Winter-Ready: 3 Important Tips To Keep Your Horse Warm and Comfortable

Just like humans get sensitive to weather changes, horses can also sense the fluctuations in temperatures, especially when they drop below zero. To keep your equine companion warm and cozy during the colder months, you need to make sure they are properly shielded from the cold. If you want to know how to properly care for your horse once the weather gets chilly, you are in the right place. Here are some important tips you may consider to protect your four-legged friend from the cold and make sure he stays healthy, comfortable and above all warm throughout the winter season.

Invest in the Right Type of Horse Blanket

When looking for ways to shield your horse from the cold, you may consider investing in the right type of blankets. These pieces of protective layers can be made from a wide range of materials suitable for different weather conditions. But how do you choose the right design that suits your horse’s needs and requirements for warmth and comfort? To pick the right design, consider the climate of the area where you live as well as the specific needs and breed of your horse. 

For example, if you live in areas with harsh winters like Canada, you may opt for a turnout horse blanket and sheet made from thicker materials like ripstop nylon or polyester. These materials are most often used for the manufacturing of the outer shell of the blanket and are also durable, waterproof, and windproof. You can find them in different thickness levels such as heavy, medium or lightweight typically ranging from 600D to 1200D. These blankets are usually filled with special types of insulating materials like polyfill or synthetic that may weigh from 200 to 400g.

Some horse blankets and sheets may also feature additional fleece linings that provide extra warmth and comfort. However, not all horses require the same level of protection as some may have thicker coats or be more resilient to cold weather conditions. For example, breeds like Clydesdale, Icelandic or Yakutian Horse naturally grow thicker coats which allow them to withstand the harsh temperatures of these climates. For these horse breeds, you don’t need to invest in heavy blankets as they already have thicker coats that can protect them from the cold. 

You may opt for a medium-weight or stable horse blanket and sheet made from lightweight and breathable materials like cotton to ensure they stay warm and properly protected against wind, rain and light snow. These blankets are not as heavy as the full turnout blankets, yet still provide sufficient protection from the cold for specific horse breeds. Still, investing in warm blankets cannot solve the problem entirely as other aspects can impact your horse’s health and resilience against cold weather. 

Increase Their Hay Intake

While supplying your equine companion with a cozy blanket is important, you may as well consider monitoring their health and diet to shield them from the cold. Your horse’s diet plays a crucial role in how they can handle cold weather conditions. An undernourished horse may become more susceptible to illness during the winter months and experience frequent bouts of cold stress. This may cause your horse to lose weight, become fatigued or develop a weak immune system.

A well-balanced diet will provide your horse with energy and keep his body’s temperature at an optimal level. For this reason, many homeowners decide to increase the hay intake for their horses during the colder months of the year and ensure they get frequent meals at the right time. To further support your horse’s strength and mobility during the colder months of the year, you may consider adjusting their diet by increasing their hay intake.

To achieve this, you can supply them with specific supplements to improve their strength and mobility such as such as glucosamine, chondroitin or omega-3 fatty acids. This can help your horse experience the full benefits of well-balanced nutrition and survive those months of inactivity and cold much easier and without stress.

Provide Shelter from the Elements

A balanced diet is no doubt crucial, but providing reliable shelter for your equine companion during the colder months is equally important. For this reason, make sure your horse has a designated place that will keep him warm, sheltered and dry from the elements. This could be a stable or a well-constructed shed that will serve as a safe retreat when the temperatures drop. 

Investing in a reliable shelter can also reduce the risk of your horse developing certain cold-related issues such as frostbite or more serious respiratory illnesses caused by prolonged exposure to rain and wind. This will allow your equine companion to remain warm, comfortable and cozy inside the shed and keep thriving while staying happy and in the best shape during the colder months of the year. After all, no winter lasts forever and your horse deserves the best care to get through it comfortably and healthy.