How to Keep an Equine Warm

As horses are warm-blooded animals, they are susceptible to cold weather, which can wreak havoc on their sensitive skin when wet, as well as leave them uncomfortable and chilled. Horses grow longer coats in the winter, which they can fluff to trap air, providing insulation, as does the grease that accumulates under their hair. Clipped horses do not have this luxury and additional steps must be taken to ensure they are kept warm.

Things You'll Need

  • Hay
  • Blankets
  • Rubber mat
  • Straw
  • Wood pellets
  • Water source
Show More

Instructions

  1. Keeping Your Horse Warm

    • 1

      Feed your horse quality hay. Horses are grazing animals, therefore they do best if small amounts of food are constantly being digested, according to EquiSearch. The horse's gut digests the fiber in the hay, which produces heat that keeps the animal warm even in the coldest of temperatures.

    • 2

      Check your stable to ensure your horse's stall has comfortable flooring and warm bedding. Rubber mats are recommended, according to Young Rider, as they drain well and are durable. Straw and wood pellets are also options for bedding. Simply make sure there is enough to keep your horse warm and comfortable. Also check the ventilation in the stall, as horses require fresh circulating air to protect them from overheating in the summer and to control moisture levels in the winter.

    • 3

      Allow your horse's hair to grow out to its full winter coat or clip the horse and provide warm blankets. There are pros and cons to each. A winter coat provides insulation from the elements, however horses with long hair take much longer to cool and dry off after exercise or work. Clipped horses do not have this problem, but must be blanketed throughout the winter with heavy blankets to keep them from getting chilled. This can get expensive as horse blankets can cost anywhere from $50 to $300.

    • 4

      Keep your horse out of the rain during cold weather. Wet skin on a horse is extremely susceptible to cold temperatures and wind, which can cause chapping and other skin problems.