How to give your horse the best care during the colder months

Winter brings its own set of challenges for horse owners. Shorter days, endless mud, freezing temperatures and disrupted routines can all take their toll – not just on us, but on our horses’ comfort, health and wellbeing. But with a little planning and the right daily habits, your horse can stay happy, healthy and active through the colder months.

Mud management and skin health

'Horses didn’t evolve to cope with mud,' says Petplan Equine veterinary expert, Gil Riley. 'In the wild, they’d habitually move to drier, grassed areas to escape wet conditions underfoot. An outdoor life is, on balance, a healthier option, so let your horse spend time in the field during winter – but take measures to limit their exposure to mud and protect their lower legs.'

If you’re able, improving field drainage – especially around gateways and feeding stations – can make a huge difference. Even simple changes like rotating paddocks, installing temporary fencing or laying mud mats can reduce risk.

Mud fever is a common winter skin condition that tends to thrive on wet, dirty legs, so keeping the lower limbs as clean and dry as possible is key. Barrier creams or turnout boots can offer some protection, and if you do need to wash legs, be sure to use warm water and dry them thoroughly. Bathing horses in cold weather isn’t ideal, but sometimes it’s necessary – just be quick, gentle and thorough in drying.

In horses with heavy feathering, clipping the legs may be helpful to prevent mud and moisture from becoming trapped close to the skin.

Looking after hooves in wet weather

Alongside the risk of mud fever, hoof problems are another common winter concern. Prolonged exposure to wet, muddy ground can soften hooves and make them vulnerable to conditions such as abscesses or the loss of shoes.

'The white line of the hoof – that junction between the sole and the hoof wall – is a particular weak spot,' Gil explains. 'Once softened, it’s easier for bacteria to enter and create problems such as pus in the foot, which can be extremely painful.'

Daily hoof picking is essential, as are regular farrier visits. Some horses benefit from hoof hardeners or conditioners, particularly if their feet struggle in wet conditions. And keep an eye out for shifting or missing shoes – they’re more common in deep mud and can lead to puncture wounds if not spotted quickly.

Rugging: less can be more

One of the most common questions among owners in winter is: can horses stand cold weather? The answer is yes – at least to a point. Healthy adult horses, especially those with full coats, are surprisingly resilient. In fact, horses and cold weather often go together better than we think. Most won’t start to feel uncomfortable until temperatures drop below 5°C.

But factors such as age, clip, breed and body condition all play a role. Some horses, particularly older ones or those with low body fat, may need extra support. Over-rugging can be just as harmful as under-rugging, however, leading to overheating, sweating and skin irritation.

Layering rugs allows for more flexibility as conditions change. Always check under rugs daily to monitor body condition – it’s easy to miss signs of weight loss or rubbing when temperatures drop.

Daily checks that make a difference

Routine is everything in winter. A quick, hands-on check each day can help catch problems early.

Feel your horse’s legs for heat, swelling, or early signs of mud fever. Lift rugs to inspect coat condition and check for any signs of weight loss.

Check field troughs and water buckets daily, especially in icy weather. Look out for frozen tops or pipes and be prepared to break any surface ice to ensure horses have constant access to water. Many horses drink less when it’s cold, which can lead to additional health concerns.

Feeding through the cold

Digesting fibre produces internal heat – one reason why forage is so important in winter. For horses that are clipped, living out, or struggling to maintain weight, gradually increasing hay or haylage will support both condition and warmth.

Monitor weight closely and adjust feed as required. Soaked feeds can increase water intake – a great strategy for managing winter colic risk. Moist feeds like fibre beet can also reduce the risk.

If turnout is limited, or grazing poor, a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement will help fill nutritional gaps.

Can cold weather cause colic in horses?

While we often associate colic with dietary changes or warmer seasons, cold weather can cause colic in horses. This is especially true of impaction colic, which is more common when there is a reduction in drinking (e.g. the water bucket icing over), and in movement.

To help prevent colic in horses, ensure they have constant access to clean water, a diet high in forage, and that any dietary changes are made gradually. Regular exercise and routine dental and parasite care also help to reduce the risk.

Can you ride horses in cold weather?

Regular exercise is essential for your horse’s physical and mental wellbeing. You may just need to adapt your approach when it’s very cold.

Warm your horse up gradually and cool down slowly, especially if they’re clipped. Consider riding with a quarter sheet and use a cooler rug after exercise to avoid chills. Keep sessions shorter if fitness is lower, and avoid icy or frozen ground, which can be dangerous underfoot. Even gentle in-hand work or groundwork can keep your horse moving and mentally stimulated through the darker months.

Cold weather health risks to watch

We tend to associate laminitis with spring grass – but cold weather laminitis in horses is a genuine risk, especially in those with metabolic conditions such as Cushing’s or EMS.

In cold temperatures, blood flow to the hooves can be restricted, triggering a laminitic episode. Watch for signs such as warmth in the hooves, sudden lameness, or reluctance to move. Work closely with your vet and farrier to manage underlying issues and avoid hard, frosty ground.

Horses and cold weather: Final thoughts

Winter weather may be inevitable, but discomfort and seasonal health issues needn’t be. With consistent daily checks, tailored feeding, and smart turnout and rugging decisions, you can keep your horse safe, strong and healthy through the colder months.

Finally, for peace of mind through the colder months, make sure you and your horse are covered with the right insurance – because even with the best care, the unexpected can happen.