Keep water unfrozen and available, feed more forage to fuel warmth, rug only horses that need it, manage mud to protect legs and hooves, and keep up hoof and dental care.
Water matters most
Horses drink less when water is icy, which raises the risk of impaction colic. Break ice at least twice a day, check heated troughs, and offer slightly warmed water if a horse is drinking poorly. A handful of salt in feed encourages drinking.
Feed for warmth
Digesting forage generates heat, so more hay is the best way to keep a horse warm from the inside, far better than extra hard feed. Increase forage in cold snaps and use a slow feeder so it lasts and the gut keeps working overnight.
Rug only if needed
An unclipped, healthy horse with shelter often needs no rug even in frost. Clipped, old, thin or unsheltered horses do. Choose a waterproof, breathable turnout rug with the right fill, and check underneath daily. See the best turnout blankets.
Manage mud and legs
Standing in deep mud softens hooves and causes mud fever on the lower legs. Rotate gateways, use hardstanding near gates and troughs, and check and dry legs regularly. Keep picking out feet daily, since mud packs in and hides thrush.
Keep routines going
Farrier and dental visits still matter in winter, and gentle daily movement keeps joints supple and the gut healthy. Do not let short days mean a horse stands in for weeks, which invites stiffness and behaviour problems.
