Winter turnout can bring challenges including wet and muddy fields, frozen water, limited grazing, snow and colder temperatures. Whether your horse lives out 24/7 or is turned out for part of the day, a few practical changes can help keep them comfortable and their routine running smoothly.
In this guide, we look at winter grazing, forage, water, snow, leg protection and some of the key things to consider when caring for horses living out through the colder months.
Winter Grazing and Forage
During winter, grass growth slows and grazing can become limited, particularly where fields are wet, heavily used or poached. Keep an eye on how much forage your horse is actually able to access and provide additional hay or haylage where needed.
For horses living out 24/7, forage is particularly important as they need regular access to fibre throughout the day and night. If several horses share a field, provide enough feeding points to help reduce competition and make sure all horses can access forage.
Where hay is being fed outside, using a suitable haynet or feeder can also help keep forage contained and reduce the amount that gets trampled into muddy ground. A haynet such as the PortionPacer can help keep forage contained and reduce wastage when feeding outside, with different mesh sizes available depending on whether you also want to influence eating time. Fibre-based products such as Munch blocks can also be useful as an additional source of forage when grazing is limited, although they should form part of an appropriate overall diet rather than replace your horse’s main forage requirement.
Turning Your Horse Out in Snow and Ice
Fresh snow may be manageable for many horses, but compacted snow, ice and frozen ground can increase the risk of slipping or bruising. As snow melts, gateways and high-traffic areas can also quickly become wet and slippery.
Here’s a few tips for dealing with the snow:
- Using grit or sand on areas which are likely to get slippery, i.e., gateways and tracks.
- Vaseline or similar under their feet can help prevent snow balling up and compressing in their feet.
- Keep a hoof pick at the field to clear their feet as much as possible.
- Make sure they have enough to eat. While horses will certainly browse for grass under the snow, eating forage will help ‘ignite’ their internal heating system to keep them warm.
- A warm settled horse is less likely to run around in the snow and wet. If your horse does tend to, a protective turnout chap might help.
- As the snow melts and the field becomes increasingly wet, you might want to think about shielding your horses’ legs from the elements. Using a breathable turnout chap can help create a barrier to keep skin healthy until the field has dried up a bit.
Leg Protection During Winter Turnout
Winter turnout can present different challenges depending on your horse, the ground conditions and how long they spend outside. Some horses may benefit from additional leg protection, whether that is to help protect against knocks and scrapes or to provide a physical barrier from wet and muddy conditions.
Protection from knocks and scrapes
Horses that are fresh, playful or particularly active during turnout may be more likely to catch or knock their legs. A suitable turnout boot or chap can provide additional protection while your horse is in the field. The Hardy Chaps are designed for more demanding turnout conditions, offering coverage of the lower leg while remaining suitable for extended wear.
Protection from mud and wet conditions
For horses spending time in wet or muddy fields, close-contact turnout chaps can provide a physical barrier between the lower leg and the environment. The Close Contact Chaps cover the leg from the knee or hock down towards the coronet, helping keep mud away from the skin.
Prolonged wet and muddy conditions can also contribute to skin problems such as mud fever. Read our guide to preventing mud fever for more advice on paddock management, leg care and protection during wet weather.
Keeping Water Available in Freezing Weather
Horses need constant access to clean, fresh water throughout winter. In freezing weather, troughs and buckets should be checked regularly and any ice removed rather than simply broken and left floating.
- Check troughs and buckets at least daily and more frequently during hard freezes.
- Remove broken ice.
- Keep a backup supply of water in case taps or pipes freeze.
- Insulate pipes where possible.
- Larger troughs may take longer to freeze.
- Offering slightly warmer water may encourage some horses to drink.
- Use a tennis ball may keep the water moving and prevent freezing.
Shelter
Horses living out should have access to suitable shelter from wind, rain and severe weather. This may be a field shelter or effective natural shelter such as hedges or tree lines. Remember that natural shelter can become less effective through winter as trees lose their leaves, so check that it continues to provide enough protection.
For horses that are rugged, the turnout rug should also be suitable for the conditions they are living in. Higher-denier outer fabrics can offer greater resistance to everyday wear and tear, which may be useful for horses living out for long periods or in tougher turnout conditions. Fit, waterproofing, breathability and the horse’s individual needs should all be considered alongside denier.
The Endure Turnout Rug uses a durable 1680D outer, making it a relevant option for horses needing a robust turnout rug for winter conditions.
Daily Checks for Horses Living Out
- Check your horse at least twice daily particularly during severe weather.
- Check rugs for fit, leaks, rubbing and damage where worn.
- Check water availability.
- Check fencing, gates and field hazards.
- Monitor body condition and weight regularly.
- Make sure adequate forage is available. They might need a bit of extra help or something to keep them busy if the grass is limited. Munch blocks are perfect for a fibre boost and contain added vitamins and minerals.
- If they aren’t getting regular hard feed, they may need a multivitamin. Essential vitamins and minerals help maintain healthy skin, bones, muscles, and digestion. If you are unsure whether your horse's winter diet is providing the vitamins and minerals they need, speak to an equine nutritionist or your vet.
- Check their legs and hooves for mud-related skin problems, injuries or snow/ice.
- Make sure suitable shelter remains accessible.
Caring for Your Horse Through Winter Turnout
Winter turnout can take a little more planning, particularly when grazing is limited and fields become wet, muddy or frozen. Regular checks, plenty of forage and fresh water, suitable shelter and careful management of the ground can all help horses remain comfortable through the colder months.
For horses living out 24/7, keeping a close eye on body condition, rugs, legs, hooves and changing weather conditions will help you adapt their routine as winter progresses.
Is your horse in the stable overnight? Read our blog here about caring for your stabled horse in the winter.
