Winter asks for more than simply doing your usual routine in colder weather. Thick coats, frozen water buckets, muddy paddocks… it all requires a little extra attention. But with some preparation and a thoughtful approach, winter doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can become a season of steadiness and quiet rhythm.
Picture this: a warm mug in your hands, leaning against the stable door while your horse quietly munches beside you. That is the feeling we aim for. Let’s walk through your winter plan together.
A warm, dry and draft free place
Horses are strong and resilient, but that doesn’t mean they want to stand in rain, wind or wet snow for hours. A simple shelter can make a world of difference.
For horses that spend a lot of time outside, a three sided shelter works beautifully as long as it faces away from the wind and the ground drains well. Horses that stay indoors more often benefit from fresh air and dry bedding. Two small things that greatly improve comfort during the colder months.
A daily habit that pays off: remove wet spots right away. It keeps the stable cleaner, warmer and much more pleasant for your horse.
To Blanket or Not to Blanket?
The question “does my horse need a blanket?” doesn’t have one answer. It always depends on the horse in front of you.
Many horses grow a thick natural winter coat and stay comfortable with just that. Others are happier with a blanket, for example when they are clipped, older, sensitive to cold or do not have consistent access to shelter.
Whatever you choose, check the blanket daily for rubbing, moisture or too much warmth underneath. An overly warm blanket can be just as uncomfortable as too little protection.
Feeding through winter: fuel for warmth
Cold weather naturally asks for more energy. That is why plenty of good forage is the foundation of winter feeding.
Hay not only fills the stomach, it helps your horse stay warm from the inside. Increasing forage often works better than immediately adding more concentrates. Keep an eye on body condition; it tells you what your horse truly needs.
And don’t forget water. Warm or unfrozen water encourages many horses to drink more.
A simple salt block or a small amount of loose salt can support regular drinking, especially in horses that tend to visit the water bucket less often in winter.
Water
We often associate dehydration with summer, but it can happen in winter too. Cold water, ice forming overnight or a frozen bucket in the morning does not exactly invite a horse to drink.
A few small adjustments can make a big difference:
- heated buckets or insulated troughs
- offering warm water a few times a day
- breaking ice regularly
Winter Horse Grooming
A thick winter coat hides more than you think. Regular grooming helps keep the skin clean, removes dried mud and gives you a moment to really look at your horse.
Soft rubber curry tools or grooming mitts work nicely through a winter coat. And never skip the daily hoof check. Mud, snowballs and frozen ground can quickly create uncomfortable situations.
A product like EquiElite HT G Hoof Gel fits well into many grooming routines during wet and changeable weather.
A Seasonal Check
Even during winter it is wise to go over a few basics with your veterinarian:
- vaccinations
- teeth
- body condition
- feeding or management adjustments
Some horses benefit from a little extra support in winter, depending on their routine and environment.
Movement: Essential Even in Winter
When the outdoor arena is frozen solid, training can become a real challenge. But daily movement still matters, and there are plenty of safe alternatives.
If the arena cannot be used, look for areas with better grip, such as paddocks with good drainage. At gateways, rubber mats or gravel can help prevent slipping. Snow or thin ice layers can often be removed to make small sections usable again.
If there is no safe footing outside at all, indoor work can be just as valuable. A horse walker offers calm and steady movement, but hand walking or a bit of lunging on a firm, non slippery surface also works well. Even short sessions with simple stretching exercises inside the stable make a difference.
It is not about the length of the session, but about giving your horse a chance to stay loose and moving comfortably, even when winter makes things more challenging.
