Equine Winter Welfare: Meeting Horses Needs in Cold and Wet Conditions

Winter welfare management for horses requires attention to thermal comfort, feed management, foot care, and exercise to maintain wellbeing through challenging conditions.

Key Facts

Horses have lower critical temperature of around minus 15 degrees Celsius but welfare declines in wet conditions
Wet cold weather is more welfare-compromising than dry cold for horses
Daily exercise provision maintains physical and mental welfare during winter stabling
Winter mud causes mud fever skin disease requiring management
Increased forage provision maintains body warmth through fermentation

Welfare Considerations

Horse welfare during winter requires proactive management rather than reactive response to problems. Horses with adequate shelter, forage, dry bedding, and daily movement can maintain good welfare through British winters. The primary welfare risks are hypothermia in clipped or thin horses, mud fever from chronic wet leg exposure, dental problems identified during annual checks, and reduced exercise causing frustration and stereotypic behaviour. Winter welfare planning including shelter assessment, feed management, foot care, and exercise provision prevents the welfare deterioration that commonly occurs when horses are simply left in winter conditions without adequate management.

What You Can Do

Ensure adequate shelter from driving rain and cold winds for all field-kept horses
Increase forage provision in cold weather to maintain body temperature
Check horses twice daily in winter including inspection for mud fever
Maintain some daily exercise even during bad weather to support mental welfare
Schedule annual dental check and health assessment during winter preparation