13/01/2026
WVF
Snowy & icy weather❄️
Horses are outdoor creatures; they can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C before they start to feel the cold. However, prolonged exposure to cold, wet, or windy conditions can cause them discomfort and may impact their health. Colder weather may be affecting their well-being.
This is when they need humans' help to remain comfortable and healthy.
Helping a horse stay safe over the winter requires extra care and attention.
When planning horse care ahead of the winter, there are some things to keep in mind:
Does the horse have a safe outdoor space and access to shelter, as well as somewhere dry to stand or lie down?
Does the horse have good company?
Have they got an appropriate diet for the winter months?
Would you recognise if the horse’s behaviour was different to normal?
When the colder months arrive, make sure to provide the horse with:
* Appropriate diet
Grass can be sparse in the winter and grazing may not provide enough nutrition for your horse, meaning you may need to give them extra hard feed and forage to maintain their ideal body weight. Always introduce changes gradually, over a couple of weeks, as rapid changes in a horse's diet can make them ill.
* Plenty of water
To keep them hydrated provide water that’s clean and free from ice. When temperatures are below freezing you’ll need to regularly check water buckets and troughs, and break and remove any ice to ensure your horse can drink freely.
Even if you offer quality feed, horses will consume less if not drinking enough water. If horses eat less feed, they might not have enough energy to tolerate the cold.
* Don't overwork them
When riding in the winter, avoid getting the horse sweaty as they can easily catch a chill. Slow and careful movements are recommended.
* Regular visits
Make your first visit to the horse each day as early in the morning as you can. That way, if there's a problem, you can call for assistance in daylight.
* Regular checks
If it's snowy, icy, wet or muddy conditions, we regularly check the horse’s legs for any signs of mud fever. Check their hooves for problems such as abscesses and loose shoes (just as you should at other times of year).
