Winter Horse Care Checklist: 10 Essential Tips for Cold Weather

Winter has well and truly arrived with Perth shivering through some of it's coldest days in 15 years! For horse owners, these cold winter months present challenges such as ensuring our horses have adequate shelter, are drinking sufficiently and receive proper nutrition. 

The good news is that horses are remarkably well-adapted to cold weather. Their natural coat provides excellent insulation, and their digestive system actually generates heat through the fermentation process. However, domestic horses rely on their owners to provide appropriate shelter, nutrition, and care to thrive during the coldest months.

1. Shelter and Wind Protection

While horses can tolerate surprisingly low temperatures, they need protection from wind, rain, and potential hail or snow. Wind chill significantly increases heat loss, making a 15°C day feel much colder when combined with strong winds.

Provide a three-sided shelter that opens away from prevailing winds. This allows horses to choose when to seek protection while maintaining their natural movement patterns. The shelter should be large enough for all horses to enter comfortably, with multiple exit points to prevent bullying. Even a simple windbreak can make a significant difference in harsh conditions.

For horses without access to natural shelter, consider portable field shelters or run-in sheds. Ensure the ground around shelters remains well-drained to prevent muddy, slippery conditions that can lead to injury.

2. Increase Feed and Forage

Horses require significantly more calories in winter to maintain their body condition and generate internal heat. The digestive process of breaking down fibre creates warmth from the inside out, making quality forage your horse's most important heating system.

Consider increasing hay by 15-25% during cold weather, focusing on good quality fibre rather than grain when possible. Hay provides longer-lasting internal heat generation compared to concentrates. If your horse needs additional calories, gradually increase feed rations while monitoring body condition.

Consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals to keep the digestive system working consistently. This maintains steady heat production and reduces the risk of digestive upset from large meals.

To view our hay range, click here.

3. Maintain Adequate Water Intake

Dehydration is one of the most serious winter risks for horses. Cold water discourages drinking, and frozen water sources eliminate access entirely. Horses need 20-40 litres of water daily, regardless of temperature.

Ideally water temperature should remain between 7-18°C. Check water sources twice daily to ensure they're functioning properly. Consider adding a small amount of warm water to cold buckets to encourage drinking.

Monitor your horses for signs of dehydration using the skin pinch test and checking gum moisture. Dehydrated horses face increased colic risk, making water management critical for winter health.

To encourage drinking, horse owners can try adding salt to the diet to increase your horse's thirst. Alternatively, using supplements such as KER Drink-Up, Molasses or Apple Juice can entice drinking. Also, offering horse's soaked feeds such as T&R Lupin Fibre Cubes, Copra, Speed-beet or Maxisoy can increase fluid intake.  

4. Body Condition Monitoring

Winter weather can mask changes in body condition under thick coats and rugs. Regular hands-on assessment is a must for detecting weight loss before it becomes severe.

Run your hands along your horse's ribs, spine, and hindquarters weekly to monitor fat cover and muscle condition. You should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure but not see them prominently. The spine should have some padding, and the hindquarters should feel rounded rather than angular.

Adjust feeding programs immediately if you detect condition loss. Weight loss in winter requires more calories to reverse due to increased metabolic demands from cold weather.

5. Rugging Strategies

Proper rugging protects horses from harsh weather while allowing natural thermoregulation. The key is matching rug weight and coverage to conditions and individual horse needs.

Use lightweight turnout rugs for wind and rain protection when temperatures are mild. Add medium or heavyweight rugs when temperatures drop significantly or for clipped horses. Neck covers provide additional protection for horses that feel the cold or have been body clipped.

Check rugs daily for proper fit, damage, and dryness. Wet or poorly fitting rugs can cause more problems than no rug at all. Remove rugs periodically to check for rubs, pressure sores, or skin conditions developing underneath.

If you are looking for a winter rug, we have a great range of Zilco rugs in store. 

6. Hoof Care and Mud Management

Winter conditions create challenging footing that can lead to hoof problems, injuries, and conditions like mud fever. Wet, muddy conditions soften hooves and create ideal environments for bacterial infections.

Pick hooves daily, paying attention to thrush development in the frog area. Consider applying hoof hardening products if conditions are consistently wet. Maintain regular farrier schedules, as good hoof balance becomes even more important on slippery or uneven winter footing.

Create dry areas around gates, water sources, and shelters using gravel, sand, or rubber mats. This reduces mud accumulation in high-traffic areas and provides horses with clean, dry standing areas.

7. Skin and Coat Health

Winter weather can stress skin and coat condition, leading to issues like rain scald, mud fever, and general skin irritation. Wet conditions combined with cold temperatures create ideal environments for bacterial and fungal infections.

Keep horses as dry as possible, especially their legs and lower body areas that contact mud. If horses do get wet, ensure they have opportunities to dry completely. Consider using natural products like essential oil-based treatments to soothe irritated skin and provide protective barriers.

Regular grooming remains important even when horses are rugged. This promotes circulation, distributes natural oils, and allows early detection of skin problems. Pay particular attention to areas where rugs might rub or where moisture accumulates.

8. Exercise and Movement

Cold weather often reduces natural movement as horses seek shelter and conserve energy. However, regular exercise remains crucial for circulation, joint health, and overall wellbeing.

Encourage movement by placing water and feed sources away from shelter areas. This motivates horses to move regularly throughout the day rather than standing stationary for long periods.

For riding horses, extend warm-up periods in cold weather and consider whether clipping is necessary for horses in regular work. Clipped horses require more careful management but may be more comfortable during exercise.

9. Emergency Preparedness

Winter weather can create emergencies that require immediate response. Preparation prevents small problems from becoming life-threatening situations.

Keep emergency supplies including extra feed, water and first aid materials. Establish relationships with veterinarians and farriers who provide emergency services. Ensure you have alternative water sources if primary systems fail.

Create an emergency plan that includes evacuation procedures if severe weather threatens property safety. Know warning signs of conditions like colic, laminitis, and hypothermia that require immediate veterinary attention.

10. Health Monitoring and Preventive Care

Winter stress can compromise immune systems and exacerbate existing health conditions. Vigilant monitoring helps catch problems early when treatment is most effective.

Check horses twice daily for signs of illness, injury, or distress. Monitor eating and drinking habits, as changes often indicate developing problems. Maintain vaccination schedules and consult with veterinarians about seasonal health risks in your area.

Consider immune system support through proper nutrition and stress reduction. Horses facing multiple stressors like poor body condition, inadequate shelter, or social pressure are more susceptible to illness during challenging weather.

Remember that individual horses have different needs based on age, body condition, coat thickness, and overall health status. Older horses, those in poor condition, or animals with health issues require more intensive management during winter months.

By implementing these ten essential strategies and adapting them to your specific situation, you can ensure your horses remain healthy, comfortable, and safe throughout the winter season. The investment in proper winter care pays dividends in maintaining horse health and preventing costly emergency situations that often arise from inadequate cold weather preparation.