Just like us, horses burn more energy in cold weather simply by trying to stay warm.
Their internal heating system kicks in to regulate body temperature, meaning they’ll naturally require more calories to maintain weight. This is especially true for horses kept outdoors, those with short coats or low body fat, or seniors with slower metabolisms.
Even if your horse isn’t working harder, their energy needs often creep up over winter. And if you’re not watching closely, that can lead to subtle weight loss that’s easy to miss.
Regular condition checks and a flexible feeding routine can make all the difference. It’s far easier to maintain condition than to rebuild it once it’s lost.
Keep up with rugging and shelter
Firstly, feeding is only one piece of the puzzle – proper rugging and shelter are just as important. If your horse is burning calories just to stay warm, then a well-fitted winter rug can help them retain body heat and reduce the need for extra feed.
Choose rugs suited to your horse’s environment, coat condition and age, and remember to check them daily. If the sun suddenly comes out, they might need quick rug change to stay comfy.
And don’t forget about shelter. A dry, windproof space can make a huge difference on cold, rainy days when the chill really bites.
Layer rugs strategically. A lighter rug with a waterproof top layer offers more flexibility than a single heavy rug. You can adjust layers based on daily weather without fully rugging or derugging your horse.
Plan ahead for hay shortages
With the rising risk of hay shortages this winter – especially in NSW where some of the best supplies may be impacted by water damage – now’s the time to think ahead. If hay availability becomes limited or prices spike, increasing hay consumption isn’t always the answer.
Instead, look at complementary fibre sources and energy boosters that can help maintain condition without relying solely on roughage.
Fibre-based and conditioning feeds are a great place to start, offering digestible fibre and slow-release energy to support gut health and topline. You can also incorporate grains or oils to increase calories without increasing feed volume.
Here are a few smart options to consider:
- Fibre feeds like beet pulp, soy hulls or hay pellets to supplement roughage
- Conditioning feeds with added fat and fibre for horses needing extra support
- Grains such as oats, barley or lupins for energy (best introduced gradually)
- Oils like canola or linseed oil for calorie density without bulk
- Soaked feeds for seniors or horses with poor teeth, making it easier to chew and digest
Not only can these alternatives stretch your hay supply further, they’re often more digestible for older horses and may help prevent unwanted weight loss. As always, make dietary changes slowly over 7–10 days, and balance your feeding plan based on your horse’s age, workload and condition.
Monitor their body condition regularly
Thick winter coats and snug rugs can be deceiving. What looks healthy on the outside might be hiding weight loss underneath.
That’s why hands-on checks are so important during winter. Run your hands along your horse’s ribs, spine and rump once a week – these are your best bet for spotting subtle changes early.
If you notice a change, don’t stress – but do act.
Sometimes all it takes is a bit more hay or a slightly larger feed. Other times, especially for horses prone to weight loss, you might need to take a look at a higher-energy feed or a top-line supplement.
Adjusting your horse’s ration gradually can help bring them back to a healthy weight. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding more hay or increasing their daily feed slightly.
When to add hard feed or supplements
For some horses, hay and pasture alone might not be enough to maintain weight through the cooler months. This is where hard feed can help – but don’t go overboard.
Not every horse needs grain, and many actually do better on fibre-based or grain-free feeds.
If your horse is dropping condition, try a hard feed that’s high in fat and fibre (rather than sugar or starch). This helps avoid energy spikes and keeps digestive health ticking along nicely.
So when might you need to add hard feed or supplements?
- Your horse is losing weight despite getting plenty of hay
- They’re older and having trouble chewing forage
- They’re in regular work and need an energy boost
- Pasture is poor or unavailable for long stretches
Make changes gradually and monitor results
No matter what you’re adding – take it slow. Sudden changes can throw off digestion and increase the risk of colic.
Introduce new feeds gradually over 7–10 days, and keep an eye on things like manure, appetite and overall mood.
Once you’ve made a change, give it a few weeks to see the difference.
Keep notes if it helps – jot down their feed amounts, exercise levels, and how they’re looking or feeling. You’ll catch problems earlier that way and feel more confident making tweaks as you go.
Salt and electrolytes still matter
It’s easy to assume horses don’t need as much hydration in winter. After all, they’re not sweating as much, right?
But actually, they still need just as much water...sometimes even more if they’re eating mostly dry hay.
Cold or icy water can be unappealing, and on freezing mornings, troughs can even ice over. Try offering slightly warm water on those really cold days to encourage drinking.
And don’t forget salt. Even lightly rugged horses can lose electrolytes through mild sweating – so keep a salt lick handy, or top up feeds with a balanced electrolyte supplement if needed.
Add warm water to feeds. In chilly weather, mixing in warm water can make feeds more palatable and encourage better hydration, especially useful for fussy eaters or senior horses.
Senior horses may need extra support
Winter can be especially tough on senior horses.
Their digestion slows, teeth wear down and it gets harder to hold condition – even with plenty of food and care.
That’s where targeted senior feeds can help. They are softer, easier to chew and packed with extra calories, vitamins and minerals to support ageing bodies.
Soaked hay cubes, beet pulp or fibre pellets are also great options – especially for horses with dental issues or reduced appetite.
You might also want to consider joint or digestive support supplements. If your senior is struggling with mobility or dropping condition, these can make a real difference.
Make sure to:
- Check their weight weekly by feel – not just by sight
- Book regular dental checks (worn or sharp teeth can make hay hard to manage)
- Break meals into smaller feeds to make digestion easier and reduce the risk of colic
Ready to keep your horse comfortable through winter? Shop quality horse feed and Caribu winter rugs to support your horse all season long.