Companion Animals

Horse Winter Shelter Provision and Welfare

Adequate shelter during winter is fundamental to horse and pony welfare in the UK climate.

Key Facts

Horses are adapted to cold but vulnerable to wet and wind without adequate shelter
Natural shelter such as hedges, trees and banks is insufficient in severe weather
Field shelters should provide enough space for all horses in the group without bullying
Body condition scoring in winter identifies horses at risk of hypothermia and weight loss
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires owners to meet horses' need for a suitable environment

Welfare Considerations

Horses left without shelter in severe winter weather suffer from cold stress, wind chill and rain scald. Older horses, native ponies with poor condition and horses that have been clipped are particularly vulnerable. Providing appropriate shelter and monitoring body condition are basic welfare requirements.

What You Can Do

Check field shelters are large enough and accessible to all horses in the group
Learn body condition scoring to monitor horses through winter
Contact the RSPCA or World Horse Welfare if you see horses without adequate shelter
Provide supplementary forage in cold weather to help horses maintain body temperature