Winter poses specific welfare challenges for horses at pasture including reduced forage, cold temperatures, and mud. Good winter management maintains welfare through what can be the most difficult season for outdoor horses.
Winter horse welfare is often compromised by management decisions that prioritize economics over individual animal needs. Insufficient supplementary hay when pasture quality is poor leads to horses maintaining body temperature at the cost of body condition - a welfare compromise that is difficult to detect under thick winter coats until condition is seriously depleted. Inadequate shelter from wind and rain dramatically reduces cold tolerance and increases energy requirements. Mud creates skin conditions including mud fever that are chronically painful. Frozen water sources leave horses dehydrated, reducing feed intake and compromising health. These are largely preventable welfare problems requiring management investment and regular body condition monitoring through the winter months.