Although most horses are able to withstand the cold weather, you may still need to take measures to ensure they stay comfortable throughout winter. Depending on factors such as their breed, age, and condition, they might require additional care. Naturally, their bodies are designed to live outside which means they can regulate their body temperature, even in cold conditions. If you have young or elderly horses, you will need to give them some extra help in colder conditions.
Signs Your Horse May Be Too Cold
It can be difficult to recognise when your horse is too cold, as horses feel the weather differently to us. They’re usually fine with temperatures between 5 and 25 degrees, but below this you may need to provide support. It’s common for people to over-rug their horses as they assume they’re cold when humans start to feel it. The following signs mean your horse may be too cold:
- Change in behaviour – more lethargic than they usually are
- Lack of appetite
- Colic
- Tucked stance
- Cold to the touch
- Intense shivering
Feeding Your Horse in Winter
If your horse drops a bit of weight in the winter months, this is nothing to be concerned about. It’s natural and doesn’t mean you should feed them more. However, if they lose a significant amount of weight, this could suggest a health condition or that they’re not regulating their body temperature properly. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to speak to your vet.
You might notice your horses grazing more in winter – this is because one of the ways horses generate heat is by digesting the fibre in their diet. With this in mind, make sure you supply hay if there is less pasture to gaze in colder months.
Watering Your Horse in Winter
Ensuring your horses stay hydrated year-round is crucial. As the temperature plummets, watering troughs may freeze over so it’s important you check these regularly, so your horse has access to fresh water. In winter, horses do tend to drink less water so make sure you keep multiple sources available. A good tip is to put out warm water as this takes longer to freeze over.
Rugging
The coats of horses get thicker during winter months, meaning they might not require a rug. Through movement, grazing more and shivering, horses can regulate their body temperatures. In certain cases, such as if your horse is fully clipped, you have a Thoroughbred or Arab breed, or if they’re very old, underweight or ill, they may need to be rugged. If you do rug your horse, make sure you readjust daily to ensure they don’t become too hot, or rub.
Safety in Winter
In wetter, colder or windy conditions, it’s important your horse has access to adequate shelter. You should check the stability of your field shelter, especially in extremely windy weather. If this is the case, you might choose to add more wind breaks in to protect your animal from the elements. When it gets icy, use sand and grit to reduce the chance of slipping.
To keep your horses safe and comfortable this winter, Norton’s Fencing provides high-quality horse shelters. We can also install water troughs and surrounding structure for stability. Get in touch to discuss your requirements today.
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