Moaning the winter blues

Let's chat about surviving the winter blues. Winter is upon us across the country, so we're going to take some time to talk about some ways you can help get yourself through those winter lows, tips to help your horses stay hydrated & healthy even in the cooler weather, & we'll take some time to discuss the great "to blanket or not to blanket" debate that comes up every year.    ​

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a mild to moderate depression that can affect people during the winter months when it is cold, and there is decreased sunlight. Seasonal affective disorder is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. Another 10 percent to 20 percent may have mild SAD. SAD is four times more common in women than in men.   

Another thing to ponder as the temperature drops is hydration for both you and your horse. While the cold weather may not make you thirsty, it is important to remember to continue to drink the same amount of water your body needs. It is also important to manage your horse's water sources a little differently in the winter months. 

Blanketing horses is always the great debate in colder months. Depending upon your goals with your horse, it may or may not be a good thing for your program. A great resource to help your blanketing decisions can be found here. 

To go further into the conversation about the winter blues, take a listen to our episode.