Good Horses for a Wet Climate

Wet climates provide a number of problems for horses that are not properly equipped to living in wet conditions. Horses in wet climates are more prone to developing fungus as well as weak hooves and skin conditions due to excess moisture. There are several different breeds of horses and ponies that have evolved to live in wet climates or that naturally live in wet climates. These tend to be the best horses for riders who live in wet conditions.

  1. Exmoor

    • The Exmoor has been a recognized breed of pony for hundreds of years. Exmoor ponies originate from the moors of Britain and are highly adapted to living in cold, wet climates. This hearty breed is considered to the oldest British horse breed. The Exmoor's natural climate adaptations include a heavy, hooded brow that protects the animal's eyes from snow and rain and a "snow chute" at the back of it's tail that regrows with the winter coat. The snow chute has been shown to direct snow and rain off the pony's body.

    Norwegian Fjord

    • The Norwegian fjord horse comes from the fjord areas of Norway and is well adapted to wet and changing climates. The fjord has a thick, coarse mane that will stand erect even when it is wet and a thick coat that protects it from cold and wet weather. The fjord is a sturdy breed that typically stands between 13 and 14 hands tall. The fjord is often easily identifiable by its dun-colored coat, zebra-striped legs and darker eel-stripe down the center of its spine.

    Hardy Breeds

    • There are actually a variety of relatively obscure horse and pony breeds that originate from cold, wet European climates and are well-adapted to surviving in those conditions. These breeds include the Galician pony, Russian horse, Caspian horse, Welsh pony, Camargue, gypsy horse and a variety of others.

    Horses and Wet Climates

    • With proper care, most horses can survive well in wet or cold climates. Allowing the horse to grow its natural winter coat, which provides protection for it, in addition to proper blanketing when necessary will help a horse stay warm. Frequent grooming and bathing as necessary will prevent fungus and skin conditions. Pick the horse's hooves daily and apply products designed to repel water from the hooves. Drying the hooves out can counteract and combat the effects of standing on wet ground. Proper horse management is key to having a horse that adapts properly to a wet or damp living arrangement.