to tell if your horse is warm this winter and what to watch for when deciding on blanketing and turnout, in honour of the weather today! ❄️

🐴 Age, body condition & overall health:
Very young, senior, thin, clipped or medically compromised horses often need extra support like blanketing in cold conditions.

🏠 Shelter matters:
Make sure your horse has access to shelter where they can escape wind and harsh weather.

❄️ Check the snow on their back:
A layer of snow that isn’t melting is actually a good sign! It means your horse’s winter coat is insulating well and keeping body heat in. Snow melting means the opposite, and may be a sign your horse needs some extra help. Have you ever been up close to a horse on a cold day when their hair appears “puffed up"? This is because the lengthened hair coat works by trapping air underneath and warming it next to the skin. Placing a blanket on a horse can take away their ability to “puff up” their hair and trap the air, actually causing them to feel colder.

🌡️ Watch the temperature/conditions:
Temperatures right around freezing are often the hardest on horses. Anytime there is sleet or rain that can cause their coat to get really wet is when they will have the hardest time keeping warm. A wet coat no longer has the ability to "puff up". That's when appropriate support is important!

👀 Watch their behaviour:
A comfortable horse will appear relaxed. Hunching, tension, or shivering are signs your horse is truly cold and may need additional protection.

Every horse is different—when in doubt, adjust care based on the individual horse and the conditions. If you have questions about winter care, please contact us as we're happy to help! 🩺

For even more winter care tips, check out our blog post!: https://www.westhillsevs.com/equineveterinaryblog/wintercaretips

Stay safe out there! ❄️❄️

12/16/2025

Super interesting information for those long trips.