15/11/2025
🔷Winter Checklist from Hestevard 🔷
As temperatures drop, your horse’s needs begin to change.
Less grass, more hay – cooler days, slower muscles.
The change of season always calls for a little extra attention.
💚 We’ve put together a few key points to keep an eye on this winter:
🥕 Check the ration
As the grazing season ends, energy requirements change. It’s worth reviewing protein, fibre and trace element levels and adjusting the feeding plan if needed.
💧 Monitor water intake
Cold water is often less appealing – even though hydration remains just as important. Offering warm water or soaked feeds can help encourage drinking.
🦴 Support joints & movement
In cold and wet weather, muscles and joints need more time to loosen up.
Make sure to allow a proper warm-up before increasing the intensity of your training.
🧴 Keep an eye on the coat
The thickening winter coat means extra metabolic work. Zinc, copper and biotin support skin, coat and hoof health during this demanding phase.
🌾 Ease stomach & digestion
More hay means a different feed structure – and a shift for the digestive system. Good feed hygiene and plenty of fibre help maintain a balanced gut.
Small adjustments in feeding and routine can make a big difference – especially when the weather turns cold and damp. 💚
