Eating Snow

maestoso · Jan 18, 2009

Anyone else have horses who eat snow? I have seen thirsty horses do this. And I have seen horses play in the snow. This is not what he is doing . . . . He is literally taking mouthfuls, chewing, and swallowing. I am a compulsive water refresher, so he always has fresh clean water inside and out. He also has a salt/mineral lick in his stall whish I know he uses every night, so he is not lacking salt either. And he'll do this weather he has hay in front of him or not. He even will do it when I am making him run around. . . . . It's humorous, but I'm wondering if he's anemic or something. I know that people who are anemic like to eat ice . . . .

Minimor · Jan 18, 2009

Nah, it's quite normal. A number of ours like to eat snow too--they'll stand right beside the water pail and gobble down the snow. Weird, but I figure whatever they prefer--ours do drink too, but definitely less when there's fresh snow. We haven't had a winter colic, ever, so obviously their water intake isn't a problem overall.

MiLo Minis · Jan 18, 2009

This is just good old instinct kicking in and ranks right up there with chewing wood. Horses that never touch wood at other times of the year will go right to town on your fences, etc., during the winter. When they were wild most often forage and water were only available in the form of wood and snow.

xxs · Jan 18, 2009

Matt, I have one that will give a dirty look (with ears pinned!) when I pour the water in his tub. He stands and watches me, then he gives the look and grabs a big ol' mouthful of snow and chews it while looking at me..as if to say "I can do it myself! " They can be such characters!

Alex · Jan 18, 2009

My gelding does it to, and i believe it is just a vice. Not a severe one, but it is just a bad habit. My gelding barely drinks that much water, as he prefers snow.

I do worry though about how much heat he is taking from his body to melt all that snow. Im afraid he will get chilled but he hasnt yet so... I guess we will see!

muffntuf · Jan 18, 2009

I think just about every horse or pony does it. I have noticed all my ponies eating fresh fallen snow this year. It's like a popsicle to them is what I gather. I still make sure they have fresh water out for them and they still do drink it, but they don't always drain the tank!