Some people won’t believe me when I say this but what makes a horse happy in the winter is to be outdoors. Horses were created to have the freedom of outdoors even in the winter. Their coats will grow thicker and their bodies were made to live in colder temperatures. They are quite content with 15F temperatures.

The bonuses of winter turnout are exercise, fresh air, activity instead of boredom and as a result no winter weight gain. Your horse will be so much happier and healthier.

There is a little more work involved on your part but the results will be worth it.

If you don’t already have a shelter in your pasture it would be a good idea to construct one. A shelter is important on cold windy days. Something like a large bus shelter - a roof with 3 sides is the best because it covers every angle the wind can come in except the front.
Make sure that water is always available. When the temperatures dip down ice can form on the water troughs. If this is an ongoing problem where you live then an investment in a water heater or an automatic pasture waterer will do the trick. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on how much they drink, since although they require water, their thirst drops off in the winter.

It’s essential to remember that horses will require more food during the winter months. This is because it requires more energy to stay warm. Increase the amount of hay. Increase it even more when the temperatures drop further. Since it takes longer to break down, hay endures longer which in turn provides more long term heat.

Supplements are also a high priority in the cold season. A very effective supplement is TAHITIAN NONI® Equine Formula. It supports the equine immune system with superior antioxidant activity as well as promotes proper feed digestion and nutrient absorption. The cold winter air tends to dry out hair and skin but the TAHITIAN NONI® Equine Formula combats this. Check your blankets and see if they will be adequate. Avoid putting on blankets at the beginning of the season so that they can produce a thicker coat. This will protect them later on when the temperatures starts to drop. Tahitian Noni International makes this product and it is called TAHITIAN NONI® Equine Essentials everywhere but in Australia

These are just a few ideas for a safe winter turnout. Your horse is worth it.

As indicated at the bottom of all our web pages, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please visit our website for details.