Reduce winter injury risks with expert tips on snow and ice safety for horses. Learn how to prevent slips, falls, hoof issues, and riding injuries during cold weather.
The winter weather can be tough on both horse owners and their equine companions. Frozen ground, snow-covered pastures, ice puddles, and dangerous black ice increase the risk of slips, falls, and injuries. To help your horses stay safe and healthy during the colder months, here are some essential winter horse care tips. Minimize those winter blues and keep your horses happy even in the harshest conditions!
Management Steps
Snow and Ice Management
A horse that slips on ice risks muscle pulls, soft tissue strains, or even bone fractures. Proactive management is essential to reduce ice buildup around barns, walkways, and shelters.
- Treat icy areas early: Before leading horses out of their stalls, treat all walkways around the barn. Your local CO-OP or feed store should carry pet-friendly salt. Alternatives include sand, ash, non-clumping kitty litter, or even old bedding in a pinch.
- Redirect gutters: Ensure gutters are angled away from the barn, pasture shelters, and common pathways to prevent ice buildup from water runoff.
- Clear pathways: Keep walking routes clear of snow. Use a tractor or heavy equipment to make the job easier; consider renting equipment or asking a neighbor for help if needed.
- Manage water sources: Invest in trough heaters and heated water buckets to prevent freezing. Ensure all electrical components are rated for high-current, outdoor use to prevent fire hazards.
- Assess pasture safety: If a pasture is too icy, avoid turning horses out until conditions improve.
- Prioritize human safety: Wear boots designed for snow and ice to prevent your own slips and falls while handling animals.
Hoof Management
In addition to controlling ice, horse owners should prioritize hoof care and protection during the winter months.
- Evaluate Shoeing Options: Horses with traditional shoes are more prone to slipping on ice and snow. Consult with your farrier about winter-specific options, such as winter shoes, drive-in or permanent caulks, studs, or even pulling the shoes for the season. Be sure to maintain a regular trimming schedule regardless of the weather.
- Prevent Snow Buildup: Pick your horse’s feet daily to remove the large "snowballs" that accumulate during turnout. Your farrier can also suggest rim pads to help prevent snow from packing into the hoof.
- Use Protective Gear: When riding in the snow, consider using hoof boots to prevent packing. Applying a layer of Vaseline or ski wax to the sole of the hoof can also help snow slide out more easily.
Riding Tips
Every horse owner dreams of galloping through a winter wonderland. However, that picturesque snow ride can lead to serious injuries for both horses and riders. If your winter plans include horseback riding, especially if your horse wears shoes, pay close attention to the footing around the stable, arenas, and trails to avoid slips and falls. A horse that slips on ice can easily injure its stifle, hock, tendons, or ligaments, or even suffer fractures or severe lacerations. Additionally, a rider can be seriously injured in a fall caused by icy conditions.
Before you take your horse out of its stall or pasture, ALWAYS check that the paths (to and from the pasture, trails, or arena) are clear and safe. If the paths look somewhat cleared, always LEAD your horse to the destination rather than riding, and TAKE YOUR TIME.
Before embarking on a snowy trail ride, ALWAYS warm up your horse with a pre-ride workout. This will help loosen up your horse’s tendons and ligaments. When heading out on a winter trail ride, NEVER go alone. Always bring a riding companion in case of an emergency, and inform the barn manager or someone you trust about your planned trail route. This way, in the event of an emergency, EMS can locate you, your horse, and your companions. Invest in a portable first aid kit (for both horse and human) to bring along on your ride.
If your horse starts to tire during the ride, shorten your work time and head back to safety. Overworking your horse in winter conditions increases the risk of muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries from a misstep.
