On The Right Lead January 2026
Happy New Year!
As we gallop into 2026, hold on to your hat and enjoy the ride. January can be a quiet month on the equine scene and many of us spend the month in rain gear, caring for horses that won’t be ridden for another few months.
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The challenges of winter horse-keeping are well-known and vary a lot, depending on each situation. Horses on pasture have different requirements than those that are stalled and in a facility with all-weather footing or an indoor arena. While outdoor horses might seem to fend for themselves, care should be taken to provide clean water, a dry area to stand and some kind of shelter for stormy times. Though the pastures might look green---here in California the grass starts sprouting as soon as it begins to rain in the Fall---this early grass is usually low in nutrition. Winter requires more calories, so adding high-quality forage (hay) to keep your horses warm and full. Feed 2 to 2.5% of the horse’s body weight in hay daily. Digesting hay does a better job of keeping your horse warm than concentrates and grains. Slow feeders or hay nets can stretch meal times and reduce waste.
Hydration is extra important during the winter, when horses are not inclined to drink. Adding an electrolyte and providing a mineral supplement can improve a horse’s hydration, as can warming the water during cold weather. Consider Purina® RepleniMash® - a nutritionally balanced tasty mash that includes Outlast Gastric Support Supplement and a science-backed serving of electrolytes. The perfect way to keep your horse hydrated in all weathers, and a great treat that horses love! Plus, save 20% on Purina RepleniMash this month with the On the Right Lead Subscribers Coupon! Learn more about RepleniMash.
Monitoring your horse’s body condition regularly can keep you ahead of problems, though sometimes it is hard to see exactly what is going on, under all the long hair and mud! Feel for the horse’s ribs with your hand, instead of relying on viewing the horse from a distance. To learn more about body condition and how to score it, check out this article. Body Condition Scoring Your Horse, courtesy of Purina.
Have questions about supplements, forage and winter horse care? Come in to Rainbow and talk to one of our trained staff!
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January is a time to regroup and get ready for the busiest time of the year – Spring! Keep an eye out for some great clearance deals in the Rainbow stores. Need a warm jacket, rain gear or water-proof boots? All still in the Rainbow Clothing Department! Stay warm and dry until the weather changes.
January will also have some savings for horse-people! Watch for savings of $2.00 to $4.00 off, on selected Purina products starting January 18, including $2.00 off Equine Senior and Equine Senior Active (Good 1/18 to 1/25, 2026. )
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Trivia! Win a $15 Coupon good on any purchase at any Rainbow store.
Last month’s question was, What does being one of the first 50 Invitees in the door at the Rainbow Holiday Party get you? Dane Downing is our winner, with the correct answer that the first 50 invitations returned during the Annual Holiday Party & Sale received a free gift bag!
And, the first Trivia question for 2026 is, What type of feed is best at keeping a horse warm in cold weather?