Winter Horse Care Tips: Keep Your Horse Comfortable and Healthy
As winter sets in, it brings challenges that require extra care and attention for your horse. Cold temperatures, wet conditions, and limited turnout can affect your horse’s health and wellbeing. At Poynton Equestrian Supplies, we want to ensure your horse stays warm, healthy, and happy throughout the colder months.
Here are our top winter horse care tips every equestrian should follow.
Shelter Is a Must
Even if your horse lives outdoors, they need protection from wind, rain, and snow. A dry, draft-free stable or field shelter allows them to escape harsh weather when needed. Make sure bedding is warm and dry, and ventilation is good to prevent respiratory issues.
Rug Up Wisely
Not all horses need a rug, but for clipped, older, or thin-skinned horses, a winter rug is essential. Choose rugs based on the weather and your horse’s living conditions:
- Stable Rugs for indoor use
- Turnout Rugs for wet or snowy conditions
- Lightweight or heavyweight options depending on the temperature
Regularly check for rubbing, dampness, or damage.
Feed More Forage
Horses burn extra energy in winter to stay warm. Increase their hay intake to support digestion and body heat. Good-quality forage is key to maintaining weight and health.
Consider:
- Feeding ad-lib hay if turnout is limited
- Using soaked feeds or fibre-based mashes for hydration and warmth
- Speaking to a vet about dietary supplements if needed
Prevent Water from Freezing
Access to fresh, unfrozen water is critical. Horses tend to drink less in winter, increasing the risk of dehydration and colic.
Tips:
- Break ice on buckets and troughs regularly
- Use heated buckets or insulated containers
- Offer warm soaked feeds to encourage water intake
Keep Your Horse Moving
Movement supports circulation and helps prevent stiffness or weight gain. If turnout is limited due to frozen or muddy ground, find other ways to keep your horse active:
- Hand walking
- Lunging
- Short schooling sessions
Even light activity improves both physical and mental wellbeing.
Daily Grooming Is Important
Thick winter coats can hide issues like skin infections or weight loss. Regular grooming helps you check for:
- Rain scald
- Mud fever
- Sores from rugs or tack
Use warm water and soft brushes, and always dry your horse thoroughly after washing.
Hoof Health Matters
Winter conditions often mean more mud and wetness — perfect for causing hoof problems like thrush. Continue:
Daily hoof picking
Farrier visits every 6–8 weeks
Winter conditions often mean more mud and wetness — perfect for causing hoof problems like thrush. Continue:
- Using hoof dressings or sprays if recommended
- Daily hoof picking
- Farrier visits every 6–8 weeks
Stick to a Routine
Cold weather can make care harder, but maintaining a routine helps your horse feel secure. Stick to regular feeding, turnout, and grooming times whenever possible.
Final Words
Winter care is all about preparation, consistency, and compassion. By adjusting your care routine and using the right equipment, you can keep your horse healthy, comfortable, and stress-free no matter how chilly it gets.
Looking for top-quality winter rugs, grooming kits, or feeding gear?
Explore the full winter collection at Poynton Equestrian Supplies where horses come first.