Five Ways to Manage Winter Horse Health Care with HorseWorld

Many equestrians find winter to be one of the most challenging times of year for horse ownership. While equine health care should be administered and monitored throughout the whole year, seasonal variations in winter can bring their own distinct set of challenges such as:

• Drops in temperature

• Wet weather

• Winter ailments

• Environmental considerations

• Dark nights/mornings

By understanding these risks and adapting management accordingly, horse owners and carers can support equine health, comfort and welfare throughout the colder months.

1. Drops in temperature

Horses generally cope with cold weather far better than humans, and just because we feel the chill does not automatically mean horses need extra help to stay warm. In fact, over-rugging is increasingly recognised as a man-made welfare concern, with the potential to cause overheating, skin scores (similar to rain scald) from sweating/rubbing, and even changes in behaviour caused by discomfort.

Most horses are able to adapt their body temperature between 5°C and 25°C naturally, however some horses may require additional support if they fall into any of the categories below:

• Very young or elderly horses

• Clipped horses

• Horses exposed to extreme weather, such as persistent wind, rain or snow without adequate shelter

• Horses in poor body condition

• Horses with health issues

• Breeds with naturally finer coats, including Thoroughbreds and Arabs

If your horse fits any of these descriptions, or if temperatures consistently fall below 5°C, this may suggest a rug is appropriate. That said, every horse should be treated as an individual. Regularly checking your horse’s temperature and monitoring their body condition is essential to ensure they remain comfortable with or without a rug.

Shires Equestrian offer a comprehensive range of rugs designed to suit different weather conditions, workloads and horse types. For owners unsure which option is most suitable, the Shires ‘Rugging a Horse Temperature Guide’ provides clear, practical advice to support informed rugging decisions.

2. Wet weather

Wet weather inevitably brings every equestrian’s least favourite challenge — mud. While often unavoidable, persistent muddy conditions significantly increase the risk of skin problems such as mud fever, also known as pastern dermatitis, greasy heels or cracked heels.

Mud fever is caused by bacteria that thrives in wet and muddy weather. Prolonged exposure to mud and water softens the skin, and repeated friction allows bacteria to enter the area. Infections can develop under the scab in some cases, particularly if the horse begins to itch resulting in open sores. It is essential to check legs daily to catch mud fever early and begin treatment.

Risk factors for mud fever

• Long periods of standing in muddy or wet conditions with no relief

• White legs, due to pink skin usually being more sensitive

• Horses with weakened immune systems, which can sometimes be a symptom or result of other health conditions such as cushings

• Regularly washing legs and irritating the skin

What can we do to minimize the risk?

• Check legs daily

• Ideally let mud dry on the legs and brush off, rather than washing it off. A soft bristle brush such as the Shires EZI-GROOM Grip Body Brush would be ideal to gently brush mud off

• Ensure your horse has time with access to hard standing, stabling or non-muddy turnout to allow relief from wet or muddy conditions

• Use barrier creams to help protect the skin

• Use products such as Shires ARMA NX-MAX Mud Socks – monitor to ensure no rubbing

• Treat underlying conditions e.g., feather mites

How is mud fever treated?

• Seek advice from a veterinary professional for a treatment plan

• Bring your horse into somewhere clean and dry

• Wash the affected areas with mild disinfectant such as Hibiscrub

• It may be necessary to clip the legs to gain better access to the area, particularly if the horse has a lot of feather

• Apply a barrier cream such as the EZI-GROOM Wound Cream by Shires

• Keep legs clean and dry

• Sometimes it is necessary to remove the scabs to properly treat the area. Loose scabs can be gently removed but do not remove scabs that do not come away easily

3. Common winter ailments

Winter can bring a higher risk of certain health issues due to changes in weather, turnout, and management routines. Being aware of these seasonal ailments allows horse owners/carers to act early and maintain the horse’s comfort and wellbeing.

Foot abscesses & thrush

Wet, muddy conditions soften hooves, making them more susceptible to foot abscesses. Bacteria and debris can penetrate the hoof, and puncture injuries can further increase the risk. Regular hoof checks, picking, and ensuring access to dry standing areas are essential preventive measures.

Respiratory issues

Changes in the weather can introduce changes to management, with more frequent stabling being a result of wet turnout areas, rules of livery yards or facilities available. More frequent stabling can expose horses to increased levels of dust and irritants, resulting in irritation and inflammatory responses of the respiratory system. We often see this through coughing, wheezing and nasal discharge.

If your horse has to be stabled, consider swapping your bedding for dust extracted shavings to minimise exposure. Seek to buy good quality hay which is not mouldy or damp. If your hay is quite dusty, soaking it for 30 minutes can help dampen dust so it is not inhaled. You can also feed from the floor or use a hay steamer. If respiratory issues persist, please consult your vet.

Arthritis and joint stiffness

Arthritis can affect horses of any age but can be more common in older horses. Cold weather can exacerbate osteoarthritis by increasing stiffness in joints, reducing circulation and increased likelihood of injury due to slippery surfaces which may reduce mobility. It’s important that older horses have the option to keep moving to prevent stiffness and keep them happy.

Try to have turnout as a non-negotiable, with the potential to introduce some gentle in-hand walking. The Shires ARMA Extra Long Lead Rope is ideal for walking in-hand to allow extra length and safety. Older horses may also benefit from rugs to help keep warm, however it is important to avoid over-rugging – see section above on rugging when temperatures drop.

Weight management

It is natural for horses to shed some pounds during the winter months, due to reduced grazing and cold temperatures. This can be useful for the good-doers who may have done too well in the summer months, however, for many horses, weight loss in winter can be unhealthy. Adjusting management styles can help promote the maintenance of good body condition.

Ensure horses consume at least 1.5% of their body weight in feed daily, as it is important that they receive enough food when the grass becomes more sparse. Fibre is an essential part of the horses diet, and has many more benefits than simply weight management. Horses are trickle feeders, designed to eat little amounts of food often throughout the day. Constant intake of forage keeps the digestive system working, and provides natural ‘central heating’ for horses with the well-known process ‘eating is heating’.

Even overweight horses should have constant access to forage to help prevent issues such as gastric ulcers, but if worried about your horses weight, you can adjust your method of providing forage to make it last longer, e.g., Shires haynets, haybags and greedy feeder nets. The Shires Horse and Pony Weighband is also essential for tracking weight throughout the year, and it is recommended to create a consistent routine of monitoring and recording your horses weight.

4. Environmental considerations

Winter often brings cold weather, which can impact other factors of horse management. It is essential to complete routine winter field checks to ensure the happiness and safety of your horse.

Key winter checks include:

• Water sources: ensure water troughs and buckets are not frozen and horses can access water at all times. If pipes are at risk of freezing, prepare water containers in advance to fill manually. If possible, use lag pipes to reduce the chance of freezing.

• Ground conditions: Monitor paddocks for hazards such as holes, deep mud, icy patches or overly poached and muddy areas. When temperatures fall below freezing, be cautious of hard, rutted ground that could cause slips or injuries.

• Field shelters: Inspect shelters to ensure they are safe, structurally sound and large enough for all horses. Repairs should be made promptly if damage is identified.

• Fencing and field boundaries: Winter weather can damage fences or remove natural barriers such as hedges and trees. If hedges form part of a field boundary, the loss of foliage in winter can create potential escape routes, so it’s essential to check carefully and install temporary fencing where necessary.

• Poisonous plants: With limited grazing, horses may be more likely to forage on harmful plants. Inspect fields carefully and remove any dangerous vegetation.

• Yard maintenance: Clear gutters and drains regularly to minimise flooding and waterlogging.

• Icy conditions: Stock up on salt grit to keep yards and walkways safe for both horses and humans.

• Feed and forage planning: Poor weather may limit access to land or deliveries. Ensure sufficient supplies of hay and feed are available to maintain consistent nutrition throughout winter.

5. Dark nights/mornings

Shorter days and long winter nights make feeding routines more challenging, particularly when handling feeds in low lights. Planning ahead ensures horses receive consistent nutrition safely. Preparing feeds in advance, saves time and makes feeding routines easier – even when it’s dark.

Regular checks, thoughtful management, and appropriate equipment are key to keeping horses comfortable, safe, and thriving throughout the colder months. Planning ahead, monitoring your horse closely, and adapting routines to seasonal conditions ensures both you and your horse cope confidently with the challenges of the winter months.

This blog post was written by the team of experts at HorseWorld in Bristol. HorseWorld is a horse rescue charity based in the South-West. For more information, please visit their website: