While we all love seeing our horses thrive, the cold weather can bring added worry. At Forefront Equine, we understand how deeply you care about your horse’s health, comfort, and happiness. We are here to help you navigate the winter months with confidence and care. Key areas of winter care, you can help your horse stay healthy, comfortable, and safe—no matter how low the temperatures dip.
1. Bedding: Creating a Cozy, Safe Space
One of the simplest but most impactful ways to ensure your horse stays warm is by providing a deep & cozy bedding. Horses spend much of their time resting, especially at night. Bedding plays a key role in making sure they’re as comfortable as possible. We recommend using straw, shavings, or sawdust. Which can offer cushioning, but also help to trap warmth and keep the ground temperature from drawing heat away from your horse’s body. Dry clean bedding helps prevent discomfort and keeps your horse’s joints and hooves healthy.
For horses that are outside, providing a sheltered space with plenty of bedding will allow them to rest comfortably away from the cold & windy weather. At Forefront Equine, we know that providing comfort and warmth during the winter is one of the simplest ways to show your horse how much you care.
2. Warm Water: Encouraging Hydration with Love
Hydration is so important to your horse’s health, especially during winter when the cold can discourage drinking. Horses can be picky about the temperature of their water, and cold water may not appeal to them as much in freezing temperatures. That is when offering warmer water is a good idea. A heated bucket or a warm water source will make it easier for your horse to drink. By doing this you are helping prevent dehydration and reducing the risk of colic, which can be so worrisome during winter.
3. Shelter: A Safe Haven from the Cold
When horses are kept outdoors providing them with shelter is a must. While horses have natural coats that help protect them from the elements, a well-placed shelter is essential to shield them from harsh winds, snow, and rain. A cozy, dry space where they can escape the worst of the cold can make a world of difference in keeping your horse’s health in check. A run-in shed or a three-sided barn provides them with a safe haven to rest and stay protected.
4. Hay: Fueling the Body and Soul
When temperatures drop, your horse’s body works extra hard to stay warm. Providing enough forage. Such as, a good-quality hay, is one of the best ways to support your horse’s energy needs during the cold months. Hay provides not only essential nutrition but also warmth due to the digestive process generating heat. Keeping your horse well-fed with plenty of forage helps to keep them warm, healthy, and content. At Forefront Equine, we know that your horse’s health and happiness are your top priority. By ensuring they have enough hay, you’re giving them the fuel they need to maintain energy and warmth throughout the winter. It’s just another way of showing you care.
5. Keeping Colic at Bay: The Importance of Hydration and Nutrition
Winter can be particularly tough when it comes to preventing colic, as the cold often causes horses to drink less. Not drinking enough turns into dehydration and this is one of the biggest factors contributing to colic. We want to help you keep that concern at bay. In addition to offering warm water, ForeRunner Paste by Forefront Equine is a great tool to encourage your horse to drink more and maintain healthy digestion. This easy-to-use paste supports hydration and helps keep your horse’s digestive system running smoothly, giving you peace of mind that you're taking proactive steps to support their health. If your horse is picky with paste products, you can add 20cc to the top of their grain. ForeRunner is very tasty and even the pickiest of horses love it.
6. Keep an Eye on Their Health
Throughout the winter months, it's very important to stay vigilant about your horse’s health and well-being. Keep an eye out for signs of weight loss, changes in appetite, or behavior shifts. Dailly water intake checks, manure output, and urination are all easy things to keep an eye on for any changes. Regular checks of their coat, hooves, and overall condition will help you catch any issues before they become serious. If you ever notice anything concerning, we encourage you to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance.
At Forefront Equine, we are deeply committed to helping you take the best care of your horse. Winter can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can ensure that your horse stays happy and healthy through it all.
