Horses are designed to tolerate colder temperatures and snow—way better than us humans. Their coats naturally trap heat and provide insulation similar to a down jacket. Still, you’ll want to take a few winter horse prep steps going into the cold months ahead.
The hypothalamus, a gland in the brain, is responsible for helping a horse regulate his body temperature. Once a horse begins feeling cold, the hypothalamus sends signals to the muscles at the tip of the hair follicles, telling them to contract. The contraction puffs up the horse’s coat, creating an extra insulation layer.
While horses are hardy and well-prepared to handle cold temps and snow, a few exceptions exist. Senior horses, clipped horses, horses not accustomed to the climate, and others with specific conditions require additional care.
This five-step guide will help you prepare your horses—both the easy keepers and those that require extra attention—for winter.
Prepare the Water Tanks
The average 1,000-pound horse drinks 10-12 gallons of water daily. During summer, fresh pasture grass serves as a significant source of water. In winter, however, your horse is primarily munching on hay, which contains less than 15% moisture. Your horse will need to drink more to avoid colic and dehydration.
Research has shown that horses drink more when water is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Investing in tank heaters or heated buckets makes it easy to keep water within that temperature range. Purchase salt blocks for pastures and/or stalls, as consuming salt makes horses thirsty and, thus, more inclined to drink.
Related Reading: A Guide to Choosing Equine Water Sources
Evaluate Your Horse’s Shelter
A healthy horse can tolerate cold—even subzero—temperatures when he can escape wind and precipitation. Shelter can be as simple as a tree line or a run-in shed for healthy horses acclimated to the climate. Clipped horses, horses relocating from warmer climes, and those that require extra care will need more protection.
If you have a barn, check the structure for any damage or rot and make repairs as necessary. Also, make sure it has proper ventilation to control ammonia and humidity levels and reduce the risk of respiratory illness.
Adjust Your Horse’s Ration

Staying warm requires extra calories to maintain body weight. Ask your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist if they recommend modifying your horse’s diet going into winter. They will most likely suggest increasing forage first rather than grain because forage acts like an internal heater. As the horse’s gut ferments hay and forage, the process generates heat, increasing overall body temperature.
Related Reading: Changing a Horse’s Feed Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide
Schedule a Fall Checkup With the Vet
As part of your winter horse prep, have your veterinarian out to make sure your horse is in good health. The vet will examine your horse for any underlying health conditions and update recommended vaccinations for your area. Also, have your horse’s teeth checked to ensure he can maximize the nutrients from hay and grain.
Consider Exercise and Turnout Plans
Chances are you’ll be riding less during winter than at other times of the year. However, it’s important your horse gets exercise. Turnout in a paddock or an indoor arena helps prevent boredom. It also keeps the horse’s joints moving and reduces the chances his legs will swell or “stock up.” Many riders continue riding throughout winter. If you do, be sure to give your horse adequate time to warm up, cool down, and dry off before turning out or blanketing.
To Blanket or Not to Blanket?
Many horse owners consider whether to blanket their horses each year. In most cases, horses don’t need blankets if they are in good health and have grown a winter coat. In fact, a blanket can interfere with the coat’s natural ability to regulate the horse’s body temperature.
However, you might want to blanket your horse for reasons ranging from making it easier to cool down after exercise to providing extra warmth to an older equid. If you choose to blanket, be sure it fits correctly, is in good repair, and has the right amount of insulation for your horse’s needs.
Take-Home Message
Use these winter horse prep tips to give your steed an advantage going into the cold season. Monitor his body condition—particularly as that hair coat starts to grow out and conceal his true shape. And if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian.
Related Reading:
- How To Prepare Your Horse and Barn for Winter
- How Cold Is Too Cold for Horses?
- 5 Hardy Horse Breeds That Tolerate Winter Well
Katie Navarra Bradley is a writer and author who covers horses, agriculture, and sustainability. She also partners with horses to deliver equine-assisted business and leadership coaching.
Are you enjoying this content? Sign up for My New Horse’s FREE newsletter to get the latest horse owner info and fun facts delivered straight to your inbox!