Winter horse care can feel overwhelming, but focusing on three key areas will keep most horses thriving through the cold months: feed type, water, and body condition score (BCS). These basics form the foundation of winter horse health and help prevent common seasonal issues.
1. Feed Type
Cold weather increases calorie needs. Here’s how to meet them:
· Forage first: High-quality hay should make up the bulk of your horse’s diet.
· Add concentrates if needed: Grain or pelleted feeds can help horses with higher energy demands.
· Pro Tip: If your horse’s BCS starts to drop, consider supplementing with fat (such as rice bran or vegetable oil) for extra calories without adding bulk.
· Adjust gradually: Make feed changes slowly to avoid digestive upset.
2. Water
Dehydration is a hidden winter danger. Horses often drink less when it’s cold:
· Keep water unfrozen: Heated buckets or tank heaters are essential.
· Encourage drinking: Offer slightly warm water and add salt to feed to stimulate thirst.
· Check daily: Clean, accessible water is non-negotiable.
3. Body Condition Score (BCS)
BCS is your best tool for monitoring winter weight:
· Aim for a BCS of 5–6: Enough insulation without excess fat.
· Assess every 2 weeks: Winter coats can hide weight loss, so hands-on checks are critical.
· Adjust feed accordingly: Increase calories if your horse starts dropping weight.
Conclusion
Although there are more factors than these three points to keeping your horse healthy, by regularly keeping these top of mind, your horse has the basics covered. Consistent monitoring of feed type, water intake, and body condition score will help your horse stay strong and healthy all winter long.
