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Horse Care During Cold Weather
by Monte A. Stauffer

Even when we are in a warm house during this winter, we still need to care for our horses. Most horses in Nebraska are kept outside during the winter do quite well as long as we consider the following items.

As air temperatures decrease to below the horse’s comfort level, energy requirements increase. The amount of increase is affected by body condition, hair coat denseness and wetness, and wind speed. If the energy requirements are not met, the horse will loss weight. In most cases, an all forage diet is the most desirable way to meet horse’s elevated energy requirements. Forages contain much higher fiber content than grains. Much more heat is produced in fiber digestion than digestion of grains. Thus, a horse’s energy requirements are better met by providing horses all the forage they will consume. If weight can’t be maintained with free choice forage, grain can be added to the diet.

Horses will tend to reduce their water intake as temperatures fall. This reduced water intake, combined with increased forage consumption, can lead to a greater incidence of impaction and colic. Water should be maintained ice-free and checked twice daily and provided at all times as horses will drink 8-12 gallons a day.

A heavy winter hair coat is a horse’s first defense from cold. When allowed to grow, a horse’s natural hair coat acts as a tremendous insulator and provides as much warmth as the best blankets. Horses that are maintained outside should be allowed to grow a long hair coat. Cold weather causes the hair to stand up, trapping and retaining body heat. Once the hair coat becomes wet, the hair lies down and loses its insulting ability.

Although stalling is not necessary for all horses, some protection from the winter elements is desirable. Horses acclimate to winter conditions extremely well but need to be able to escape the bitter winds and moisture. A three sided shed or a windbreak is sufficient shelter for pastured horses.

If horses are kept indoors, stalls must be cleaned and bedding kept dry. Damp stalls, ammonia build up, and poor ventilation all contribute respiratory problems. Horse owners will have much less labor, and at times healthier and happier horses if they are turned out during the winter months.

The better the horses are maintained during the winter, the better condition they will be in once weather warms and it is time to start riding again.