Preparing Your Horses for Winter

The crisp autumn air and falling leaves are telling signs that winter weather is just around the corner. While humans may enjoy curling up near the fire in a cosy jumper, our equine friends require some special care and preparation to remain happy and healthy through the colder months. There are several key steps you should take in advance to ensure your horses are properly cared for when the frost sets in. 

Provide Proper Shelter

One of the most vital things you can do for your horses before winter hits is ensure they have access to a sturdy, well-ventilated shelter. A three-sided, open-fronted shelter is ideal as it protects them from wind, rain and snow while still allowing for plentiful airflow. The shelter should be large enough for your horses to move around and lie down comfortably. Plentiful bedding like straw or wood shavings will provide insulation from the frozen ground and give them a cozy place to nestle in. Regular mucking out and replacement of wet bedding is crucial to keeping their shelter dry. Make any necessary repairs to the shelter before the weather deteriorates to be sure it provides adequate protection.

Increase Calorie Intake 

The chill of winter means your horses will be using more calories to keep their body temperature up and maintain their weight. To account for this increased energy expenditure, you’ll need to up their nutritional intake. Slow feeds with oats, barley and chaff are great options, and you can replace some of the hay in their usual diet with these calorie-dense feeds. High fat and high fibre nuts are also excellent for making sure your horse’s dietary needs are met in winter. Provide access to fresh, clean water at all times as well to allow for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Check their body condition regularly and adjust feeding amounts accordingly. The glossy coat and visible ribs of summer won’t cut it for winter - they should have decent fat cover entering the cold season.

Address Any Health Concerns

Just as you prepare your own household for winter, it’s important to carry out general maintenance and address any health concerns with your horses before the demanding climate sets in. Tackle any persistent lameness or injury issues, and call in your vet or farrier for a full health check. Make certain their teeth have been properly seen to, as dental issues can impede their ability to chew and digest winter feed. Administer any needed deworming to reduce parasite load and ensure vaccines are up to date to strengthen immunity. Deal with any problems proactively to have your horses in peak physical health before winter puts extra strain on their bodies.

Allow Their Coat to Grow In

Your horses likely shed their shaggy winter coats over the summer months, leaving them smooth and sleek. As the days grow colder and daylight diminishes, they will need this protective fur return to shield them from the elements. Avoid rugging them too early in autumn so their natural coat can come in undisturbed. Once your horses are fully fluffed up for winter, their thickened coat will aid tremendously in keeping them cosy and warm. You can then use rugs to give additional insulation when truly frigid weather sets in, but allow them to reap the benefits of their natural winter wear first.

Monitor Hooves and Shoes 

Frozen, icy ground can wreak havoc on your horse’s hooves and shoes come winter. Make sure their hooves are trimmed and balanced properly in autumn to prevent cracking and breaking in the cold months. Shoes should be reset or replaced well before winter so they have the best traction and attachment through repeated snow and ice exposure. As the season progresses, check hooves daily for snowball compacting or signs of shoe loosening. Catch any issues early and call in the farrier promptly to avoid them becoming severe. Keeping on top of their hooves will prevent many problems this time of year.

Provide Exercise

While humans tend to hibernate in winter, horses still need regular exercise to keep their muscles, bones and cardiovascular system healthy. On days without treacherous weather, turn them out as normal so they can move around and interact. Modify their exercise regime according to conditions, swapping out riding for groundwork on poor weather days. Allow free movement in a safely fenced paddock area to encourage play and exercise even when stabled due to bad weather. Keep a close eye for injuries as slippery ground raises risk. Keeping your horses active prevents boredom and restlessness when riding is restricted.

Ensure Access to Water

Frozen water sources are a real hazard when temperatures drop, so take action to ensure your horses always have access to liquid water. Invest in heated automatic waterers or buckets to prevent freezing over. Break ice regularly in troughs and manually fill if needed. Test heated elements early to be sure they’re functioning properly before they’re critically needed. Dehydration occurs easily in winter so vigilance over their water supply is paramount. Provide ample water in turnout areas as well so drinking isn’t limited to stabling time slots. Proper hydration supports health all season long.

Preparing properly for winter takes some extra time and effort, but pays off hugely in keeping your horses happy and thriving all season long. Follow these steps and work proactively to avoid issues cropping up once cold weather hits in full force. With smart preparation in autumn, you and your four-legged friends can comfortably ride out even the chilliest winter months. Stay cosy!