Winter Horse Care: Tips for Managing Weight, Rugs & Turnout

As the temperatures drop and the days shorten, horse owners are faced with a new set of challenges when it comes to maintaining their horse's health and wellbeing. We often see an increase in seasonal concerns during the colder months — particularly around weight management, appropriate rugging, and turnout routines.

Here are our top tips for keeping your horse healthy and happy this winter.

1. Weight Management: Don’t Let Winter Weigh You Down

Monitoring body condition is vital during winter — especially in older horses, those with metabolic conditions, or poor doers.

Our Top Tips:

Regular body condition scoring (BCS) is more important than ever. Thick winter coats can mask weight loss, so use your hands to assess fat coverage regularly.
Weigh tapes or access to a weighbridge help monitor changes over time.
Adjust feed accordingly — horses often need more forage in winter to maintain body condition, as fibre digestion helps generate internal heat.
Forage first: Aim for 1.5–2% of bodyweight in hay or haylage per day. If grass quality drops significantly, consider supplementing with high-fibre feeds.
Watch for dental issues — older horses may struggle to chew hay properly, which can lead to weight loss. Regular dental checks are essential.

2. Rugging: Less is Sometimes More

It’s tempting to over-rug horses in winter, but not all horses need heavy rugs — and over-rugging can cause overheating, skin issues, and weight gain.

Our Top Tips:

Consider the individual: Age, breed, workload, body condition, and whether the horse is clipped should all influence rugging decisions.
Feel behind the withers and around the chest daily — if the horse is warm and dry, the rug is doing its job.
Change rugs regularly — damp, heavy, or dirty rugs can cause skin conditions like rain scald or rug rubs.
Allow for natural thermoregulation — healthy, unclipped horses with access to shelter often cope well without rugs, especially native breeds.

3. Turnout: Keep Moving, Keep Healthy

Turnout provides essential mental stimulation and supports digestive and musculoskeletal health. But winter can make it more difficult.

Our Top Tips:

Aim for daily turnout, even if it’s just for a few hours. Movement helps with circulation, digestion, and reducing stiffness.
Use safe, well-drained paddocks or create a sacrifice area if pasture is at risk of becoming poached.
Watch for slippery surfaces — especially for older or arthritic horses.
Provide forage in the field, particularly when grass is sparse. Use hay nets or raised feeders to minimise wastage and reduce mud contamination.