Revised:  12/19/2012

	General - Cold Weather Care

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Cold Weather Care for Horses

The Equine Science Center is committed to educating horse owners about healthy horse care, proper management techniques and overall equine well-being.  The following fact sheets are centered around winter care and management.  If you have specific questions about your horse, please refer to the "Ask the Expert" webpage.

• FS 1142 - Winter Care for Horses
• FS 1143 - Winter Feeding for Horses
• FS 1081 - To Blanket or Not To Blanket?

Winter Care for Horses

Sarah L. Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Associate Professor in Animal Science

Carey A. Williams, Ph.D., Associate Extension Specialist in Equine Management

Fact Sheet #1142

As days get shorter and the weather becomes cold and wet, there are many things to consider in order to maintain horse health and well-being throughout the long winter months. This fact sheet addresses the most common concerns regarding equine housing, health maintenance, nutrition and exercise in cold weather.

Winter Feeding for Horses

Carey A. Williams, Ph.D., Equine Specialist in Equine Management

Sarah L. Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Associate Professor in Animal Science

Fact Sheet #1143

Winter conditions vary dramatically between the various regions, as do the tolerances of individual horses to cold weather stressors, so it is impossible to give exact recommendations regarding nutritional needs that would be applicable to all horses and regions. However, there are general nutritional concerns that always need to be addressed as the weather gets colder.

To Blanket or Not To Blanket?

Nettie R. Liburt, MS, Animal Science Doctoral Student

Carey A. Williams, Ph.D., Extension Specialist in Equine Management

Fact Sheet #1081

As fall arrives and temperatures are cooling, many horse-people may be wondering if blanketing their horses is appropriate. The answer really depends on the individual horse, its physiology, shelter type, tolerance to cold and its activity schedule. Typically in early fall, horse’s coats get a little thicker. Despite even warm fall temperatures, horses naturally begin to grow more hair as the days get shorter. There are no scientific rules about what temperature a horse should have a particular blanket, but if one decides to do so, there are several things to consider.

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