Exercise and nutrition in winter: How to keep your horse fit and healthy

Winter calls for adjustments in your horse's care. Besides stable care and a safe pasture—which we'll cover in detail in part 1—proper exercise and nutrition are also essential.

In this second installment of our winter guide, we share tips on how to keep your horse fit and healthy during the cold months. From tailored training to extra attention to nutrition and supplements, discover how your horse can weather the winter.

Movement at low temperatures

Regular exercise is crucial, even in cold weather. Start with a thorough warm-up at walk to loosen muscles and joints before moving to trot and canter. Be aware of slippery areas in the arena and prefer a snow-free and safe surface, or ride in an indoor arena.

Adapting training to winter conditions

If an indoor arena isn't available and it's slippery or icy outside, adjust your training accordingly. Choose lunging or groundwork to improve your horse's balance and coordination. It's important to keep training fun and prevent injuries.

Start your workouts with a warm-up and adjust to slippery conditions with groundwork or lunging. Regular exercise keeps muscles supple and prevents stiffness.

Food for a strong immune system

In winter, horses use more energy to stay warm. Provide plenty of high-quality roughage, such as hay, to meet this energy requirement.
Consider supplements such as flaxseed oil or brewer's yeast to support the immune system and improve coat condition.

Horse winter feed, such as high-quality hay, provides energy to stay warm, supplemented with linseed oil for a strong immune system . Provide fresh, unfrozen water and support joints with supplements like collagen and hyaluronic acid, especially for older horses. "

Support for joints and tendons

Joints can feel stiffer at low temperatures. Supplements containing collagen, chondroitin, or hyaluronic acid can help support joint health, especially in older horses or horses with existing joint problems.

Coping with increased alertness in cold weather

Cold weather and wind can make horses more alert and energetic. A magnesium supplement can help support the nervous system and reduce excessive excitability. However, this does not replace the need for sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

Regular coat and hoof care

In winter, it's important to properly care for your horse's coat and hooves. Regular brushing stimulates circulation and helps prevent skin problems. Ensure the legs are clean and dry after contact with mud to prevent conditions like mud fever. Check the hooves regularly and use care products as needed to maintain hoof quality.