Winter can be a challenging time for both horses and their owners. Cold weather, shorter days, and changing environments require extra attention to ensure that your equine companions remain healthy, comfortable and safe.

Proper winter horse care involves careful planning, preparation, and monitoring of several key factors, including feeding, grooming, exercise and shelter. Here's some tips on how to care for your horse during the winter months:

One of the most important aspects of winter horse care is ensuring your horse has access to appropriate shelter. While some horses are hardy enough to handle cold temperatures, it’s still crucial to provide protection from wind, rain and snow. If your horse is kept outside, a well-maintained, dry run-in shed can be a lifesaver. Make sure the shelter is draught-free, large enough for your horse to move comfortably and offers a dry bedding area.

Winter is a time when many horse owners choose to keep their horses stabled for safety, comfort, and convenience. The cold weather, snow, and ice can create challenging conditions for horses kept outside, and stabling can help protect them from the elements. However, just because a horse is stabled doesn't mean it's exempt from winter care. In fact, keeping your horse stabled during winter requires special attention to ensure they stay healthy, comfortable and well-cared for.

1. Horses should be turned out regularly, even in winter. Turnout provides mental stimulation and allows your horse to stretch its legs and engage in natural behaviors.

2. If turnout isn't possible due to weather conditions, work your horse inside a riding arena or round pen. Even basic groundwork, lunging, or light riding can help maintain muscle tone and mental health.

3. Stabling your horse in the winter means less time outdoors, which can lead to boredom and stress. Ensure your horse’s mental well-being by providing enrichment opportunities.

Winter can take a toll on your horse’s body condition, so proper nutrition is essential. Horses burn more calories to stay warm in colder weather and their hay consumption often increases. Provide high-quality hay and ensure that your horse’s diet is balanced with the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

1. Ensure your horse has access to plenty of hay as it’s crucial for maintaining body temperature.

2. Adding supplements to your horses diet can have a whole host of benefits.

Marigold, particularly Calendula officinalis, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of marigold can assist in managing any joint stiffness or inflammation that horses might experience during colder months, especially after being in stalls more often and getting less turnout time.

Cleavers, also known as bedstraw, is a gentle herb that has a variety of benefits for horses, especially during the winter. This herb is known for its lymphatic-stimulating and detoxifying properties, particularly good for horses who are prone to filled legs. Cleavers for horses are considered beneficial for improving circulation, which is particularly important in winter. Cold weather can lead to reduced circulation and stiff muscles in horses, and cleavers can assist in stimulating the lymphatic system, helping blood flow more effectively.

3. Water consumption can decrease in the winter, particularly if water sources are frozen. Make sure your horse has access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. Heated water buckets or automatic waterers can help prevent freezing.

Winter can be tough on horse hooves. Wet conditions, ice and snow can lead to frozen or cracked hooves if not properly cared for. Make sure to have a farrier check your horse’s hooves regularly throughout the winter months.

Prevent Ice Build-up: After turning your horse out, check for ice or snow packed into the hooves. If left untreated, ice can lead to lameness or even injury.

Hoof Care: Apply a protective hoof oil or balm to help keep hooves moisturized. Ensure your horse’s shoes (if worn) are suited for winter conditions.

Winter can present unique health challenges for horses, such as increased risk of colic, respiratory issues, or frostbite.

Colic Prevention: Keep a close eye on your horse’s digestive health, as horses can be more susceptible to colic in the winter. Regular feeding schedules and access to water are key factors in preventing this. Feeding supplements like Slippery Elm can potentially help prevent colic. When ingested, it forms a gel-like consistency that coats the digestive tract, providing support for horses with gastric or colonic issues, colic and ulcers.

Check for Frostbite: Keep an eye out for signs of frostbite, especially in the ears, tail, and muzzle. These areas are vulnerable to extreme cold and should be protected from exposure.

Winter Vaccinations: Ensure your horse’s vaccinations are up to date, particularly if they are exposed to other horses or harsh weather conditions.

For horses that are more sensitive to the cold, blankets are an effective way to provide extra warmth. Blanketing your horse is especially important if they are stabled or kept outside during winter. Blanketing a clipped horse in winter is essential because clipping removes the natural insulation provided by the horse's thick winter coat.

Blanket Selection: Choose a blanket appropriate for your horse's activity level, coat condition, and the severity of the cold. Turnout blankets are waterproof and breathable, perfect for keeping your horse warm and dry while they’re outside.

Proper Fit: Ensure the blanket fits properly - too tight or too loose can cause discomfort, and a poor fit can lead to chafing or rubbing. The blanket should cover the horse's neck and chest, and have adjustable straps that don't restrict movement.

Layering: Some horses may benefit from layering different types of blankets depending on the temperature. For example, you might use a light sheet for mild weather and a heavy blanket for extreme cold.

Check Regularly: Always check the blanket to ensure it’s clean, dry, and in good condition. Make sure there are no rips or tears and that it hasn’t slipped out of place.

Winter horse care involves more than just throwing on an extra blanket or letting your horse out to graze. It requires vigilance, planning, and adaptability to ensure that your horse stays safe, healthy, and comfortable during the colder months. By following these winter care guidelines, you can help your horse weather the winter with ease, so both you and your equine friend can enjoy the season together.

Stay safe, warm and happy riding!