Winter is when ponies can be more vulnerable to certain health problems, so knowing the signs that something might be wrong is a really useful skill.
Keep an eye out for your pony coughing, having a runny nose, or seeming dull and quiet – these can be signs of a respiratory infection. A healthy pony should be bright-eyed, interested in their surroundings, and happy to eat. If your pony seems off their food, lethargic, or is lying down more than usual, let an adult know.
Make sure your pony’s vaccinations are up to date, as flu can spread easily in winter when horses are spending more time stabled near others. It’s also a good time to check they’ve had their worming done correctly or when their last faecal egg count was done – ask your yard owner if you’re not sure.
Also – arthritis is much worse in cold weather so if your pony seems stiff or slow to get going, chat to an adult.
One more thing: if the ground is frozen, check your pony’s water supply morning and evening. A frozen water trough is one of the most common, and easily missed, winter problems. No water can quickly cause serious health issues like colic.
