In the last two newsletters, we discussed types of hoof pain, available here, and cold-induced arthritis flares, available here.
Cold temperatures are taxing to horses. In this newsletter, we’ll discuss some of the effects that cold-weather has on the horse’s muscles.
◆︎ Muscle overuse from shivering and heat generation
When horses are cold, like humans, they shiver. This causes heat to be generated. However, over time, the energy available to the muscle diminishes and exhaustion sets in. The horse becomes more lethargic and less willing to move. This is a case of exhaustion.
Possible solution:
➡Shelter: Protection from the wind, rain, and snow is important when the temperatures dip, especially for the old or compromised horses. This can be as simple as a run-in or as elaborate as a fancy barn. The important part is that they remain dry and out of the wind. This helps preserve the body heat that they create.
➡Blanketing: When the temperatures dip, it’s important to be vigilant as to the horse’s coat condition. If the coat isn’t sufficient, blanketing may be warranted. But it’s important that the horse not remain blanketed when the temperatures rise, because if the horse becomes drenched with sweat, the horse’s coat can’t insulate the horse sufficiently.
➡Hay: Digesting hay also creates heat. Adding a couple of pounds of additional hay to their diet may be helpful.
➡Supplementing limiting amino acids: With the need to generate heat most horses will lose muscle in the winter. Supplementing the limiting amino acids can help supply the amino acids which are the most scarce for protein synthesis. Excellent supplements of the limiting amino acids include Top 3 Aminos and Top 4 Aminos.
◆︎ Muscle overuse from compensation
If a horse has hoof or joint pain, they tend to favor that leg. However, the leg that takes up the brunt of the work ends up being overused. Humans experience this when on crutches for a sprained ankle. Areas of the other leg become painful due to being used in a manner that the muscles aren’t accustomed. It’s common in the winter to see horses try to unload their front feet and the muscles in their rear end becomes rock hard.
Alternatively, you may see that a front leg and shoulder is painful because of the other front leg, or from shifting weight forward from the back end.
When a horse experiences hoof pain, it’s not unusual for them to shift their weight back and forth. This is an attempt for the horse to become comfortable on painful hooves or joints. Horses are used to engaging the stay apparatus when they aren’t moving, which takes very little muscle use. When the horse shifts back and forth, they are actively using their muscles, which can result in those muscles becoming overtaxed.
Possible solution:
➡Try to make the painful part of the body as comfortable as possible. Examples of this are a balanced trim for the feet, therapeutic boots to give padding when standing, and leg wraps to help with cold-induced lower limb pain.
➡Create a warm, dry, comfortable place for the horse to lay down to rest his/her body.
➡Supplement a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, such as quercetin or Mov-ease.
Don’t:
Don’t try to use a rough massage to try to relax the muscles, as that will more likely bruise the horse than to help the muscles relax.
◆︎ Start with the basics
It’s important to start with the basics of why the horse has muscle pain. In cold weather, first look to heat generation, then look to hoof or joint pain. Address these issues before moving on to more elaborate reasons for the muscle pain.
We do the best that we can for our horses. Cold weather is hard on our horse’s muscles. Supporting the muscles can be an integral part of caring for our horse in the winter.
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Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay 2024