Winter is here, and with it comes some chilly days and icy nights! For horse owners, this means it’s time to reassess your care routine. Whether your horse is clipped or has a natural winter coat, keeping them warm and healthy is critical. Factors like blanketing and shelter tend to get a lot of attention, but actually diet plays a huge role in winter horse care and it's often overlooked. Let’s dive into a few tips to help your horse thrive in the colder months.
Tip #1: Feed Plenty of Forage and Add Omega Supplements
Horses burn more calories in the winter months to stay warm. As you may know, forage is the foundation of a horse’s diet. Experts recommend increasing hay intake by almost 25% in winter. Why? As your horse digests hay, the fermentation process in the hindgut produces heat that keeps them warm. Think of hay as your horse’s natural space heater. 1
Quality nutrition is key to supporting a horse’s immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in the Inner Glow Omega Booster, reduce inflammation, improve immunity, and help prevent winter illness.2 They also promote a shiny, healthy coat, even in the dead of winter.
Tip #2: Decide if blanketing is right for your horse
There isn’t a one-size-fits all when it comes to blanketing. Factors like health, coat condition, and living environment all play a big role here. If you’re body clipping your horse, blanketing is likely a must. But even if you don’t blanket, you should regularly monitor your horse to ensure they’re comfortable. For a complete guide on blanketing your horse, please click here.
Tip #3: Make Sure Your Horse Stays Hydrated
Horses can easily get dehydrated during the winter, especially if the water is too cold to drink. In areas with freezing temperatures, consider investing in heated water buckets or insulated troughs.
Electrolyte retention is also essential for hydration. Omega fatty acids also play an important role here. The Inner Glow Omega Booster supports hydration by improving cellular health and helping your horse maintain balanced hydration levels. Staying hydrated can also reduce the risk of impaction colic, which is more common in winter.
Fun Fact: Opt for manual buckets or troughs instead of automatic watering systems so you can monitor how much your horse is drinking.
Tip #4: Prevent Snowball Buildup Ice buildup in Hooves
Hoof care is extra important during the winter months. Too much moisture from snow or mud can weaken the hoof wall, while freezing temperatures can cause dryness and brittleness. Regular cleaning and inspecting of hooves can help identify issues, such as thrush — a bacterial infection that thrives in wet environments — before it becomes serious.
Nutrition also plays a role in hoof health! Supplements rich in omega fatty acids and biotin strengthen hooves and encourage healthy growth. Winter is a great time to support your horse from the inside out!
Pro tip: A foul smelling odor or black oily ooze when picking out hooves are two telltale signs of thrush.
Tip #5: Keep Your Horse Busy During Winter
Winter weather and shorter days often means less turnout and exercise, which can lead to stiffness, weight gain, and boredom. Regular movement keeps muscles and joints healthy while also supporting circulation and digestion. If turnout or riding isn’t possible, activities like groundwork and hand-walking are just as mentally and physically stimulating for your horse.
Fun Fact: Winter downtime is the perfect time to strengthen your bond with your horse.Try groundwork or new stretches to keep them engaged beyond riding.
Final Thoughts
It’s always important to pay attention to your horse’s health a little extra during winter, but remember they are incredibly resilient animals. Their thick winter coats along with the ability to move freely help them thrive in even the most extreme conditions. As horse owners, we can do our part by focusing on their nutrition, hydration and well-being in order to keep them happy and healthy all year long.
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