Complete Winter Horse Care Guide
What your horse needs during cold months: nutrition, shelter, health checks, and training adjustments for winter conditions.
Why Does Winter Require Different Horse Care?
Horses in cold months face specific challenges: maintaining core body temperature, ensuring adequate water intake, and preserving optimal body condition.
Winter Nutrition
A horse needs more energy in cold weather to maintain body heat. Increase forage (hay and straw) by 10–15%, since fibre digestion naturally generates internal warmth. Do not reduce concentrate feed if the horse is in regular work.
Water — The Greatest Challenge
Horses are reluctant to drink cold water, which increases colic risk. Solutions:
- Warm the water slightly (18–20°C)
- Ensure the trough is always full
- Monitor daily urine output as a hydration indicator
Shelter and Warmth
A healthy horse does not need artificial heating in Jordan's mild winter, but does need shelter from wind and rain. Ensure stable floors are dry and clean, with adequate fresh bedding.
Horse Blankets
A blanket is not always necessary if good shelter is available. Use one when:
- The horse has been clipped
- The horse is thin or losing condition through winter
- Temperatures drop below 5°C with strong wind
Training in Winter
Adjust training sessions to allow sufficient warm-up time. Reduce the workload on very cold days, and avoid intense exercise followed by rapid cooling. Always ensure the horse is completely dry before returning it to the stable.