Winter Maintenance for Healthy Horses
5 Ways to Maintain Healthy Horses and Muscles in the Winter
As winter rolls in, the challenges of keeping your horse healthy and comfortable multiply. Cold weather can lead to stiffness, reduced activity, and dehydration, all of which can impact your horse’s muscle health and overall well-being. As a seasoned equine bodyworker, I’ve seen how consistent care can make a huge difference in keeping horses happy and mobile during the colder months. Here are five key ways to support your horse’s muscles and overall health this winter:
1. Consistent, Regular Movement
Movement is essential for your horse’s physical and mental health, especially during the winter when turnout time may be limited. Regular movement helps maintain muscle tone, joint health, and circulation. Even if weather conditions limit outdoor riding, providing opportunities for light exercise, such as hand-walking, lunging, or turnout in a safe paddock, keeps your horse’s body active and flexible.
2. Massage and Bodywork
Winter stiffness can be addressed effectively with equine massage and bodywork. These therapies improve blood flow, release tension, and maintain elasticity in muscles that may otherwise become tight due to cold weather or reduced activity. Regular bodywork sessions also help identify and address minor issues before they escalate into larger problems.
Tip: Focus on areas prone to stiffness in the winter, such as the back, shoulders, and hindquarters. Incorporate stretches to enhance the benefits of massage. You can learn at-home techniques in our video library!
3. Long Walks Before Riding
Cold muscles are more prone to strain and injury. Incorporating long, low-intensity walks into your pre-ride routine helps to gradually warm up your horse’s muscles, improving flexibility and reducing the risk of injury. Walking encourages circulation and prepares the horse’s body for more strenuous activity.
Tip: Aim for at least 20 minutes of brisk walking before moving into the trot gaits. Pay attention to how your horse’s movement improves as they warm up. Allow them the freedom to swing their shoulders and back in a natural gait, minimizing influence of your aids.
4. Hydration and Electrolyte Replenishment
Dehydration is a common but often overlooked issue in winter. Horses tend to drink less when it’s cold, which can lead to muscle cramps, reduced performance, and even colic. Providing clean, unfrozen water and adding electrolytes to their diet encourages adequate hydration.
Tip: Use heated water buckets or troughs to make drinking more appealing. Electrolyte supplements can be mixed into their feed or water to encourage hydration.
5. Consistent Access to Forage
Forage is not only vital for maintaining weight and digestive health but also acts as a natural heat source during digestion. A constant supply of forage keeps your horse’s metabolism active, providing energy to maintain body warmth and muscle function. Regular chewing also prevents boredom, which can be more common in the winter months.
Tip: Use slow-feed hay nets to mimic natural grazing behavior and ensure your horse has access to forage throughout the day. Feed from the ground to mimic natural grazing, improve posture, and improve digestion.
By incorporating these five strategies into your winter care routine, you can help your horse stay healthy, happy, and comfortable all season long. Winter doesn’t have to be a time of decreased activity or stiffness. With regular movement, proper hydration, and intentional care like massage, your horse’s muscles will stay in peak condition—ready to thrive no matter the season.
