Winter Care for Horses: Keeping Your Equine Friend Healthy and Happy

Winter is a magical season, but it brings unique challenges for horse owners. From chilly weather to limited turnout options, ensuring your horse stays healthy, comfortable, and content requires thoughtful preparation and care. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keeping your equine companion thriving through the colder months.

1. Nutrition: Fueling Your Horse Through the Cold

Winter temperatures increase your horse’s calorie requirements as they burn more energy to stay warm. Adjusting their diet can help maintain a healthy weight and energy levels.

Key Nutrition Tips:

• Hay is Essential: Forage is your horse’s primary heat source. Increase hay intake to support their metabolism and keep them warm.
• Monitor Body Condition: Use a weight tape regularly to track any fluctuations in weight, especially if your horse is blanketed.
• Add Fat or Fiber: For hard keepers, consider adding beet pulp or oil-based supplements to provide extra calories.
• Ensure Adequate Water Intake: Horses may drink less in winter, increasing the risk of impaction colic. Provide clean, unfrozen water, and consider using heated water buckets to encourage drinking.

Pro Tip: Adding a pinch of salt to your horse’s feed can stimulate thirst and ensure proper hydration.

2. Shelter: Providing Comfort from the Elements

A well-thought-out shelter protects your horse from wind, rain, and snow while allowing natural ventilation.

Shelter Basics:

• Run-In Sheds: Ensure your shelter is sturdy, dry, and free of drafts while allowing for airflow to reduce moisture buildup.
• Stable Maintenance: Keep stalls clean and dry, and add extra bedding to provide insulation.
• Windbreaks: For horses living in open pastures, natural windbreaks like trees or man-made structures can offer protection from biting winds.

Pro Tip: Check your shelter regularly for leaks or damage, especially after heavy storms.

3. Blanketing: To Blanket or Not to Blanket?

Blanketing decisions depend on your horse’s breed, coat condition, and environment. Over-blanketing can cause overheating, while under-blanketing may leave your horse cold.

Blanketing Guidelines:

• Clipped Horses: Horses with clipped coats generally need a blanket to compensate for lost insulation.
• Natural Coats: Unclipped horses with thick winter coats often do fine without blankets if they have access to shelter and are in good health.
• Check Fit and Condition: Blankets should fit snugly without rubbing or restricting movement. Inspect daily for tears, dampness, or debris.

Pro Tip: Keep multiple blankets on hand for layering, and adjust as temperatures fluctuate.

4. Hoof Care: Maintaining Healthy Feet

Winter conditions can be tough on your horse’s hooves. From ice buildup to wet conditions, regular maintenance is essential.

Winter Hoof Care Tips:

• Trim Regularly: Keep up with farrier visits to maintain proper hoof balance and prevent cracks.
• Ice Management: If your horse is shod, ask your farrier about snow pads or studs to prevent ice buildup and improve traction.
• Mud Control: Prolonged exposure to wet, muddy conditions can lead to thrush or other hoof issues. Use hoof conditioners or sprays as needed.

Pro Tip: Pick your horse’s hooves daily to prevent ice balls or mud from causing discomfort.

5. Exercise: Staying Active Despite the Cold

Winter weather and shorter days can make riding and turnout challenging, but keeping your horse active is important for both physical and mental health.

Winter Exercise Ideas:

• Indoor Arenas: If you have access to an indoor arena, take advantage of it for consistent riding or groundwork.
• Trail Rides: On dry, snow-covered paths, winter rides can be beautiful. Avoid icy trails or deep snow that could strain tendons.
• Groundwork and Hand-Walking: When riding isn’t an option, lunging or hand-walking keeps your horse moving and engaged.

Pro Tip: Warm up your horse slowly before riding in cold weather to prevent muscle stiffness.

6. Coat Care: Maintaining Winter Warmth

A horse’s thick winter coat is its natural defense against the cold. Proper grooming helps keep it in top condition.

Winter Grooming Tips:

• Avoid Over-Grooming: Focus on brushing mud and debris from areas where tack sits to preserve natural oils.
• Check for Skin Issues: Look out for signs of rain rot, lice, or fungus, which can thrive in damp winter conditions.
• Use Waterproof Blankets with Care: Remove blankets periodically to check for irritation or hidden skin problems.

Pro Tip: Use grooming sessions as an opportunity to bond with your horse and check for any physical changes.

7. Health Monitoring: Staying Ahead of Winter Woes

Colder weather brings increased risks of certain health issues. Staying proactive can prevent small problems from escalating.

Winter Health Risks:

• Colic: Reduced water intake and limited turnout can increase colic risk. Monitor hydration and ensure consistent exercise.
• Respiratory Issues: Poorly ventilated barns can lead to dust and ammonia buildup. Keep stalls clean and allow fresh air circulation.
• Weight Loss: Track your horse’s weight and adjust their diet as needed to avoid seasonal weight loss.

Pro Tip: Schedule a winter wellness check with your vet to assess your horse’s health and update vaccinations or dental work.

8. Turnout: Managing Outdoor Time Safely

Horses thrive on fresh air and social interaction, even in winter. Turnout keeps them mentally and physically healthy.

Winter Turnout Tips:

• Rotational Grazing: Protect your pastures by rotating turnout areas to prevent overuse and mud.
• Provide Hay: Grass may be sparse in winter, so supplement with hay in turnout areas.
• Ensure Safety: Check for frozen water troughs, icy patches, or hazardous obstacles in the paddock.

Pro Tip: If turnout is limited due to weather, increase barn enrichment activities like slow feeders or toys to keep your horse engaged.

9. Seasonal Winter Checklist

Early Winter (November-December):

• Stock up on hay and feed.
• Service heaters and water systems.
• Check blanket condition and fit.
• Schedule winter vet check.
• Weatherproof shelters and inspect paddocks.

Mid-Winter (January-February):

• Monitor body condition closely.
• Check blanket fit as weight fluctuates.
• Maintain consistent exercise routines.
• Watch for signs of dehydration.
• Keep salt blocks fresh and accessible.

Late Winter (March):

• Begin transitioning to spring routine.
• Check paddocks for winter damage.
• Plan blanket removal strategy.
• Schedule spring vaccinations.
• Assess hay and feed inventory.

This checklist keeps you organized and ensures your horse’s well-being through every stage of the season.

Quick Tips for Winter Success

1. Plan Ahead: Stock up on feed, bedding, and de-icing supplies before severe weather hits.
2. Stay Consistent: Horses thrive on routine—maintain feeding and turnout schedules as much as possible.
3. Be Flexible: Adjust care based on weather conditions, your horse’s needs, and your facility’s resources.
4. Check Daily: Inspect your horse, shelter, and paddock daily to address any issues promptly.

A Winter Well Spent

Winter care for horses requires a little extra effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By staying proactive and attentive to your horse’s needs, you’ll ensure they stay healthy, happy, and comfortable throughout the season.

At PasturePost, we’re here to support you with expert tips and a community of equine enthusiasts who understand the joys and challenges of horse care. Let’s make this winter one to remember—for you and your horse!