Hello. My name is XXXXX XXXXX X would be happy to help you. I have been a Veterinary Technician for almost 25 years 12 of those working with equine.

Unfortunately I have to agree with you that moving a mare into colder weather at this age may not be the best thing for her. Avoiding problems associated with the cold is one reason we tend to winter race horses in warmer climates such as Florida. Many of our large retirement farms are also located in warmer climates for these reasons.

Snow, freezing temperatures and frozen ground may keep a senior horse from doing even the simplest things, such as walking to the water trough. It’s not uncommon for senior horses to have trouble holding their weight, staying warm or moving around during the winter.Senior horses tend to have less muscle and fat layers as well and when they cannot maintain their body weight they become colder and use more energy to stay warm, which can result in additional weight loss.In cold weather the majority of a horse’s nutrients go to keeping him warm this leads to decreased resources left for fighting off illness or repairing tissues should injury occur. Often this can also lead to a decline in over all health.

If your Mare has any existing heath conditions such as respiratory problems, arthritis or hoof problems the cold weather tends to make these worse. The problems with the tendon may become worse as well.

You would also have to look at some of the concerns of trailering a senior horse that distance as they tend to loose footing easily after a few hours. With a previous tendon problem this could be much harder on her then a young horse. Long travel can also stress the immune system in a senior. Of course temp is a factor as well when trailering that distance.

There are things that you can do to help combat the weather such as warm shelter ,blanketing and increased calorie intake, but in my opinion unless relocating is an absolute necessity I do not think this would be the best move for her.
You also mention that you have a hard time keeping weight on her now. I am not sure what feed you are using but you want to be sure it is designed for seniors. One we have found very effective in helping to maintain good body weight is Purina Equine Senior. Click here
I hope this helps, please reply back if you have additional questions
CandyERPetNurse41061.7599476042

Unfortunately the site will not allow us to email anything but you can copy and paste our conversation into the email or word document.

The beet pulp would be great . Have you tried a hot mash with the beet pulp. If not you can make this very easily just use 2 cups of sweet feed or ground corn 2 cups oats 1/8 of a cup of molasses 3-4 cups of water and add the beat pulp. heat on the stove or many owners will just pop the ingredients in a slow cooker and leave over night then feed first thing in the morning . This is a great thing to use 1-2 times per week in the winter.

Please do not be embarrassed at all you asked because that is what you needed to do to convince a non horse person what was best for Clover. You in your heart already knew the answerCandy41061.9920050926

If she likes the bran mashes you should have no trouble getting the beet pulp in her especially with a little molasses. It sounds like you are doing everything you can for her and that above all else her health and happiness are the most important thing. She is very lucky to have you. Give Clover a good neck rub from me.

I hope this helps your friend understand why it is important for Clover to stay put.