Winter horse care

Winter calls for attention to cold, dampness, and reduced activity. Although horses tolerate low temperatures well if they are healthy and well-fed, there are key aspects that make the difference between a comfortable winter and avoidable problems.

Cold and Blanketing

A healthy, unclipped, and acclimatized horse tolerates the cold well with shelter and sufficient forage. Blanketing is necessary for clipped, older, sick, or thin horses. Over-blanketing healthy horses is counterproductive.

Unfrozen Water

Ensuring liquid water is one of winter's biggest challenges: horses drink less very cold water, which increases the risk of impaction colic. It is advisable to monitor water troughs for freezing and offer lukewarm water when possible.

Forage as Heating

The fermentation of forage in the gut generates heat. In winter, ensuring abundant hay not only feeds the horse but also helps it maintain its temperature. It is the best natural heater.

Work and Footing

Work sessions should be adapted to daylight hours and ground conditions. Icy or very muddy ground is slippery and dangerous. Warm-up should be longer in cold weather to prepare muscles and tendons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do horses get cold in winter?

Healthy, well-fed horses tolerate the cold well with shelter and forage. Clipped, older, or sick horses do need blanketing.

Why is lukewarm water important?

With very cold water, horses drink less, which increases the risk of impaction colic. Lukewarm water encourages them to drink.

Does hay help against the cold?

Yes: its intestinal fermentation generates internal heat. Abundant forage is the horse's best natural heater.