Caring for your horse or pony at Christmas: Essential tips

Christmas can bring joy and festivity, but for horses and ponies, the seasonal changes and celebrations may introduce challenges. Whether your horse is kept on your land or at livery, planning ahead ensures their wellbeing over the holidays. This guide offers practical advice to keep your horse or pony happy, safe, and calm during Christmas.

1. Stocking up on Essential Supplies

Providing consistent feed and bedding is vital, especially during the winter months when hay, straw, and feed deliveries may be disrupted over Christmas. Order your supplies well in advance to avoid shortages, and check with your regular merchants about their holiday schedules. For online orders, remember postal delays around the festive period may affect delivery times.

2. Maintaining Your Horse’s Routine

Horses thrive on predictability. Keeping feeding, turnout, and stable routines consistent helps reduce stress. If others help with feeding or transporting your horse, communicate your plans early to avoid confusion. Even small changes can unsettled a horse, so try to stick to usual timings where possible.

3. Making Time on Christmas Day

Amidst festivities, carving out an hour or two to spend with your horse is a wonderful opportunity. Grooming, health checks, and quiet companionship help reinforce your bond and offer your horse much-needed reassurance during the busy season. Planning yard visits ahead ensures you don’t miss essential daily care.

4. Understanding Livery Yard Arrangements

If your horse is kept at a livery yard, check their Christmas cover plans well in advance. Good yards arrange care for horses on holidays, but confirm any changes so you can organise your visits or arrange alternative care if you usually tend to your horse yourself. Some yards may also offer to help with turnout or bringing horses in on Christmas day, which could ease your schedule.

5. Riding Safely Over the Holidays

Christmas Day often provides quieter roads for rides. However, treat this with caution as some drivers may be less cautious or driving faster. Wearing high-visibility clothing is essential for your safety, and always assume drivers may not see you. Consider safer routes away from busy traffic and ride with a companion when possible.

6. Protecting Your Horse from Fireworks

Fireworks can cause anxiety in horses, with unpredictable timing near Christmas and New Year. Horses vary in their response; some cope better in fields, others feel safer stabled. If stabled, closing stable door tops and playing soft radio music can help mask noise. In extreme cases where your horse is prone to panic, protective travel boots and stable guards may prevent injury. Regularly check your horse during fireworks evenings to ensure they remain safe and calm.

7. Additional Tips for Holiday Care

• Comfortable Environment: Use dust-free bedding and ensure fresh water availability at all times. Ensure rugs are appropriate and well-fitted for chilly weather.
• Holiday Treats: Give horse-safe snacks like carrots or apples but avoid sugary or processed treats to maintain digestive health.
• Quality Time: Use the season to groom or massage your horse, which supports both relaxation and bonding.

By anticipating holiday challenges and planning thoughtfully, you ensure that your horse or pony experiences a safe, calm, and comfortable Christmas. Responsible ownership during all seasons nurtures a happy, healthy equine companion.

For those considering adding a horse or pony to their family, always seek reputable breeders or adoption centres. Ensuring ethical sources not only supports animal welfare but also helps you find a suitable match for your lifestyle.

For more on finding horses, visit horses for sale.