Five Most-Asked Winter Horse Care Questions - Answered Clearly

Winter brings a unique set of challenges for horses and owners alike.  From hay quality to weight gain to cold weather management, these five questions come up repeatedly. Here is a straightforward guide to help you navigate winter care with confidence. 

Can horses stay outside in winter?

 Yes, most horses can and also prefer to stay outside in winter. Horses are naturally equipped with a dense winter coat, strong thermoregulation, and a digestive system that generates internal heat.  That they do need is:

• Shelter from wind, sleet, and freezing rain

• Ample forage to help maintain body heat

• Fresh, unfrozen water

• Safe footing to prevent slips

Healthy adult horses with winter coats often thrive outdoors as long as their basic needs are met.  Clipped horses, seniors, and hard keepers may need additional blankets or time indoors depending on weather severity. 

How much hay does a horse eat?

A horse typically needs 1.5-2% of its body weight in forage (hay or pasture) per day.  

For a 1,000 lb horse that means 15-25 lbs of hay per day. 

In winter, the upper range is more common because horses burn extra calories to stay warm.  Horses with higher metabolisms, poor pasture quality, or cold, windy conditions may require more to maintain weight. 

What is good horse hay?

Good hay is defined by nutritional value, maturity, and free of molds, dust, weeds. Ideal hay should:

• Smell fresh

• Have soft flexible stems

• Contain a mix of leaves and stems

• Be free of mold, dust, and toxic weeds

• Have a clean green color on the inside (the outside normally does bleach with sun exposure)

Nutritionally, high-quality horse hay typically includes:

• Grass hays like timothy, orchard, teff

• Legume hays like alfalfa or clovers

Early-cut hay is usually higher in nutrients and sugars.  Later cut hay is higher in fiber content and lower in sugars. 

Will horses eat moldy hay?

Some horses might but they should never be allowed to or offered moldy hay. 

Moldy hay can lead to:

• Colic

• Respiratory damage

• Toxins and mycotoxin exposure

• Reduced nutrient absorption

Mold develops when hay is baled too wet or stored improperly. If hay smells musty, has white/gray dust, or feels damp or clumpy, it should be discarded. 

Even if a horse will eat it, mold can cause irreversible harm.  When in doubt, throw it out. 

How do you get a horse to gain weight in winter?

Weight gain in winter can be challenging, but the process becomes easier when you address the right factors.  Focus on:

Forage First

Increase hay before anything else.  Digesting long-stem forage produces heat and supplies slow, steady calories

Adequate Protein

Protein supports muscle, topline, and metabolic function - often overlooked in winter. 

High Quality Forage Options

• Alfalfa

• Beet pulp

• Chopped Forage

Digestive Support

Many horses lose weight from poor gut absorption rather than low calorie intake. Consider products that provide:

• Prebiotics

• Probiotics

• Enzymes

• Anti-inflammatory forage choices

Increase Fat Safely

Healthy fat sources like flaxseed, sunflower meal, or rice bran oil offer concentrated calories without spiking blood sugar. 

Rule Out Underlying Issues

Addressing the root cause helps calories stick.  Weight loss can stem from:

• Dental problems

• Parasites

• Chronic Inflammation

• Low-grade metabolic stress

Summary

Winter horse care comes down to three essentials: adequate forage, safe shelter, and proper digestion.  When those needs are met, most horses maintain weight, stay comfortable outside, and thrive through the colder months.