Winter Wellness: 7 Essentials for You and Your Horse

As winter tightens its grip, ensuring the well-being of both you and your equine companion becomes paramount. In this guide, we explore a range of essential products designed to cater to the diverse needs of horse owners during the winter season.

From protective gloves and supplements to advanced leg care solutions and insulated apparel, each recommendation aims to enhance your comfort and your horse’s wellbeing. Let's dive into the world of winter essentials for both you and your four-legged friend!

1. For You : Classic Equine Barn & Chore Gloves

When it comes to choosing the right chore gloves to brave the winter chill, Classic Equine provides two standout options: the Barn Gloves and the Chore Gloves.

The black Barn Gloves feature a lighter level of insulation making them a great choice for riding, chores, and roping in cooler temperatures. Crafted for durability, these gloves are machine washable, so they’ll last you a long time even with regular use.

The black Barn Gloves provide the best level of dexterity as they are a thinner material making them ideal for various tasks around the barn. They are also great for layering, allowing you to keep your hands covered in frigid temps even when you have to take off those thick winter gloves!

The grey Chore Gloves from Classic Equine take winter protection up a notch with their winter-weight design. These gloves feature extra lining, ensuring that your hands stay toasty while doing barn chores or riding in the cold.

If your winter days involve braving the elements in more frigid temperatures, the Chore Gloves will quickly become an essential for you this winter. These thicker gloves will keep your hands warm and protected through the winter months.

Whether you opt for the thinner, versatile Barn Gloves or the extra toasty Chore Gloves, both choices cater to the diverse needs of horse owners as we complete our winter tasks (and maybe even get some riding in). You will be wanting a pair in the pocket of every coat, and they also make great gifts!

2. For Your Horse : Zesterra®

Zesterra® is a vital product to have on hand all the time, but especially in the winter. This all-natural supplement provides comprehensive support during times of stress, whether it be due to hauling, heavy training, foaling, or extreme weather conditions. Zesterra® is not only safe for all classes of horses, including lactating mares and foals, but it also stands out for its versatility in addressing a wide range of equine health concerns.

With a decrease in drinking comes an increased risk of every horse owner’s worst nightmare – colic. Zesterra®'s unique formula aims to balance the pH of the stomach which safely and naturally stimulating appetite and water consumption. This becomes particularly crucial during the winter months when it is equally important for horses to stay hydrated. For those picky drinkers, Zesterra® can also be added to your horse’s water when you are hauling to unfamiliar places.

Zesterra®  Ingredients: Colloidal Silver, water, corn oil, guar gum, orange peel bitters, onion extract, soybean oil, glycerin, vegetable-based fatty acids, natural apple flavoring

Recommended dosages of Zesterra® based on scenario:

Horses with Active Ulcers or Symptoms: Give 1ml per 100 lbs of body weight orally in the AM and PM for 14 days and then reduce to 1ml/100 lbs once a day for 14 Days. Move to a .5ml/100 lbs daily maintenance thereafter. When these horses come under stress use 1ml/100 lbs prior to the event (riding, hauling, weather change, environment change).

Older Horses/Hard Keepers: Give 1ml/100 lbs orally for 10 days followed by 0.5ml/100 lbs daily until desired weight is achieved. Once desired weight is achieved, give 1ml/100 lbs two to three times per week to maintain results.

Ulcer Prone Horses/Horses in Rigorous Training: Follow the same protocol as outlined above for Horses with Active Ulcers.

Respiratory Infections/Shipping Fever: Give 1ml/100 lbs orally daily until symptoms (cough, fever) subside. If antibiotics are prescribed, a daily dose of 1ml/100 lbs should be used for at least 10 days past the last dose of antibiotics.

Environmental Stress (Extreme Heat, Cold or Disease Outbreak): Give 1ml/100 lbs orally prior to changes in weather or disease outbreak.

Colic: Give 30ml – 50ml orally at the onset of colic. You may use up to 100mls. Please contact your veterinarian if colic persists.

Hauling: All horses should receive 1ml/100 lbs orally the day before leaving and every day while away from home.

3. For You : Ariat Women's Rebar Gridwork Balaclava Baselayer Top

Embracing the winter chill requires the right gear, and the Rebar™ Gridwork Balaclava from Ariat is an essential base layer for those venturing into colder weather. Engineered with a grid fleece pattern, this balaclava ensures even warmth distribution and a softer feel, offering the coziness needed to combat winter's harsh conditions. With details like thumb access holes and a built-in hood and face gaiter, it caters to both comfort and workload.

Designed with functionality in mind, the balaclava features Greater Arm Mobility for freedom of movement. The Moisture Movement Technology™ actively wicks away moisture, ensuring wearers stay dry and comfortable, a key factor in maintaining warmth.

The DuraStretch™ fabric provides durable flexibility, making it resilient to the demands of various winter activities. It also features a Watch Window for easy access to check your watch when that text or call is buzzing on your wrist!

Crafted from 97% Cotton and 3% Spandex with a 6 oz grid fleece, this balaclava strikes a balance between comfort, flexibility, and warmth. This top also adds a touch of style to your usual winter weather layering!

4. For Your Horse : Fleece Cooler

If you ride during the winter, you know the importance of getting your horse cooled out and dried off before turning them back out into the elements. Fleece coolers can save you a ton of time getting your horse’s sweat dried off! Two excellent options to consider are the Premium and Economy Fleece Coolers from Classic Equine.

The Premium Fleece Cooler stands out with its lush 380-gram fleece that cools the horse gradually, providing protection against chill. This cooler is particularly effective in wicking moisture after bathing and expediting the sweat drying process in cold weather. You can also use it to keep your horse clean before an event!

This cooler has a reinforced horn slit so you can even use it over your saddle. The added loop at the poll area allows you to secure the cooler to your halter so it doesn't slide down your horse's neck. The adjustable belly strap is also removable for easy washing (machine washable safe). The hook-and-loop front fasteners make it quick to throw this cooler on your horse and the double-stitched, nylon bound edges enhance durability.

The Economy Fleece Cooler boasts ultrasoft fleece, allowing the horse to cool down gradually after a rigorous workout. It also effectively wicks away moisture post-bathing and accelerates the drying process. This cooler also features the reinforced horn slit so you can use it over your saddle, but does not have the extra loop at the top of the neck.

The convenience of a belly strap, tail strap, and four hook-and-loop front closures ensures a secure and adjustable fit. The Economy Fleece Cooler is not only economical but also sturdy, making it a practical choice for horse owners seeking an efficient and budget-friendly solution. Like its premium counterpart, this cooler is also machine washable for easy maintenance.

Ultimately, the choice between the Premium and Economy Fleece Coolers depends on individual preferences and specific needs. Whether opting for the luxurious features of the Premium Fleece Cooler or the economical practicality of the Economy Fleece Cooler, both provide an essential solution to the winter riding sweating problem!

5. For You : Ariat Men's Crius Steely Insulated Jacket

In the depths of winter, finding the perfect outer layer becomes essential. This Crius Steely Insulated Jacket from Ariat provides their highest level of warmth without the added bulk, making it an indispensable companion for cold days. Whether it’s doing chores, checking cows, heading to the winter rodeos, or a trip to town – you’re going to look extra sharp in this jacket!

Crafter for a man on the go, this jacket prioritizes freedom of movement with Greater Arm Mobility, allowing wearers to perform winter activities with ease. The inclusion of Cool Climate Insulation™ ensures lightweight warmth, striking the perfect balance between comfort and functionality. This jacket has 240g insulation, zippered hand pockets, and an interior concealed carry pocket.

Crafter from 100% polyester, this jacket is built to withstand winter’s challenges with a ripstop shell featuring a water-resistant coating and brushed lining. For those seeking a winter essential that seamlessly blends style, freedom of movement, and practicality, this jacket from Ariat proves to be an indispensable addition to any man’s winter wardrobe.

6. For Your Horse: Leg Therapy Products

As winter sets in, it can be challenging to ensure your horse is feeling their best. Horses can get less movement in the winter compared to the summer months which can lead to puffy and sore legs. Two excellent options for addressing leg health in the colder months are PHT Wonder Wraps and Back On Track Royal Quick Wraps, each offering unique features that can benefit horses being stalled in the winter.

PHT Wonder Wraps promote healthy circulation in your horse’s legs. Whether dealing with a bowed or sore tendon, suspensory injuries, or simply to support overall leg health during hauling or stall confinement, these wraps offer a ton of versatility. These wraps are antimicrobial and have copper therapy combined with PHT’s renowned high-quality magnets.

The Wonder Wraps stand out as an easy and efficient way to ensure proper blood flow, which is crucial in preventing stiffness and promoting overall leg health, especially in winter when horses may experience extended periods of inactivity in stalls.

Back On Track Royal Quick Wraps offer another advanced approach to leg care, featuring Welltex® proprietary technology in the inner padding. This technology is known for its ability to relieve swelling, stiffness, soreness, and various issues affecting tendons, joints, and ligaments.

The Royal Quick Wraps Deluxe go beyond immediate relief, contributing to the prevention of problems such as osteoarthritis, inflammation, and swelling. These wraps are particularly valuable during winter stall confinement when horses are prone to developing stiffness and swelling due to reduced movement and exposure to colder temperatures.

Both PHT and Back On Track also provide a variety of other products that can aid in supporting your horse’s wellbeing during the winter. Whatever kind of soreness you need to remedy (body, stifle, knee, hock, leg, or hoof), Back On Track and PHT have a wide range of products to solve your problem. You can see each company’s full product listing on our website.

7. For You AND Your Horse : LubriSynHA

As the winter season sets in, joint pain can become a pervasive issue for many individuals. Whether you're already grappling with joint discomfort or aiming to proactively prevent future problems, LubriSynHA emerges as a crucial winter essential. Developed by renowned physician Dr. Steven Allday, who specializes in joint care, LubriSyn is a family-owned venture designed to provide a safe and effective solution for joint health without resorting to invasive injections or potentially harmful medications.

LubriSynHA's all-natural liquid formula is not only easy to take but also yields visible results in less than a week. The key to its effectiveness lies in replenishing synovial fluid, which acts as a natural cushion within the joints. This fluid, primarily composed of hyaluronic acid, can break down due to age and injury, leading to joint pain. LubriSynHA steps in to naturally relieve pain by restoring this crucial synovial fluid.

What sets LubriSynHA apart is not just its efficacy but also its safety. The formula boasts a high-molecular weight and is bio-identical to the hyaluronic acid naturally produced by the body, ensuring that it has no side effects. This stands in contrast to many medications on the market prescribed for pain, which can pose harmful long-term reactions.

The speed at which LubriSynHA works is another notable advantage. Absorbed in the mouth and upper gastrointestinal tract, the liquid formula quickly targets inflamed and sore areas. Unlike pills or powders, LubriSynHA's rapid metabolism means that results are often seen within 7-10 days, providing fast relief when it's needed the most.

Considering both its effectiveness and safety, LubriSynHA also proves to be a cost-effective solution. Available in one-month and three-month supplies and offered in original (berry) or grape flavors, the supplement costs around $1 per day. You can prioritize your joint health throughout the winter season without breaking the bank!

Whether you already suffer from symptoms of joint pain or want to prevent future problems, LubriSynHA is the safest and most effective hyaluronic acid joint supplement available. Additionally, LubriSynHA works the same way in alleviating pain and stiffness in your dogs or horses!

 

Recommended Human Dosage: take one (1) tablespoon orally for the first week, then two (2) teaspoons as a maintenance dose thereafter. Results may vary and you may take more as needed, from 1-3 tablespoons daily.

From durable gloves to advanced joint supplements, each item in our list serves a unique purpose in improving your winter experience. Whether you're facing frigid chores, gearing up for a chilly ride, or addressing specific health concerns for your horse, these products can ease many of your winter woes!