Feed Management
Good feed management is essential during the winter months, as horses often switch entirely to roughage and the nutritional value can vary between batches. Hay becomes the primary energy source and also plays a major role in keeping the body warm, as the fermentation process in the intestines generates heat. It is therefore important to monitor the quality of the roughage and assess whether your horse is consuming enough, or conversely, gaining weight too quickly. Horses that lose weight in winter may need additional support, such as mash, beet pulp, or alfalfa, while horses prone to overweight often benefit from controlled portions, slower intake, and sufficient exercise.
In addition to feed, water plays a crucial role. Many horses drink less as temperatures drop, increasing the risk of impaction colic. Providing fresh drinking water and regularly checking that pipes and water troughs are not frozen is more important than ever during this period. Some horses drink better when the water is lukewarm, and offering extra moisture through soaked feeds or mash can also help.
Additionally, a mineral buffet can be a valuable supplement alongside regular drinking water. It not only supports fluid balance but may also encourage some horses to drink more actively. By offering various natural minerals on a voluntary basis (such as Celtic sea salt, spirulina, or seaweed), your horse can better regulate what it needs during this time.
Shelter Options
Although horses generally tolerate cold well, wind and precipitation often pose a greater challenge. A dry, draft-free shelter helps your horse stay warm and prevents the coat from remaining constantly wet, which reduces its natural insulating ability. In herd situations, it’s important that the shelter is large enough to prevent dominance-related issues, ensuring that every horse can seek shelter at any time. A good shelter also helps reduce mud exposure, lowering the risk of conditions such as mud fever and thrush.
Blanket or No Blanket?
Horses naturally have excellent temperature regulation thanks to their thick winter coat. When temperatures drop or it rains, the coat stands up, creating an insulating layer of air that keeps the body warm. This natural system works perfectly as long as the coat can function as intended. When you put a blanket on, this air layer is flattened and your horse becomes more dependent on blanket management. Whether a horse needs a blanket depends on the type of horse, living conditions, level of training, and whether the horse is clipped. Most horses stay warm in nearly all conditions without a blanket, but if you notice your horse losing weight more quickly, struggling to stay warm, or if it is clipped, a blanket may be necessary. You can choose from various types of blankets, such as rain sheets, winter blankets, or liners. Whatever your choice, always check regularly how your horse feels under the blanket, whether any rub marks are developing, and whether the blanket is still waterproof. A horse overheats more quickly than it gets too cold, so ongoing adjustment is essential. Once you use a blanket, you are essentially taking over the coat’s function, which means that on sunny days you may need to change blankets several times to keep your horse comfortable.
Exercise and Training
Exercise remains essential, even as temperatures drop. Horses that move regularly stay more supple, fitter, and mentally more balanced. In winter, it may be necessary to extend the warm-up, as muscles are stiffer in the cold. Cooling down also deserves extra attention to prevent a sweaty horse from standing still in the stable or paddock. Pay close attention to the footing: frozen or slippery surfaces pose risks, as does compacted snow. When conditions are safe, riding outdoors in winter can actually contribute positively to fitness, variety, and relaxation.
Deworming
During winter, many horse owners opt for a fecal egg count or targeted deworming. This timing fits logically into the annual cycle, as horses often have less access to fresh grass and infection pressure differs from the summer months. A targeted approach based on fecal analysis is highly advisable. If you would like to learn more about this topic, read our blog “Deworming in Horses”.
Snow
Horses generally cope well with snow, but it does come with specific points of attention. Snow can cause ice balls to form under the hooves, especially in shod horses. These hard clumps make the footing unstable and increase the risk of slipping or missteps. For shod horses, it may therefore be necessary to use snow pads or silicone inserts under the shoes, or temporarily go without shoes if possible.
Snow also requires extra caution during riding. Fresh, soft snow often provides good grip and can be pleasant to train in, while compacted snow can quickly turn into a slippery, icy surface. Also pay attention to snow depth: deep snow requires much more effort and can place additional strain on muscles and tendons. Many horses like to eat snow during outdoor rides, but this does not replace drinking water, so make sure your horse continues to drink 충분ly at home. Wet snow or thawing conditions can also lead to quicker heat loss than dry frost, making it important to regularly assess how your horse responds to the weather and adjust your management accordingly.
