Grooming your horse might take a little more effort in the colder months, but it makes a big difference to your horse’s comfort and health!
Here’s how to make winter coat care easier for both of you.
Winter Horse Coat
A winter horse coat is a thick, insulating layer of hair that grows as temperatures drop to help keep horses warm. Think of it as nature’s version of a puffer jacket.
While it does a great job of trapping heat and repelling moisture, it also needs regular grooming to stay clean and healthy. Keep an eye on your horse's coat condition and adjust their rugs based on the weather, exercise and individual needs.
Horse Grooming Kit for Winter
A horse grooming kit for winter should include brushes and tools designed to tackle thick coats, mud, and moisture.
Some brushes work better on long, fluffy winter coats than others, helping you keep your horse clean, comfortable and healthy through the colder months.
Horse Grooming Brushes for Winter Coat
Here’s what to keep in your tack room during the chilly season:
- Dandy brush: Great for flicking off dried mud and dirt. Use long strokes to work through thick coats.
- Rubber curry comb: Perfect for loosening hair and giving a good massage while you're at it.
- Body brush with stiff bristles: To lift out grime and keep natural oils moving through the coat.
- Mane and tail comb: Keep things tangle-free (and burr-free) with regular brushing.
- Hoof pick with brush: A must-have all year round. Regularly check for packed-in mud and signs of thrush.
If your horse is clipped, they might appreciate a soft brush to avoid irritating sensitive skin. For unclipped horses, focus on staying dry and removing caked-on dirt rather than over-grooming, which can strip essential oils.
Mud, Rain and Rug Rubs
Let’s face it: winter equals mud. Lots of it. But don’t feel like you need to scrub your horse spotless every day. Focus on clearing dried mud from high-friction areas (like under the saddle or around rug straps) and check for rubs or sores regularly.
If your horse is wearing a rug, pay close attention to their shoulders, withers and chest. Use a soft brush to gently clean these areas and keep the rug lining clean to prevent rubbing. A grooming spray or coat conditioner can help reduce friction, especially on dry days.
Got a pony who loves a mud bath? Try letting the mud dry and then flicking it off with a dandy brush – it’s far easier (and warmer!) than using water.
Winter Horse Rugs
A winter horse rug is a protective blanket designed to keep horses warm and dry during cold, wet weather. Because rugs sit directly against your horse’s coat, they play a big role in skin health, comfort and even how much grooming your horse needs during winter.
Best Turnout Rugs for Cold Weather
Turnout rugs are ideal for horses that live outside or spend most of their time in the paddock during winter. They’re waterproof, windproof and built to handle wet weather, making them perfect for clipped horses or those without natural shelter. Look for breathable fabrics and the right level of fill to suit your horse’s coat and climate.
Best Rainsheets for Wet Winter Days
Rainsheets – or waterproof rugs with no fill – are perfect for horses that run warm or live in milder winter climates. They keep your horse dry during drizzles or light rain without adding unnecessary warmth. Great for unclipped horses who just need a barrier against the weather, but not an extra layer of insulation.
Best Polar Fleece Rugs for Stable Use
Polar fleece rugs are ideal for warming up your horse after a ride, or for layering under heavier rugs in the stable. They’re breathable and wick away moisture, making them a smart choice for clipped horses or those prone to sweating. Use them during cool, dry weather or as a drying rug after a bath or workout.
Best Wool Rugs for Layering
Wool rugs are a winter staple for layering. They’re breathable, warm and help wick away moisture, which is handy after grooming or work, especially when your horse’s coat is damp or clipped. Many riders use them under heavier rugs or as a tidy option in the float or at events. They’re also great post-groom when you don’t want your horse catching a chill before rugging up properly.
Best Stable Rugs for Cold Indoor Nights
Stable rugs are all about keeping your horse warm and settled indoors. They’re not waterproof, but they’re soft, breathable and ideal after a thorough winter groom when your horse is clean, dry and ready to rug down. Especially useful for clipped or older horses, simply pick a fill weight that suits your horse and your set-up, and layer up as needed when the cold really hits.
How to Help a Horse Shed Its Coat
To remove a horse’s winter coat:
- Start with a rubber curry comb in circular motions to loosen dead hair and dirt.
- Use a shedding blade or shedding comb for heavier coats.
- Follow with a soft body brush to clear away loose hairs.
- For a faster solution, consider clipping your horse in a style that suits their workload and climate.
Should you bathe your horse during shedding season?
Bathing during shedding season isn’t essential, but it can help, especially if your horse is itchy, flaky or caked in sweat and dirt. A good wash can loosen dead hair, lift out grime and leave the coat looking fresher. But on the flip side, bathing can also strip natural oils and leave your horse feeling chilly, especially if it’s a cold or windy day.
FAQs for Grooming Horses in Winter
Why is my horse itchy in winter?
Your horse may be itchy in winter due to dry skin, sweat buildup under rugs, or skin conditions like lice or fungal infections.
Cold weather and reduced grooming can lead to dryness or trapped dirt, especially in rugged horses. Clipped horses may also experience sensitivity. Regular grooming, checking for parasites, and using moisturising coat sprays can help relieve winter itchiness.
Why is my horse sweating in winter?
Horses can sweat in winter if they’re over-rugged, exercised without proper cool-down, or dealing with a fever.
Thick winter coats and heavy rugs can trap heat, causing your horse to overheat even in cold weather. If sweating happens without exercise, it could indicate illness. Look for other signs and check their temperature. Clipped horses are particularly at risk of sweating under rugs if layers aren’t adjusted properly for the weather.
Why is my horse coughing in winter?
A horse may cough in winter due to dust from hay or bedding, poor airflow, or respiratory infections. Horses kept in stables for extended periods often breathe in more dust and dry air, which can irritate their airways.
Cold air can also trigger coughing during exercise, especially in sensitive horses. Make sure their space is well-ventilated and consult your vet if coughing persists.
Why does my horse have dandruff in winter?
Dandruff in horses during winter is usually caused by dry skin, sweat buildup under rugs, or lack of grooming. Cold weather can reduce natural oil production, while rugs can trap heat and moisture, creating a flaky, itchy coat.
Clipped horses are also more prone to dandruff if the skin isn’t kept clean and moisturised. Regular grooming with a rubber curry or grooming mitt can help loosen flakes and improve circulation.
Ready to keep your horse clean, comfortable and shed-free through winter? Shop Petstock’s horse grooming products!