Winter issues

Winter can be really tough on our horses, and us, but I never used to realise just how influential the change in conditions could be.

Many people struggle with restricted turnout in the winter meaning more time spent stabled. I’m lucky enough to have a barn and small winter track so my horses are “out” 24/7 but I’m already noticing how much less they’re moving now we have hit the horrible, wet weather.

Every system in the horse’s body is designed to thrive on movement, it is not just stiffness in the joints we need to consider. The respiratory system, the digestive system, the lymphatic system etc all need movement to stay healthy. There is also a high cost to the horse’s emotional wellbeing when they are unable to have the freedom to express their natural behaviours such as socialising and foraging.

While I appreciate we cannot all have access to acres of well draining, suitable land, there are things we can do to improve things for our horses. Making sure they have plenty of enrichment and foraging opportunities, making sure they have the opportunity to socialise and perhaps creating smaller turnout areas in a yard or barn rather than individual stabling so they can spend more time pottering about and being with other horses.

The colder temperatures and wet weather can really affect some horses and it is important we treat every horse as an individual. Just because a horse can cope without being rugged doesn’t mean they’re comfortable, with the trend of clipping horses to help them lose weight we need to be mindful that we don’t let them get too cold. Sore, tense muscles from being too cold are no fun for anyone, especially when we’re then expected to work hard. Horses with muscle issues and arthritis may also benefit from being kept warmer, especially if their movement is restricted.

Something I hadn’t really thought much about until the last few years is mud. Yes we all know its annoying and I’ve always been worried about slipping and injuries. But I didn’t appreciate how much walking around in mud all day could put strain on a horses body. If you think about what its like for us to walk through mud, how much we need to pull and brace, it makes sense that it would be tiring for our horses. I really notice the difference in my horses who have physical issues once things get really muddy. Its important that our horses have access to some sort of hard standing or drier ground, this could look as simple as some rubber, stone or mud mats around your hay feeding area.

I know winter can feel like a slog and it can be so stressful when you feel you can’t give your horse the ideal environment you would like to, but making small, realistic changes can really go a long way to improving their overall wellbeing.

Do you have any winter tips or solutions you’ve come up with to make life easier? ❄️☃️🐴