Essential Tips for Cold Weather Care of Your Horses

Keeping your horse healthy through Montana’s winter and early spring

While we may not be riding our horses as frequently once the first snow settles over the Pintlers and ice begins to form on Georgetown Lake, winter brings an entirely different level of daily care. Horses are hardy animals, but colder temperatures, wind, ice, and early-spring freeze–thaw cycles can affect their health, comfort, and performance. Proper winter management helps prevent illness, maintain body condition, and keep your horse safe and comfortable all season long.

Below are the key areas to monitor when temperatures drop.

How Cold Weather Affects Horses

Horses develop a natural winter coat that provides insulation, but harsh weather can still challenge their ability to stay warm. Cold, wind, moisture, and reduced grazing all increase their caloric and hydration needs.

Cold weather can lead to:

• Increased calorie requirements to maintain body heat

• Reduced water consumption → higher dehydration and colic risk

• Respiratory irritation from cold, dry air or poorly ventilated shelters

• Hoof issues from ice, mud, and compacted snow

• Energy loss and stress when exposed to wind or prolonged moisture

Recognizing these factors helps you adjust care before issues develop.

Shelter: Wind, Moisture & Temperature Protection

If horses acclimate naturally—Montana horses often begin growing winter coats as early as August—they can tolerate significant cold. But shelter is still essential for comfort and energy conservation.

Shelter recommendations:

• Provide a lean-to or three-sided run-in shed positioned to block prevailing winds

• Ensure the space stays dry and mud-free

• Maintain good ventilation—avoid sealed barns that trap moisture and ammonia

• Use deep, clean, dry bedding (straw or shavings)

• Allow free access to shelter from turnout areas

Blanketing considerations:

Many horses do fine without blankets, but blanketing may be needed if:

• Temperatures drop below 0°F for prolonged periods

• A horse did not acclimate or lacks a winter coat

• The horse is older, underweight, clipped, or in compromised health

When blanketing:

• Choose waterproof, breathable fabrics

• Ensure proper fit to avoid rubbing

• Remove or check blankets regularly for body-condition changes, sweat, or sores

Feeding: Meeting Winter Energy Needs

Cold temperatures increase calorie demand, and forage is the best fuel source—it not only feeds the horse but generates internal heat during digestion.

General feeding guidance:

• Horses need 2–3% of body weight in forage daily

  
  

  • A 1,000-lb horse = 15–20 lbs of hay per day

  
  

• Increase hay by 10–20% during cold spells

• Offer free-choice hay when possible, especially overnight

• Add grain or concentrates only if needed to maintain weight

• Consider supplements for senior horses or those struggling to hold condition

Salt matters:

• Provide loose or block trace mineral salt

• Salt encourages water consumption and supports nerve/muscle function

Monitor body condition weekly and adjust feed before weight loss becomes visible through the winter coat.

Water Intake: Preventing Dehydration & Colic

Horses often drink less when water is cold, increasing risk for dehydration and impaction colic.

Water recommendations:

• Horses should drink 9–10 gallons per day in winter

• Ideal water temperature: 45–60°F

• Heated buckets or heated troughs help prevent freezing

• If unheated, break ice at least twice daily

• Place water sources near shelter to encourage drinking

• Watch for dehydration symptoms: dry gums, skin tenting, sunken eyes

Consistent clean, warm water is one of the most important aspects of winter care.

Winter Grooming & Coat Care

Grooming helps maintain coat function, improves circulation, and lets you catch issues early.

Winter grooming tips:

• Use a stiff brush to remove dried mud, snow, or debris

• Avoid frequent bathing; horses need natural oils to maintain waterproofing

• Dry any wet areas thoroughly to prevent chills and skin infections

• Check regularly for rain rot, fungal issues, or scratches

• Clip only if your horse is in regular work and you can manage blanketing

Hoof Care: Ice, Mud & Snow Challenges

Hoof problems can escalate quickly in winter because snow and ice can hide debris and create uneven pressure.

Hoof care recommendations:

• Pick hooves regularly—snow and ice compact into dangerous “snowballs”

• Look for hidden rocks, sticks, or frozen debris embedded in snow

• Maintain farrier visits every 8–10 weeks, even though hooves grow slower

• Consider hoof boots or pads for icy turnout areas

• Watch for thrush or abscesses during wet, muddy periods

Healthy hooves support your horse’s safety and mobility all winter.

Monitoring Health & Body Condition

Cold weather can mask illness, so attentive observation is important.

Watch for:

• Shivering or reluctance to move (cold stress)

• Weight loss under the winter coat

• Coughing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing

• Reduced appetite or water intake

• Colic symptoms or reduced manure output

Early detection keeps small issues from becoming emergencies.

Exercise & Turnout Safety

Exercise is still important, but winter conditions require careful planning.

Exercise guidelines:

• Start warm-ups slowly to prevent muscle stiffness

• Avoid icy or slick areas to reduce injury risk

• Shorten turnout in extreme cold or storms

• Provide dry, safe areas for standing and rolling

• Adjust workload based on footing, temperature, and your horse’s condition

Final Thoughts

Winter horse care takes extra vigilance, but with consistent shelter, proper nutrition, ample water, regular hoof care, and mindful monitoring, your horse will stay healthy and comfortable through the cold months. Attentive care now helps ensure a smoother transition into spring—and more enjoyable riding once the warmer seasons return.