Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Winter Welfare Management

Managing horse welfare during winter requires attention to thermal comfort, forage provision, social needs, and exercise opportunities when conditions restrict normal routines.

Key Facts

Horses have a thermal neutral zone of approximately -15 to +25 degrees C
Ad lib forage provision maintains digestive health and reduces boredom in winter
Stabled horses need social visibility and ideally tactile contact with companions
Frozen water sources can lead to dehydration if not managed proactively
Mud and wet conditions increase risk of skin conditions like mud fever

Welfare Considerations

Winter management decisions significantly affect horse welfare. Horses are well-adapted to cold if receiving adequate forage, but welfare problems from social isolation, inadequate nutrition, and restricted movement are common in stabled horses during winter months.

What You Can Do

Ensure horses have ad lib forage and access to liquid water in cold weather
Provide social contact for stabled horses through shared fencing or grouping
Learn to recognise mud fever and other winter skin conditions early