Is climate change affecting horse care?

Horse ownership once followed a predictable rhythm: mud in the winter, flies in the summer, a spring grass flush, and hay supplies that broadly balanced out across the year. But that pattern is becoming harder to rely on. Seasons now blur into one another. Rain lingers, heatwaves arrive earlier and grass grows, or fails, at unexpected times. For both horses and their owners, the balance feels more fragile.

Climate change is no longer a distant debate. Its impact shows up in churned, muddy fields, fluctuating hay prices, shifting parasite burdens and pasture growth that doesn’t follow the calendar. Horses are adaptable, but such sustained change can test even the hardiest types. The advantage lies in anticipating problems, rather than just reacting to them.

Hotter summers

Long, dry spells are becoming more common, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat stress and sunburn. Older horses, those in regular work and animals with darker coats or pink skin can all struggle when temperatures climb.

Constant access to fresh water is non-negotiable. In very hot weather, some horses may need encouragement to drink – such as by soaking their hay or feed, or offering flavoured water (in addition to plain) – particularly if turnout areas are large or water sources are in awkward locations. Where appropriate, electrolytes may help replace salts lost through sweating. Regular checking of troughs and automatic drinkers is vital.

Shade matters just as much. Trees and hedge lines offer natural shelter, but in open spaces, a field shelter or adjusted turnout times – such as grazing overnight when it’s cooler – can ease the strain. Lightweight summer sheets or fly rugs with UV look after sensitive areas without trapping excessive heat.

Changing weather patterns are shifting worm burdens too, so regular faecal egg counts and targeted worming matter more than ever. Pest seasons are also lengthening, with flies and midges now active earlier in spring and later into autumn. Sweet itch management, fly protection and vigilance around ticks may all need to start sooner in the year and run longer. Your vet is the best source of advice on emerging diseases in your area, as the risks continue to shift.

Wetter winters

At the other end of the year, heavier, more persistent rainfall is putting pressure on fields, horses’ legs and owners’ patience in equal measure. Endless mud raises the risk of mud fever, thrush and soft-tissue injury, and when turnout becomes restricted, stabling horses for longer periods brings its own complications – frustration and resulting deterioration in ridden behaviour, and the respiratory risks of poorly ventilated stables. As damp conditions can increase mould spores in forage and bedding, storage and ventilation need closer attention during wet spells.

In wet weather, good field management pays dividends. Rotating paddocks, reinforcing high-traffic areas with gravel or matting, and avoiding overgrazing all help protect both pasture and legs. Regularly check skin and hooves, and dry the legs thoroughly before stabling to prevent complications from taking hold.

Flooding is another thing owners increasingly need to plan for, rather than treat as an exceptional event. Horses walking on waterlogged or recently flooded ground can also cause poaching, creating uneven, potentially hazardous surfaces that stay long after the ground dries out. Where possible, keep horses off affected areas until the land has properly recovered.

The transition between hard, baked summer ground and soft, wet winter mud can also be hard on feet and shoes. Keep up with regular farriery and stay alert to any changes in movement or soundness as the seasons change. Also consider painting on hoof moisturisers or protective oils as appropriate.

Feeding in a shifting climate

Hotter, drier summers affect grass growth and forage availability in ways that ripple through the whole year. Hay can become scarcer and more expensive, and its nutritional quality can be inconsistent. Horses in work, those with restricted grazing or those with metabolic conditions are particularly vulnerable when the forage supply becomes unreliable.

There are several ways to manage this. Good-quality haylage retains moisture and nutrients well and is often more palatable than dry hay. Chopped straw blends can help stretch hay supplies for horses that don’t need a high-calorie intake. High-fibre, low-calorie chaffs allow horses to eat for longer without the risk of weight gain. And soaked beet pulp can provide useful fibre and bulk if hay is genuinely in short supply.

Whatever the approach, changes to forage should be made gradually and with care. An equine nutritionist can be helpful if you’re dealing with patchy quality or a horse with particular dietary needs.

Grass growth itself has become less predictable. A flush of lush grass may follow autumn warmth or appear after summer rain, increasing the risk of laminitis outside of the traditional danger periods. Native breeds and good doers are especially vulnerable to this. Strip grazing, muzzles and close monitoring of body condition should now be year-round considerations, rather than seasonal precautions.

Stable management under pressure

Unsettled weather puts added strain on stable environments. Hot spells can make poorly ventilated buildings uncomfortable, while damp, humid conditions increase respiratory risk. Reviewing airflow, bedding choices and drainage before extremes hit is far easier than making changes mid-season.

More frequent storms and high winds also make routine maintenance essential, as fallen fencing or damaged boundaries increase the risk of escape or injury. Roofs, drainage and fencing should all be checked regularly, not just after a notable weather event.

Having a clear plan for extremes – whether heatwaves, floods or storms – reduces stress when quick decisions are needed. Knowing where alternative water and power sources are, which paddocks drain best, and who to contact in an emergency provides reassurance when conditions deteriorate.

Preparing for what’s next

No one can control the weather, but preparation makes all the difference. Staying alert to forecasts and adapting turnout, feeding or workload at short notice has become part of responsible horse care. As part of forward planning, it’s also worth reviewing your horse insurance cover to ensure your horse is covered should the unexpected happen.

Climate change is adding complexity to horse ownership, but it doesn’t alter the fundamentals of good horsemanship. In a less predictable climate, observation, flexibility and a willingness to adjust are more important than ever.