Winter presents some of the toughest conditions for horse owners. Cold temperatures, persistent rain and muddy fields can all impact your horse’s comfort, health and routine. Effective winter horse management focuses on three key areas: keeping horses warm with appropriate rugging, supporting condition through feeding, and managing mud to protect skin, hooves and overall wellbeing.
With the right preparation and daily habits, winter can be managed smoothly without compromising your horse’s health.
Why Winter Horse Management Matters
Cold, wet conditions place additional strain on horses, particularly older horses, clipped horses and those living out for long periods. Mud, poor footing and fluctuating temperatures can increase the risk of issues such as weight loss, mud fever, thrush and stiffness.
Good winter management is about consistency and prevention. Addressing warmth, nutrition and hygiene early helps avoid common seasonal problems and keeps horses comfortable throughout the colder months.
Winter Rugging: Keeping Horses Warm and Dry
Rugging plays a vital role in winter horse care, especially for clipped horses or those that struggle to maintain condition. The right rug helps protect against wind, rain and cold while allowing your horse to regulate its body temperature effectively.
Choosing the correct weight and fit is essential. Rugs that are too heavy can cause sweating, while poorly fitted rugs may rub or allow cold air and rain to penetrate. Layering with liners allows flexibility as temperatures change.
Rugs should be checked daily to ensure they remain clean, dry and correctly positioned. Damp or ill fitting rugs can do more harm than good during winter weather.
If your horse feels cold behind the ears, is losing weight or appears unsettled, adjustments to rugging may be needed.
Winter Feeding: Supporting Condition and Energy
During winter, horses use more energy to stay warm, particularly when living out. This increased energy demand means feeding routines often need adjustment to maintain condition.
Forage remains the foundation of the winter diet. Providing adequate hay or haylage helps generate internal warmth through digestion and supports gut health. Horses living out or exposed to wind and rain may require increased forage intake.
Hard feed may also need to be adjusted depending on workload, age and body condition. Regular condition scoring helps identify changes early so feeding can be adapted gradually rather than reactively.
Fresh water must always be available. In freezing conditions, checking troughs daily is essential to ensure horses can drink freely.
Managing Mud and Wet Conditions
Mud is one of the biggest winter challenges. Prolonged exposure to wet, muddy ground increases the risk of mud fever, skin irritation and hoof problems.
Good field management helps reduce mud build up. Rotating turnout areas, protecting gateways and providing hard standing where possible can make a significant difference. In the stable, keeping bedding clean and dry supports skin health.
Daily leg checks are essential in winter. Mud should be removed gently once dry rather than washed repeatedly, as excessive washing can strip natural oils and worsen skin conditions.
Using barrier creams or preventative treatments can help protect vulnerable areas during prolonged wet spells.
Hoof Care During Winter
Wet ground and muddy conditions can soften hooves, increasing the risk of thrush and other infections. Regular hoof picking and inspections help identify issues early.
Good stable hygiene, dry standing areas and appropriate hoof care products all support hoof health throughout winter. Maintaining farrier schedules, even during poor weather, remains important.
Supporting Comfort and Mobility
Cold weather can make stiffness more noticeable, particularly in older horses or those with existing joint issues. Regular turnout where conditions allow, combined with gentle exercise, helps maintain mobility.
Warm, dry bedding supports rest and recovery, while appropriate rugs help muscles stay warm during colder periods.
Simple Winter Horse Management Tips
Small daily checks can prevent bigger problems. Monitoring weight, checking rugs, inspecting legs and hooves, and maintaining consistent routines all contribute to better winter care.
By focusing on rugs, feeding and mud control, winter horse management becomes more manageable and far less stressful for both horse and owner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Horse Management
How do I know if my horse needs a heavier rug?
Signs include weight loss, feeling cold behind the ears or shoulders, or appearing unsettled. Horses that are clipped, older or exposed to harsh weather often require additional rugging.
Should horses be fed more in winter?
Many horses need increased forage during winter to meet higher energy demands. Regular condition scoring helps determine whether additional feed is needed.
How can I prevent mud fever in winter?
Reducing prolonged exposure to mud, avoiding excessive washing, checking legs daily and using preventative barrier creams can all help reduce the risk of mud fever.
Is it better to stable or turn out horses in winter?
This depends on weather, ground conditions and the individual horse. Many horses benefit from regular turnout where footing is safe, combined with dry stabling when conditions are poor.
How often should I check rugs in winter?
Rugs should be checked daily to ensure they are dry, clean and correctly fitted. Wet or slipping rugs can cause discomfort and skin problems.
