Winter management of horses and ponies requires balancing warmth, forage availability, exercise and shelter. Under-management causes cold stress and nutrient deficiency; over-management causes obesity and boredom.
The greatest winter welfare risks are inadequate forage (leading to weight loss, gastric ulcers and colic), frozen water supply, inappropriate or excessive rugging, and confinement without exercise. Native breeds and ponies are particularly susceptible to over-rugging in mild UK winters. A welfare-focused approach to winter management includes daily health checks, shelter assessment and routine monitoring of body condition.