Horses in winter: everything you need to know about management, feeding and health

Winter places very special demands on your horse. Cold, wet conditions, wind and short days don’t just influence your horse’s behaviour – they also affect its energy requirements, daily routines and overall health. In this article, you’ll learn what really matters now to ensure your horse stays healthy, balanced and safe throughout the cold season – including expert insight from veterinarian Dr. Christa Finkler-Schade.

Do horses feel cold in winter? How to recognise when your horse is really freezing

While we humans reach for our winter coats at the first sign of frost, the situation is quite different for horses: they are naturally adapted to cold climates. Most horses actually feel particularly comfortable at temperatures between –10 °C and +10 °C. However, there are situations in which your horse may start to feel cold – and it is important that you recognise these signs early on.

Why horses tolerate cold better than we do

Horses benefit from:

• A dense winter coat that acts like a natural thermal blanket
• Strong muscles that generate warmth
• A large digestive system that produces additional energy through forage

This combination makes horses remarkably resistant to cold. However, this does not apply equally to every horse.

When horses can actually feel cold

The following horses are particularly sensitive to cold conditions:

• Clipped horses, due to the lack of natural insulation
• Very thin or elderly horses with lower energy reserves
• Ill horses, for example with a weakened immune system
• Horses with wet coats (rain, snow, sweat), as moisture draws heat away

Wind and damp conditions play a major role: a rainy 5-degree day often feels much harsher to a horse than a dry frosty day.

How to recognise that your horse is cold

Pay close attention to these signs:

• Muscle tension or stiffness
• Shivering
• Reluctance to move or a depressed demeanour
• Coat standing on end in an unhealthy way (not to be confused with normal fluffing for insulation)

If your horse shows one or more of these signals, you should review management, equipment and feeding.

What you can do if your horse is cold

• Provide dry, sheltered areas protected from the wind
• Avoid wet coats or dry them quickly
• Offer sufficient hay (hay = energy for warmth)
• Use a rug if necessary – but never “just in case”

Important: observe your horse as an individual. It is not the outside temperature alone that determines whether a horse is cold, but its physical condition, care and living environment.

Winter horse management – open stable, horse stall or a combination?

How well your horse manages the winter months also depends on the stable system. Each set-up has its advantages, and the key is that it meets your horse’s health, temperament, and individual needs. These differences are particularly noticeable in winter.

Open stable in winter

Horses in open stables benefit from:

• Constant movement supporting circulation and digestion
• Fresh, clean air
• Social contact that reduces stress
• Separate areas for feeding and resting

Robust horses, or those that enjoy spending time outdoors, often thrive in an open stable. To make sure an open stable functions well in winter, pay attention to:

• Shelters that provide effective protection from wind and rain
• Sufficient dry resting areas
• Paths and paddocks that are secure underfoot and not icy
• Feeding areas that stay clean and accessible, not sinking into mud
• Unrestricted access to hay for every horse, taking social hierarchy into account

A well-designed open stable can work perfectly even in regions with heavy rain or snow. The key is a thoughtfully planned ground layout and regular maintenance to keep the area safe and comfortable for all horses.

Horse stall in winter

In a horse stall, your horse is well protected from wet, wind and extreme temperatures – a real advantage for elderly, clipped or cold-sensitive horses.

For horse stalls to remain truly horse-friendly in winter, your horse needs:

• Daily turnout, ideally for several hours
• A dry, well-ventilated horse stall
• Adequate social contact (e.g., grille openings or semi-open fronts)
• Low-dust bedding
• Enough space to lie down and rise comfortably

A frequent winter mistake is reducing turnout due to worries about mud or slippery ground. Limited movement increases the risk of stiff muscles, digestive problems and behavioural issues.

Combined solutions

Many horses benefit particularly from a combination in winter:

• Access to a horse stall for rest and weather protection
• Regular turnout on paddock or winter pasture
• Flexible management adapted to weather and the horse’s needs

Optimal stable climate in winter: light, air and temperature

Whether your horse spends much time outdoors in an open stable or is kept in a horse stall, the indoor area must above all be fresh, dry and well ventilated in winter.

How warm should the stable be in winter?

Horses do not need a warm stable. As mentioned, they are naturally adapted to cold and often feel more comfortable around freezing temperatures than at 15 °C indoors.

More important than warmth is that the stable remains dry and free from strong temperature fluctuations. A too-warm stable increases humidity, encourages dust and ammonia, and strains the respiratory system more than the cold would.

A healthy winter stable is therefore rather cool, but pleasantly dry and with clear air.

Fresh air, not draughts: winter ventilation

Fresh air is essential in winter. It allows damp, stale air to escape and prevents the “stable smell” that can contribute to respiratory problems.

This does not mean open doors creating draughts, but controlled, steady airflow. Ideally through:

• High-level windows or openings
• Ridge ventilation
• Side ventilation elements that circulate air without blowing directly on the horse

If you notice ammonia or constantly fogged windows, ventilation should be improved. A good stable climate is one in which you can breathe freely as soon as you enter.

Paddocks & pasture use in winter

Even in winter, horses need movement, fresh air and sufficient turnout. How well this works depends largely on how paddocks and pasture areas are managed in cold conditions. Mud, frost and moisture change ground conditions and present particular challenges for horse owners.

Mud management: keeping turnout safe and secure

Rain, thawing and freeze–thaw cycles quickly soften the ground. For your horse, this means an increased risk of slipping, higher strain on tendons, and a greater likelihood of mud fever or thrush.

Ensure:

• Firm, well-drained areas, especially at narrow paths and feeding points
• Regular maintenance of tracks to prevent puddles and deep holes
• Use of sand, wood chips or paddock mats if necessary to stabilise the ground

If pasture areas suffer heavily in winter, rest and rotate certain sections to maintain their long-term durability.

Ice, frozen ground & slippery conditions – recognising and preventing hazards

Frozen, uneven ground is one of the biggest sources of accidents in winter. Holes, dips or old molehills harden and become true tripping hazards. It’s worth leveling anything dangerous before the first frost.

Clear frequently used paths of snow and ensure:

• No icy patches in turnout areas
• No snowballs forming under the hooves (especially important for shod horses)

On slippery surfaces, check the turnout daily and, if necessary, block or reroute certain areas.

Shelter and wind protection: safety in all weather

Horses tolerate cold well, but wetness and wind are the real stress factors in winter. A winter-ready turnout requires:

• A dry, three-sided shelter that blocks wind and snow drifts
• Sufficient space so that lower-ranking horses can find shelter undisturbed
• Non-slip resting areas, regularly cleaned or refreshed with bedding

In windy regions, additional wind protection via planting, fences or paddock walls is valuable. In snowy areas, covered feeding points are often more important to keep hay dry.

3 tips for movement and training in winter

Even when the weather turns unpleasant, your horse needs daily exercise. It keeps metabolism active, supports digestion, and helps your horse stay mentally balanced.

Horses need plenty of movement. If they spend less time outside or move more cautiously on slippery ground, excess energy quickly builds up. This can show as:

• Tense muscles
• Frisky or restless behaviour
• Digestive issues due to lack of activity

Horses kept mainly in horse stalls are particularly sensitive to restricted turnout. The more consistently you integrate exercise, the more balanced your horse will remain.

1. Warm-up in winter: why extra time is important

At low temperatures, muscles take longer to warm up. A thorough warm-up is therefore more important than at any other time of year.

This means:

• At least 10–15 minutes of walking to start
• Only then move to trot or canter work
• Use a rug or kidney rug if needed during warm-up

2. Training in snow, ice and frost – what’s possible

Winter weather is no reason to skip training entirely. Ground conditions are crucial:

• Snow: Fresh, loose snow allows safe walking work. Deep snow requires strength and should be used cautiously on trained horses.
• Frozen ground: Hard and uneven surfaces increase injury risk. Stick to walking, groundwork, or indoor sessions.
• Slippery surfaces: Avoid fast gaits, ensure secure hoof protection.

3. Sensible alternatives in bad weather

Even if arenas or turnout areas are suboptimal, there are many ways to keep your horse engaged:

• Hand walks
• Groundwork or leading exercises
• Lunging in controlled sequences
• Pole work at the walk
• Small mobilisation exercises (e.g., lateral steps, backing up)

Winter feeding – expert advice from Dr. Christa Finkler-Schade

Feeding plays a central role in winter, as cold, reduced movement and the loss of pasture change your horse’s metabolism. Veterinarian Dr. Christa Finkler-Schade explains what is particularly important now to keep your horse healthy, maintain a strong immune system, and help it get through the cold season safely.

Can nutrition support the immune system?

Yes – and to a much greater extent than many people realise. A well-functioning immune system begins in the gut. When the intestinal flora is balanced and the digestive tract is supplied with high-quality, fibre-rich feed, pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites can be repelled far more effectively.

Your horse’s body has several natural defence mechanisms. Skin and coat form the first barrier, mucous membranes protect through viscous secretions, and pathogens are neutralised in the stomach and intestines by acids and enzymes. If one of these barriers is compromised – for example by injuries, insect bites or antibiotics that disrupt the gut flora – susceptibility to infection increases.

For this reason, especially in winter, a balanced, gut-friendly and high-quality diet is the most important foundation for a strong immune system.

How to assess forage quality

During winter, the majority of the ration consists of hay or dry haylage. However, these forages can vary greatly in their nutrient content. Key factors include plant composition and the time of cutting.

Early-cut hay generally contains more energy but less structural fibre, while later-cut hay is higher in fibre and well suited for horses with lower energy requirements. In most horse stables, first-cut hay is commonly used. Second-cut hay (aftermath hay) can also be fed, but it should have regrown for at least six weeks to develop sufficient crude fibre. Only then does it reach the required levels of more than 20% crude fibre necessary for healthy digestion.

High-quality forage is indispensable in winter, as it not only supplies nutrients but also contributes to heat production through fermentation in the gut – a natural “heating system” for your horse.

Does your horse’s requirement change in cold weather?

Yes, requirements change noticeably. Horses with a dense winter coat often appear rounder than they actually are. For this reason, body condition should be assessed by feel rather than by sight. The ribs should be easy to palpate, but neither protruding nor hidden beneath a thick layer of fat.

Weather conditions also have a direct impact on energy requirements. Prolonged cold increases basal metabolism, as more energy is needed for heat production. This particularly affects horses kept outdoors or in open stable systems. During such periods, many horses naturally consume significantly more forage. If this is not sufficient or not possible, increased energy demands can be met through additional concentrate feeding. During cold spells, energy requirements can rise by up to 20%.

Vitamin and mineral supply in winter

As storage time increases, hay loses valuable fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E. For this reason, it is necessary in winter to supplement an appropriate mineral or complementary feed to meet requirements and support the immune system. In addition, every horse should have access to a plain white salt lick (sodium chloride) to ensure a basic supply of electrolytes.

Feeding older horses in winter

Older horses have special nutritional needs in winter. Natural dental wear can reduce their ability to chew forage effectively, which in turn impairs digestion and nutrient absorption. Early-cut hay, soaked hay cubes or soaked sugar beet pulp are often better suited for senior horses.

Horses that lose body condition may also benefit from feeds rich in high-quality protein, such as soybean meal, brewer’s yeast or specialised breeding feeds. Vegetable oils can further help increase the energy density of the ration. Oats should be crushed or rolled for older horses to improve digestibility.

Pasture turnout in frost – yes or no?

Whether horses should be turned out during frost largely depends on what they are used to. Horses that have regular pasture turnout are generally able to digest frozen grass without problems. Horses that are mainly kept in a horse stall or on a paddock, as well as breeding horses with little pasture experience, should not be allowed to eat frozen grass, as this can increase the risk of colic.

How can nutrition support your horse’s health in winter?

Dr. Finkler-Schade summarises it clearly: A healthy horse in winter primarily requires high-quality forage, a balanced ration and appropriate stable systems. This includes consistently monitoring forage quality, supplementing minerals and vitamins in a targeted manner, regularly assessing body condition and ensuring an adequate supply of roughage at all times.

Further tips for equine health and care in winter

Cold temperatures, moisture and restricted movement directly affect the respiratory system, digestion, skin, hooves and musculature. With appropriate care and attention, many typical winter-related problems can be prevented.

1. Respiratory system: sensitive to cold and dry air

During winter, the respiratory tract often reacts more sensitively due to greater temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments.

Watch for signs such as

• coughing when starting work,
• prolonged clearing of the airways or
• increased nasal discharge.

These signs do not necessarily indicate illness but suggest increased sensitivity of the mucous membranes. A gradual warm-up, gentle start to training and avoiding abrupt temperature changes help the horse adapt.

2. Colic: why it occurs more frequently in winter

Independent of feeding itself, two additional winter-related factors increase the risk of colic:

1. reduced movement due to icy ground or limited turnout, and
2. cold-related muscle tension that can slow intestinal motility.

Regular, gentle exercise is therefore an important component of winter health management. Reduced manure output, tension or a lack of interest in feed can be early warning signs.

3. Skin and legs: peak season for mud fever and thrush

Moist ground, mud and fluctuating temperatures place significant strain on the skin, particularly in the pastern area and on the hooves.

Typical winter problems include

• mud fever caused by persistently wet skin,
• thrush due to damp and dirty conditions, and
• chafing under rugs that do not fit correctly.

Drying the pasterns after turnout, regular hoof inspection and daily hoof picking are effective preventive measures. A correctly fitting, clean rug also helps prevent skin irritation in sensitive horses.

4. Muscles and musculoskeletal system: risk of tension

Cold temperatures directly affect muscles and tendons. Horses with limited turnout or sensitivity to hard ground are more likely to develop:

• muscle tension,
• stiffness or
• back sensitivity in winter.

Longer warm-up phases, varied forms of movement and the use of cooling or sweat rugs after training help reduce these risks.

5. Infection control: vaccinations, deworming and herd management

Winter is a period when horses tend to stand closer together, increasing the risk of infection. Key elements of effective health management include:

• up-to-date vaccinations (particularly influenza),
• a coordinated deworming strategy within the stable,
• and clear hygiene measures such as separate grooming equipment for sick horses.

These steps help minimise infection risks at an early stage.

6. Winter coat and clipping – pros and cons

The winter coat provides impressive insulation, reliably protecting your horse from cold. During work, however, horses can overheat quickly, which is why many sport and training horses are partially or fully clipped in winter. Older horses with very long coats can also benefit from clipping, as it allows them to dry faster and prevents overheating during exercise.

Keep in mind: Clipping removes the horse’s natural protection against wind and cold. Clipped horses must always wear an appropriate rug, depending on temperature, weather, and housing conditions. Without a suitable rug, clipped horses can get cold quickly.

7. Special attention for older and chronically ill horses

Senior horses and those with known health conditions (e.g., arthritis, Cushing’s, respiratory diseases) often cope less well in winter. Monitor:

• Body weight
• Mobility
• Coat condition
• Breathing

For many older horses, regular check-ups and a carefully tailored winter training routine help maintain stability and well-being.

Winter equipment for horse and rider

In winter, it’s not just housing and feeding that matter – the right equipment is crucial to keeping your horse healthy and ensuring you stay safe and comfortable in cold conditions.

Does my horse need a winter rug?

Many horse owners ask about winter rugs. Generally, healthy, unclipped horses rarely need one. Their winter coat provides excellent insulation, and movement generates additional warmth. An unnecessary rug can even cause overheating or flatten the coat, reducing its natural insulating function.

There are, however, situations where a rug is recommended:

• Clipped horses, as they lack natural insulation
• Older or very thin horses that struggle to stay warm
• Sick horses with a weakened metabolism
• Sensitive horses in an open stable during prolonged wet, windy, or stormy weather

If you rug your horse, regularly check underneath to ensure the horse is not too warm, damp, or sweaty – this happens more quickly in winter than you might expect.

A suitable rug should:

• Be breathable to allow moisture to escape
• Fit correctly without rubbing
• Match your horse’s temperament and coat type

Not every horse needs the thickest winter rug. A simple waterproof rug may not always be the best solution, as the lack of padding can prevent the winter coat from standing properly, reducing insulation.

In many cases, a lightly padded turnover rug is more effective. During strong temperature fluctuations, it can also be useful to switch between different rug types depending on weather conditions.

Hoof care and leg protection in winter

Winter places special demands on hooves and shoeing. Speak with your farrier early to determine whether a seasonal shoeing option is the right choice for your horse.

Winter shoeing

In regions with heavy snowfall, a dedicated winter shoeing setup with snow pads or studs can prevent snow from compacting under the hoof. In icy conditions, small carbide pins or spikes offer additional grip and stability.

Barefoot horses in winter

Many horses cope well barefoot during the winter months, as they typically slip less on snow. However, on hard or frozen ground, it’s important to monitor hoof wear. For rides in challenging terrain, hoof boots with a solid tread are a reliable option.

Leg protection

Mud and moisture can cause boots to loosen, rub, or trap dirt. If you use leg protection, pay attention to:

• robust boots with a secure fit
• removing them immediately after riding
• clean, dry inner linings

In some cases, it’s better to do without boots altogether—especially when there’s no increased risk of injury—so no wet material remains on the horse’s legs.

Useful winter equipment for horse & rider

In winter, small adjustments often make a big difference in safety and comfort.

Reflective gear & lighting

With shorter days, reflective sheets, LED bands, or headlamps are essential – especially when leading or riding in low light. Good visibility protects both you and your horse in traffic and around the yard.

Winter riding apparel

Only when you stay warm can you stay focused. Helpful winter essentials include:

• waterproof, insulated stable boots
• warm winter gloves
• windproof riding jackets
• thermal breeches
• heat packs for especially cold days

High quality winter clothing improves comfort and safety, ensuring you can move freely and react quickly.

Caring for equipment

Cold and moisture can damage leather. Clean and condition saddles, bridles, and leather accessories regularly to keep them supple. Avoid storing leather tack in unheated rooms where it can dry out. Metal bits can be warmed briefly in your hand or rinsed with lukewarm water before bridling to make them more comfortable for your horse.

Winter ready stable solutions by Röwer & Rüb

A well designed winter stable is the result of thoughtful planning, premium materials, and a deep understanding of what horses truly need during the cold season. Rain, snow, frost, and wind reveal how well a stable system performs – and where improvements may be necessary.

For decades, we have supported horse owners in creating facilities that prioritize equine well being while ensuring smooth everyday workflows. Experience shows: especially in winter, horses benefit from solutions that combine light, fresh air, movement, and safety in the best possible way.

Do you have questions about our stable systems, planning support, or tailor made concepts? We’re here to help. Contact us today or find your regional consultant.