Your Arabian horse is losing weight this winter because cold weather increases their caloric needs to maintain body heat, and winter pasture often lacks sufficient nutrition. But don’t assume it’s just the season. Weight loss can signal dental issues, parasites, or other health problems. Let’s explore the specific reasons and what you can do.
Why Winter Causes Weight Loss in Arabians
Arabians have a fast metabolism and a thin coat compared to draft breeds. In winter, they burn more calories just to stay warm. If the temperature drops below their lower critical temperature (around 40-50°F for a dry horse), they need extra energy. Poor-quality hay or limited grazing can’t meet that demand. Also, older Arabians may have trouble keeping weight on year-round, but winter amplifies it.
Health Issues to Rule Out
Before assuming it’s just the cold, consider potential medical causes. Dental problems like sharp points, loose teeth, or hooks make chewing painful and inefficient. Horses may drop hay (quidding) or eat slowly. Parasites such as strongyles or tapeworms can cause malabsorption. PPID (Cushing’s disease) is common in older Arabians and leads to muscle wasting and poor coat. Gastric ulcers can reduce appetite. Always consult a veterinarian to rule out these conditions.
Feeding Strategies for Winter Weight Gain
- Increase forage: Hay is the foundation. Offer free-choice good quality grass hay (10-20 lbs per day for a 1000 lb horse). Alfalfa is more calorie-dense and can help, but introduce gradually. Soaking hay can soften it for dental issues.
- Add concentrates: A low-starch, high-fat feed (e.g., rice bran, beet pulp, or a complete feed) can add calories without risky sugar. Beet pulp is great; soak it to prevent choke. Fat supplements like vegetable oil (1-2 cups per day) boost energy.
- Provide constant access to water: Horses drink less in cold, which reduces feed intake. Use heated buckets or break ice. Warm water encourages drinking.
- Blanket if needed: A well-fitting blanket reduces calorie loss. But don’t overheat; check for sweat.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals: Helps with digestion and warmth generation.
Monitoring and Adjusting Care
Track weight with a weight tape or body condition scoring weekly. Feel the ribs and withers. If ribs are easily felt, increase feed. Also check manure for signs of parasites (e.g., rice-like segments). Ensure your horse has shelter from wind and wet. If weight loss continues despite more feed, a vet visit is critical. Bloodwork can check for metabolic issues, organ function, and parasites.
Remember: abrupt diet changes can cause colic. Introduce new feeds over 7-10 days. Also, if your Arabian is older or has a history of laminitis, choose low-sugar feeds.
When to Call the Vet
Call your veterinarian if your horse loses more than 5% body weight, shows poor appetite, dull coat, lethargy, or has trouble chewing. A thorough exam, dental float, and fecal egg count are standard first steps. Don’t wait until the horse is emaciated.
Winter weight loss is manageable with extra calories and good management. Your Arabian can thrive with attention to diet, comfort, and health monitoring.
Key Takeaway
Winter weight loss in Arabians is often due to increased calorie needs for warmth and poor forage, but always consult a vet to rule out dental, parasite, or metabolic problems.