7 tips to keep your horses comfortable over winter

Winter can be a challenging season for horse owners. With colder temperatures, muddy paddocks, and shorter daylight hours, it’s essential to ensure your horse stays comfortable, healthy, and happy. As a veterinary physiotherapist, I’ve seen firsthand how winter conditions can affect horses physically and mentally. Here are my top tips for keeping your equine partner comfortable this winter, while ensuring their long-term well-being.

Keep Them Warm – But Not Too Warm

Winter coats are amazing at insulating horses, but they’re not foolproof. Horses naturally generate heat by digesting forage, so providing plenty of hay is one of the best ways to keep them warm. However, if your horse is clipped or older, they may need additional support from blankets.

When blanketing, be mindful of your horse’s needs:

- Check daily to ensure rugs fit well and aren’t rubbing.

- Avoid over-rugging, as it can lead to overheating or inhibit movement.

- Choose breathable, waterproof blankets to protect against wet weather.

Encourage Movement

Winter weather can make it tempting to keep horses stabled for longer periods, but lack of movement can cause stiffness and even lead to conditions like colic or laminitis. Regular turnout is crucial, even if it’s just for a few hours a day. If the ground is icy or dangerously muddy, consider hand-walking or using an indoor arena.

Incorporating physiotherapy exercises can help maintain their mobility and comfort during winter. For example:

- Pole work to encourage stretching and flexibility.

- Gentle in-hand exercises like lateral movements to prevent stiffness.

Maintaining Hoof Health in Winter

Wet and muddy conditions are a breeding ground for issues like thrush and abscesses. Be diligent about hoof care:

- Pick out hooves daily to remove mud and debris.

- Apply hoof treatments to protect against moisture-related conditions.

- Ensure regular visits from your farrier to address any balance or shoeing needs.

Healthy hooves are essential for proper movement and posture, which ties directly into your horse’s overall musculoskeletal health.

Equine joint support and muscle health

Cold weather can exacerbate stiffness, especially in older horses or those with existing conditions like arthritis. You can support their joint and muscle health by:

- Warming up thoroughly before exercise and cooling down afterward.

- Using a massage or heat therapy blanket to loosen tight muscles.

- Scheduling regular veterinary physiotherapy sessions to address tension, stiffness, or imbalances before they become bigger problems.

Optimise your Horse's Nutrition

Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy horse, especially in winter when grazing is limited. Provide high-quality hay and consider supplements like:

- Omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health.

- Vitamin E for muscle health (especially if your horse doesn’t have access to fresh grass).

- Electrolytes if your horse is sweating during work.

Consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to ensure your horse’s diet meets their individual needs.

Monitor for Subtle Signs of Discomfort in your horse

Horses are masters at hiding discomfort, so it’s vital to watch for subtle changes in their behaviour or movement. Pay attention to:

- Reluctance to move or stiffness when walking.

- Changes in posture, such as standing unevenly or shifting weight frequently.

- A dull coat, reduced appetite, or signs of weight loss.

If you notice any of these signs, consult a veterinary physiotherapist to assess your horse and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Stay Consistent With Routine Care

Winter is not the time to skip out on routine care. Regular dental check-ups, vaccinations, and worming are essential to keep your horse healthy and comfortable throughout the season. These small steps can prevent bigger health problems down the line.

How Veterinary Physiotherapy can help, especially in those cold winter months:

Winter’s challenges can place extra strain on your horse’s muscles, joints, and overall well-being. As a veterinary physiotherapist, I can help:

- Identify and address areas of tension or discomfort.

- Provide tailored exercise programs to keep your horse strong and flexible.

- Use techniques like massage, stretching, and electrotherapy to optimize their comfort.

By incorporating physiotherapy into your horse’s winter care routine, you can prevent injuries, improve performance, and ensure they stay happy and healthy all season long.