How to Care for Horses in Freezing Temps

Horses are hardy animals that can usually adapt well to cold weather. Nevertheless, caring for horses when it's freezing does take special care and attention. Even if you are not riding your horse as frequently as usual, make sure you maintain daily habits of care and feeding during winter weather.

  1. Lower Critical Temperature

    • A horse's "lower critical temperature" is the temperature at which its body starts consuming energy more quickly in order to maintain body heat. According to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, the lower critical temperature of a horse with a wet coat or short coat is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower critical temperature of a horse with a moderate coat is 50 degrees, and for a heavy coat it is 30 degrees. Use the outdoor wind chill index instead of base temperature when determining additional feed needs due to cold weather.

    Feed

    • A horse has to consume an extra 2 Mcals (megacalories) of energy per day per degree below its lower critical temperature. For example, a horse with a lower critical temperature of 50 degrees would burn an extra 14 Mcals of energy per day when the outdoor wind chill index is 43 degrees. Most hay provides 1 Mcal of energy per pound, so feed horses 2 pounds of hay more than usual for every degree the wind chill lies below their lower critical temperature.

    Water

    • Horses tend to drink less water than usual during cold weather, but it is important to provide sufficient water in order to minimize the increased risks of impaction and colic due to greater feed volumes. Use a stock tank heater to maintain water at 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and provide 8 to 12 gallons of water per day per horse. Check the water twice daily to make sure the water level is sufficient and to remove any ice formations.

    Shelter

    • Horses that are allowed to grow a thick winter coat are capable of adapting well even to very cold weather, but providing shelter to block strong winds and precipitation is still beneficial. Create a windbreak or three-sided shelter with its back facing prevailing winds. There should be about 80 square feet of space for each adult horse. Create a sloping roof that is 9 feet high at the back and at least 11 feet high at the front.