How to Manage Horses in Winter: Practical Tips for Cold, Wet and Muddy Weather

Winter horse care can become a daily battle with mud, wet rugs, dark evenings and fields that seem to deteriorate almost overnight. Add frozen water, lost shoes and limited riding time into the mix and looking after horses during the colder months can require considerably more planning.

A few changes to your routine can make winter easier, while helping to keep your horse comfortable and allowing you to spot potential problems early.

Managing muddy fields in winter

For many horse owners, mud is one of the biggest challenges of winter. Gateways, water troughs and feeding areas can quickly become heavily poached, particularly where several horses share the same turnout.

Where possible, rotate high-traffic areas and avoid repeatedly placing hay or water in the muddiest parts of the field. Suitable hardcore, mud-control mats or other purpose-designed surfaces around gateways and troughs can also make these areas easier to manage, subject to the landowner’s permission and appropriate drainage.

Daily checks remain important. Mud can conceal uneven ground, damaged fencing and other hazards that are much easier to see during the summer.

Protecting manes and tails from winter mud

Long tails can quickly become saturated with mud during winter turnout.

Some owners choose to plait or secure the tail to help keep it out of the worst of the mud. If doing so, make sure the tail isn’t secured too tightly and check it regularly. Leaving a plait or knot unattended for prolonged periods can cause problems if it becomes caught or pulls on the tail.

Regular use of an appropriate mane and tail detangler can also make brushing easier and reduce unnecessary pulling when removing knots. Pig oil can be used on hair that clumps mud easily, including the feathers.

Check your horse’s legs every day

Wet and muddy conditions can contribute to skin problems affecting the lower legs, including mud fever, also known as pastern dermatitis.

Check the legs regularly for swelling, heat, soreness, scabs, broken skin or other changes. Constantly scrubbing wet, muddy legs isn’t always helpful, so consider your individual horse, facilities and veterinary advice when deciding how best to manage them.

If your horse develops painful, swollen or persistent skin problems, or you are concerned about infection, contact your vet for advice.

Choose winter rugs carefully

A turnout rug can make winter considerably easier for some horses, particularly those that are clipped, older or require additional protection from the weather.

However, more rug isn’t automatically better.

Choose rugs according to the individual horse, whether they are clipped, their body condition, age, health, workload, access to shelter and the weather conditions. Check underneath rugs regularly rather than assuming your horse is comfortable because the rug feels warm from the outside.

A full-neck turnout can help keep a horse cleaner, but fit is important. Check the shoulders, withers, chest and neck regularly for rubbing.

Wet rugs should also be dried properly before being used again wherever possible.

Keep an eye on hooves and shoes

Deep mud can make lost shoes more common, so checking your horse’s feet should remain part of the daily routine.

Pick out the feet and look for loose or missing shoes, damaged hoof walls, lodged stones and changes around the frog or sole. Horses that are barefoot still require regular hoof care and appropriate farrier or hoof-care appointments throughout winter.

Persistent wet conditions can also affect the frog and hoof, so speak to your farrier or vet if you notice an unusual smell, discharge, tenderness or significant deterioration.

Don’t overlook forage and water

Grass availability and nutritional value can decline during winter, meaning many horses become increasingly reliant on conserved forage.

Make sure your horse has access to an appropriate amount of suitable forage for their individual requirements. Changes to feeding should be made gradually, and horses that lose or gain weight easily may require more careful monitoring.

Winter doesn’t remove the need for plenty of fresh water either. Check troughs and buckets at least daily and more frequently during freezing conditions.

Breaking the ice on a trough isn’t enough if it simply freezes again shortly afterwards, so water availability needs to be monitored throughout particularly cold days.

Monitor your horse’s weight

Thick winter coats and rugs can make changes in body condition surprisingly difficult to spot.

Get into the habit of running your hands over your horse rather than relying solely on what you can see. Regular condition scoring and, where appropriate, using a weight tape can help you notice gradual changes.

Winter weight management will differ considerably between horses. Some naturally lose weight during the colder months, while good doers can continue gaining weight despite reduced grass.

Clip according to workload

Clipping can be useful for horses remaining in regular work because a heavy winter coat can leave them hot and sweaty after exercise.

The type of clip should reflect the amount and intensity of work your horse is doing rather than simply following fashion.

Remember that removing the natural coat also changes the horse’s protection from the weather, so clipping and rugging need to be considered together.

A horse in light work may only require a small clip, while a horse competing regularly throughout winter may need considerably more coat removed.

Allow plenty of time to warm up and cool down

Cold weather and reduced turnout can mean horses start an exercise session feeling less supple than they might during warmer months.

Build sufficient walking into the beginning of each session before progressing to more demanding work. Cooling down properly afterwards is equally important, particularly with clipped horses or those that have become sweaty.

An exercise sheet may be useful for some clipped horses when hacking or during the early stages of a schooling session, depending on the weather and the individual horse.

Dry sweaty horses properly

Putting a turnout or stable rug straight onto a hot, sweaty horse can trap moisture against the coat.

A breathable cooler or wicking rug can help manage moisture while the horse cools after exercise. Once the horse is comfortable and sufficiently dry, change into their normal rug if one is required.

Don’t forget to check beneath the rug rather than relying on how the horse feels around the neck or shoulders.

Keep winter exercise varied

Shorter days and poor weather can make maintaining a consistent exercise programme difficult.

When conditions allow, a mixture of hacking, schooling, groundwork and other appropriate exercise can help maintain fitness without every session needing to be intensive.

If your horse’s workload has reduced significantly because of weather or ground conditions, build it back up gradually rather than immediately returning to their previous level of work.

Prepare for freezing weather

A little preparation before temperatures fall can save a lot of work.

Keep spare water containers available, know how you will provide water if pipes or taps freeze and make sure frequently used equipment is stored somewhere accessible.

It’s also worth keeping a torch or headtorch handy for dark mornings and evenings, alongside spare batteries.

Check yards, gateways and paths for ice before leading horses across them and avoid using routes that have become dangerously slippery.

Winter horse care comes down to daily checks

There isn’t one winter routine that suits every horse.

A native pony living out with plenty of shelter may require very different management from an older clipped competition horse living in overnight. Weather conditions, grazing, workload, age and individual needs all play a part.

The most useful winter habit is simply knowing what is normal for your horse. Check their weight and body condition, legs, feet, rugs, water intake and general behaviour regularly, and adjust their management as conditions change.

Veterinary disclaimer

This article provides general horse-care information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your horse is unwell, lame, develops persistent skin problems or you have concerns about their health or welfare, contact your veterinary surgeon.