TL;DR: Cold weather affects everything from how your horse eats, drinks, and moves to how you show up to care for them. These simple tips will help you stay prepared, keep your horses healthy, and make winter chores a little easier.
When the temperature drops and the snow starts to pile up, it’s almost second nature to worry about hay, blankets, and frozen water buckets.
But winter care and preparation isn’t just about your horse. It’s about keeping you, your barn, and your routine steady through the long, cold stretch ahead.
1. It Starts With You
Winter can take a toll on people too. We often get less daylight, less movement and less connection. We start to feel tired, short-tempered, and maybe even burnt out.
Horses pick up on our energy faster than we realize. If you’re run down, stressed, or short on patience, they notice. The more pressure you carry, the more pressure they feel.
That’s why looking after your mental health isn’t selfish—it’s part of good horsemanship. You can’t show up calm, patient, and consistent for your horse if you’re running on empty.
Prepare in advance so you can rest without guilt. Some days, it’s too cold to do it all. That’s okay. Your horse would rather you show up rested tomorrow than burned out today.
2. How To Get Your Barn and Yard Winter-Ready
· Paths and gates. Check for Proper lighting. As the days get shorter, make sure the areas you use most are well lit. Good lighting makes evening chores safer and easier to get done. Keep walkways, gates, and high-traffic spots clear of snow and ice so they don’t freeze or become a slipping hazard.
· Add wind protection. Horses prefer being outside but need solid windbreaks or shelters. A fancy barn isn’t necessary — just a barrier that blocks wind and moisture.
· Ready the stalls and troughs. Strip old bedding, clean under mats, and level the ground before adding fresh material. Move troughs away from outside walls and insulate them to help prevent freezing.
· Seal drafts and gaps. Take a slow walk through your barn and check for drafts. Tighten latches, replace worn weather stripping, and make sure the doors close smoothly. Cover holes or cracks that let in too much cold air, but don’t seal things up so tight that the air stops moving. Good ventilation is just as important as warmth — it keeps moisture and ammonia from building up and protects your horse’s lungs through the winter.
· Inspect plumbing and electrical. Drain and blow out lines, wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or heat tape, and replace any chewed or frayed electrical wires.
· Check fences. Walk all fence lines and repair any broken boards or loose wires. It is much easier to do this before the ground freezes solid.
3. How To Keep Your Horse Happy During The Winter Months
· Keep bedding clean and dry. It’s a good idea to stock up on hay and shavings early so you’re not racing the weather when a storm hits.
· Provide plenty of feed. Your horse will burn more calories staying warm this time of year. Cold weather also burns through minerals faster, especially when horses are eating mostly hay. Make sure they have free-choice hay available at all times and add a healthy fat and well-balanced mineral blend to their diet. A well-balanced mineral blend, like Happy Horses® Mineral, supports hydration, hoof health, coat condition, and overall energy. Make any feed changes gradually and keep an eye on their body condition throughout the season. Remember to store feed in sealed containers — winter brings out the mice, and they’re quick to chew through feed bags.
· Keep them hydrated. Most horses drink more when water is slightly warm. Adding a bit of salt or electrolytes can help keep them drinking even on the coldest days.
· Blanket for their needs, not yours. Horses grow thick winter coats and can overheat under heavy blankets. If it’s around -1°C, a light sheet may be enough. When it drops to -20°C or colder, go heavier. Make sure blankets fit, are clean and dry, and check underneath for rubs or tight spots. Note – it’s easy to miss weight loss under a thick coat or heavy blanket. Run your hands along your horse’s ribs every few weeks to monitor changes early.
· Keep farrier visits regular. Steady trims keep hooves healthy and help prevent slipping on icy ground. Talk to your farrier about traction for icy footing or snowball pads to prevent build-up under hooves.
4. How To Keep the Humans Who Care for Horses Happy over the Winter too
· Dress for the Job. You can’t take care of your horse if you’re freezing.
Invest in insulated gloves, heated vests, warm waterproof boots, and wear layers you can move in.
· Give yourself permission to rest. The shorter days, cold air, and extra chores can make everything feel harder. Some days, it’s enough just to show up, check the water, and give your horses a treat.
· Stay connected. Even though cowboy culture taught us to “man up” or “cowgirl up”, pretending you’re fine when you’re not can be dangerous. Check in on your buddies and ask, “You good?” If you’re struggling, reach out. You’re never alone.
Winter’s easier when we ride it out together. Join the Happy Horses® community on YouTube, where we share training tips, real conversations, and trusted products that keep both horses and the humans who care for them happy and well.
To stock up or learn more about Happy Horses® Mineral, visit our Happy Horses® Mineral page.
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