Winter is coming, which means it’s time to prepare your horse for the cold! If you live in an area that has snowy or rainy winters, it can be stressful for horses when the weather changes. Most healthy horses are naturally equipped for the winter, but there are things you can do to help them be more comfortable in the cold. Here are a few tips we recommend!

Do a condition check.

Before the weather gets too cold you should take note of your horse's weight. A good way to tell if your horse is a healthy weight is by finding their body condition score (BCS). This is a scale of 1-9 that indicates a horse's weight and body fat levels. A healthy horse will usually have a BCS of around 5. Speak with your veterinarian about assessing your horse's BCS.

Check your horse's oral hygiene.

During the winter, your horse might not have access to fresh pasture grass and will be mostly eating dry feed. This diet will require them to chew thoroughly to ensure proper digestion, so their teeth must be healthy and strong! You can book an appointment with an equine dentist to do a full oral exam.

Create a winter feeding schedule.

In the winter, horses need to consume more food than in the summer. The amount your horse needs to eat depends on the temperature of where you live and/or the amount of body insulation your horse has. Speak with your veterinarian to find a feeding schedule that works best for their needs. It is also important to ensure that your horse has access to fresh water. Barns can get cold and their water can freeze, so check their water supply regularly to make sure it hasn’t frozen over. 

Restock your horse's first aid kit.

In the case of injury, it is important to make sure you have all of the tools needed. You should always have bandages, gloves, gauze, and HoneyCure to help with any wounds! Click here to learn more about creating a first-aid kit for your horse!

Buy a high-quality horse blanket.

Blanketing your horse won't just help to keep them warm, but it will protect them from the rain, wind, and snow! Always make sure your horse is completely dry when you put the blanket on them. Their coat and skin should be checked regularly to ensure it is healthy.

Do a hoof check.

Proper hoof maintenance is important for preventing hoof-related injuries. You can make an appointment with a farrier, someone who trims and shoes horses, a couple of times a year. The farrier will be able to tell you the proper shoes for your horse depending on the weather conditions. 

If you have any concerns about preparing your horse for the winter, contact your veterinarian to address any health or well-being questions. Weather changes don’t need to be stressful, the best thing you can do for your horse is to be prepared and prioritize their well-being!

Oaks, Ali. “Preparing Your Horses for Winter.” GlobalVetLink, 11 Oct. 2023, www.globalvetlink.com/blog/preparing-your-horses-for-winter/. 

“Preparing Your Horse for Winter.” Equestroom, Equestroom, 16 Nov. 2022, www.equestroom.com/blogs/horse-care/preparing-your-horse-for-winter. 

Thunes, Clair. “A Quick List to Help Prepare Your Horses for Winter.” The Horse, 28 Nov. 2022, thehorse.com/194727/a-quick-list-to-help-prepare-your-horses-for-winter/.