Winter Horse Care 101

Winter can be challenging for horse owners. Cold temperatures increase caloric needs, which can make weight maintenance difficult, especially for senior horses and hard keepers. Frozen water troughs are also a major concern since not drinking enough can increase a horse’s risk of colic. In addition, appropriate hoof care is necessary to prevent issues such as thrush, bruising, and abscesses, which are more likely to occur in icy, snowy, and muddy conditions. 

While planning for the winter months may seem overwhelming, you can ensure your horse thrives when the temperatures dip by providing consistent care. Proper preparation and routine are key to keeping your horse happy, healthy, and sound all season long. Let’s take a look at what this entails.

Appropriate feeding and hydration are imperative to keep your horse healthy when the weather turns chilly. Considerations include:

• Forage intake — Increasing forage intake, especially hay, helps horses maintain their body temperature because fermentation in the hindgut generates internal heat. Ensure your horse has access to hay throughout the day, especially if the pasture is sparse or snow-covered.

• Access to water — Constant access to fresh, unfrozen water is necessary to prevent dehydration and impaction colic, and many horses drink less if their water source is too cold. To encourage adequate water intake, consider using heated water buckets or tank heaters to keep the water temperature between 45°F and 65°F. 

• Increase caloric content — Depending on your horse’s age, workload, and body condition, you may need to adjust their calorie intake by providing extra feed or fat supplementation. Perform regular body condition scoring to ensure your equine friend remains at a healthy weight during the winter months.

All horses, including those turned out regularly, need adequate shelter during the winter to escape from wind, snow, and freezing rain. Providing access to a three-sided run-in shed or similar structure helps them maintain their body temperature more effectively. This keeps your equine friend more comfortable and reduces stress and the risk of cold-related diseases.

If acclimated properly, many horses don’t need a blanket. However, they can help horses who are clipped, older, thin, or have a health issue conserve energy and stay warm. When used, the blanket must be properly fitted and appropriate for the weather conditions. A too-tight blanket can rub the horse’s shoulders and withers, and an overly heavy blanket can lead to sweating, which can be dangerous in cold temperatures. If you blanket your horse, remove the garment once a day to check for skin irritation, dampness, and weight loss. 

Winter weather can be harsh on your horse’s hooves and skin, and daily grooming and maintenance are essential to prevent serious issues. Pick your horse’s hooves daily, removing packed snow, ice balls, and muddy debris to help prevent slipping. This practice also helps decrease your horse’s risk of thrush and bruising, which can lead to painful abscesses. Maintaining regular farrier visits is also critical to avoid imbalances, cracks, and other problems that can lead to long-term issues.

Your horse’s thick winter coat helps insulate them from cold temperatures, but it can also hide problems. Daily grooming helps distribute natural oils, keeps the coat healthy, and allows you to check for skin conditions that aren’t easily noticed under thick hair. Rain rot, a common winter skin issue, is caused by bacteria that thrive in wet conditions or under damp blankets. Affected horses have crusty scabs and matted hair, typically along their withers, back, and rump. To prevent rain rot, keep your horse dry, ensure their blanket is clean and breathable, and groom them daily. 

For hoof problems, skin infections, or other issues, Blue Rabbit home delivery makes treatment easier. 

Regular movement is essential for maintaining your horse’s physical and mental health all year long, especially in the winter when they may be spending more time in stalls or small paddocks. Exercise helps promote circulation, prevent stiffness, support digestion, and keep their mind engaged. 

However, you should consider the weather conditions and footing and adjust the exercise regimen accordingly. Hard, frozen ground can cause concussive injuries, while deep mud or snow increases the risk of strains and slips. Check pastures, arenas, and walkways for ice or slick spots before turning your horse out or starting work. Salt, sand, and traction mats can be used to help prevent injuries caused by falls.

Daily monitoring is one of the best ways to ensure your horse stays healthy this winter. A fluffy, thick coat can make your horse appear healthy when they are actually losing weight and muscle mass. Palpate along your horse’s ribs, shoulders, and hindquarters regularly to monitor for subtle changes that you may not notice visually. 

In addition, monitor for signs such as a dull coat, decreased appetite, reluctance to move, or a change in manure consistency. These changes may signal underlying issues, including dental problems, dehydration, digestive upset, and hoof issues. Consistency is important in your horse’s routine, helping to reduce their stress and supporting their mental and physical well-being.

Does your horse need daily medication? Learn more about Wedgewood’s compounding options. 

A well-thought-out plan and careful, daily monitoring can help your horse remain strong, healthy, and sound all winter long. Adjusting your equine friend’s nutrition, ensuring access to clean water, and providing appropriate shelter, hoof care, and grooming are essential to supporting your horse’s well-being during the colder months. By putting in a little extra effort, you can set your horse up to thrive when spring arrives.