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Beat the Winter Blues: Tips for Keeping Your Horse Happy and Healthy All Season

A white horse runs through the snow.

Winter can be a tough season for both horses and their owners. With shorter days, colder temperatures, and sometimes less access to turnout or riding time, horses can quickly become bored, restless, and even depressed. As much as we look forward to the quieter pace of the winter months, it’s essential to ensure that your horse stays mentally and physically engaged to avoid the winter blues. At Equine Medical and Surgical Associates, we know that a healthy, happy horse is an active horse – no matter the season. 

In this blog, we will share practical tips and ideas to keep your horse stimulated and content during the colder months, helping them thrive mentally and physically while you wait for spring to arrive. 

Maintain Regular Exercise

While winter weather can make outdoor riding and turnout less frequent, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent exercise routine to keep your horse fit and engaged. Exercise helps reduce stress, prevents boredom, and promotes good physical health. 

  • A rider runs a brown horse through drills in an indoor course.

    Indoor Riding: If you can access an indoor arena, continue to ride and work your horse as much as possible. To keep things interesting, add some lateral work, pole exercises, or even some groundwork to keep you and your horse engaged. 

  • Groundwork and Lunging: Lunging is a great way to get your horse moving when riding outside isn't an option. You can also incorporate ground exercises, such as walking over poles or using a round pen for free lunging, to keep them mentally stimulated. 

  • Alternative Activities: If you can’t ride or lunge, consider other activities, such as walking your horse in hand around the barn or on a safe trail. These activities provide physical movement and allow your horse to experience new environments and sensory stimulation. 

Provide Mental Stimulation

Just like humans, horses can get bored if they're stuck in the same routine day after day. Mental stimulation is as essential as physical exercise, especially in winter when your horse may not have as many opportunities to socialize or explore. Here are some ideas to keep your horse's mind active: 

  • A group of horses stand in a snow-covered field.

    Toys and Puzzles: Introduce puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys in your horse’s stall or turnout. The toys encourage problem-solving and can provide hours of entertainment while helping prevent overeating. 

  • New Training Challenges: Winter is the perfect time to focus on new training goals. Use the indoor space to teach your horse new skills, such as ground manners, targeted exercises, or simple tricks. Mental challenges like learning to carry a flag or target an object can keep your horse sharp and give them a sense of accomplishment. 

  • Socialization: Allow your horse to spend time with other horses in a group turnout or through controlled, supervised interactions. Horses are social animals; regular peer interaction can help prevent boredom and loneliness. 

Provide a Balanced Diet and Adequate Nutrition

Cold temperatures can increase your horse’s energy requirements, and the winter months may also affect the availability and quality of forage. Ensure your horse is getting enough to eat to maintain their energy levels, but also keep their diet balanced to support overall health. 

  • Hay and Forage: Provide your horse with ample access to good-quality hay to help keep them full and satisfied. Hay is essential for maintaining digestive health, especially in the colder months when pasture grazing may not be an option. You can also supplement with forage-based feeds if your horse needs additional nutrition. 

  • Supplements for Optimal Health: Winter can be harsh on your horse’s overall health, especially if they are less active or sensitive to cold temperatures. Explore our collection of all-natural, veterinarian-developed products designed to restore your horse's health, allowing you to enjoy equestrian activities together for years.

    • As the grass becomes dormant and horses are kept on an all-hay diet, they can become vitamin E deficient within 30 days. This means that by December 15th, horses in colder states may already be deficient. For just 99 cents a day, you can add over 14,000 IU/oz of vitamin E to your horse's diet with only 1 tablespoon of Health E.

Use Turnout Wisely

When the weather permits, try to get your horse out in the pasture or turnout area as much as possible. Horses are naturally active and need space to roam, stretch their legs, and socialize. Even in the winter, daily turnout (when safe) can help your horse release pent-up energy and stay mentally sharp. 

  • Turnout Alternatives: On days when it’s too cold, snowy, or muddy for turnout, try to offer your horse time in a small paddock or arena where they can move around and stretch their legs. If turnout isn't possible, take your horse for a hand-walk outside to allow them some time in the fresh air. 

Create a Cozy and Comfortable Environment

Keeping your horse comfortable during winter goes beyond just keeping them warm. A cozy stall environment can help them relax and feel at ease, which is key to managing stress levels. 

  • Two horses stand behind a fence in the snow wearing blankets.

    Blankets and Bedding: Ensure your horse is properly blanketed if necessary, especially if they are clipped or have a thinner coat. A warm, dry blanket can help them stay comfortable and prevent unnecessary stress from the cold. Additionally, ensure your horse’s bedding is thick, clean, and dry to provide a comfortable resting place.

  • Proper Ventilation: While warmth is essential, ensure the barn or stall is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can contribute to respiratory issues. A dry, fresh-air environment is essential for your horse’s health and well-being. 

Be Mindful of Their Mental Health

Horses, like people, can experience stress and even depression, mainly if they are isolated or don't have enough stimulation. It's essential to watch for signs of mental fatigue, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or behavioral changes, indicating that your horse is feeling down. 

  • Establish a Routine: Horses thrive on routine. A consistent feeding, exercise, and care schedule can provide stability during the winter months. This predictability can help reduce anxiety and help your horse feel more secure. 

Winter can be challenging for your horse, but with a bit of creativity and effort, you can help them stay mentally and physically engaged. Maintaining regular exercise, offering mental stimulation, a balanced diet, and a comfortable living environment can help your horse beat the winter blues and stay healthy, happy, and active throughout the colder months. 

At Equine Medical and Surgical Associates, we believe in providing holistic care that addresses not only your horse's physical needs but also its mental and emotional well-being. If you have any questions or concerns about your horse’s winter care, contact Dr. Reilly, our veterinarian with 32 years of experience, for guidance. Visit our website to gain insights into equine health and browse our collection of trusted products. We’re here to help your horse thrive all year long!

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