Horse Winter Management and Cold Stress

Horses are physiologically well-adapted to cold, but management decisions in winter — particularly around rugging, feeding, and turnout — have significant welfare implications that are often misunderstood.

Key Facts

Healthy horses in good body condition grow a thick winter coat that provides effective insulation in temperatures as low as -15C.
Over-rugging is more common than under-rugging in the UK and prevents the coat from functioning effectively.
Horses require significantly increased caloric intake in cold weather to maintain body temperature through thermogenesis.
Access to shelter from wind and rain is more important than temperature alone in preventing cold stress in horses.
Frozen water sources are a serious welfare risk; horses can become rapidly dehydrated if unable to access liquid water.

Welfare Considerations

Cold stress in horses is real but often overstated, while the welfare problems associated with over-management — heavy rugs preventing natural thermoregulation, excessive stabling limiting movement — are frequently underappreciated. Evidence-based winter management prioritizes shelter access, adequate forage provision, and daily health checks over unnecessary rugging and stabling that restrict behaviour and natural coat function.

What You Can Do

Use a body condition score and check the skin temperature under any rug to assess whether rugging level is appropriate.
Ensure fresh water is available at all times — break ice in outdoor water sources twice daily in freezing conditions.
Provide free access to forage throughout winter nights to support thermogenesis and digestive health.
Offer shelter that allows horses to enter and exit freely rather than forcing them indoors.