Keeping Water Flowing in Cold Weather
Water is the first priority in winter horse care. Horses that drink enough water maintain better digestion, stay warmer, and are less prone to impaction colic. Research from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Equine Guelph shows that horses drink more when the water is between two and ten degrees Celsius.
Check every automatic waterer or trough heater before the first freeze. Make sure thermostats work, cords are not frayed, and electrical outlets are safe and dry. If you rely on buckets, consider using heated versions or insulated covers. Always test the water temperature yourself, since even a good heater can fail silently.
Clean troughs thoroughly now, as it is much harder once ice forms. Remove algae, sediment, and debris so heaters work efficiently and water stays fresh. For horses on pasture, place troughs in sunny, wind-sheltered areas to slow freezing. Keep a spare water source ready in case a system fails, because once lines freeze, repair options shrink quickly.
Forage Calories versus Grain
When temperatures fall, horses use extra calories to maintain body heat. Forage, not grain, should supply most of that energy. As hay ferments in the hindgut, it produces steady warmth, which keeps horses comfortable from the inside out.
Increase hay amounts gradually in late October and early November. An average horse eats about two percent of its body weight in dry forage daily, but this can rise to two and a half or even three percent in severe cold. Split feedings into several smaller meals to encourage movement and steady digestion.
Grain or concentrates can help maintain weight in hard keepers, but they should supplement, not replace, hay. Oats, beet pulp, or a balanced pelleted ration can provide extra calories, but always adjust based on workload, body condition, and age. The goal is to fuel warmth naturally through fiber, not fast energy spikes.
If pasture grass is fading, introduce hay before the ground freezes so horses adjust smoothly. Offer salt and mineral blocks year-round to support hydration and appetite.
Hay Storage and Fire Risk Basics
As hay deliveries arrive, safe storage becomes critical. Stack bales on pallets to promote airflow underneath and prevent moisture build-up. Never store freshly baled or slightly damp hay in enclosed barns, as spontaneous combustion is a real risk. If you are uncertain about moisture content, use a hay thermometer to monitor temperature for several days.
Keep hay stacks away from electrical wiring, lights, or machinery. Sweep up loose chaff and debris often, and store baled hay in a separate structure if possible. If hay must stay in the same barn as horses, keep only what you need for a week or two and rotate stock regularly.
Good ventilation helps prevent both fire risk and respiratory irritation. Dust and mould levels rise in closed spaces, so airing out barns on mild days keeps conditions healthier for everyone.
Footing Fixes at Gates and Troughs
Footing in high-traffic zones takes a beating during freeze and thaw cycles. Around gates, feeders, and troughs, wet ground becomes rutted, freezes solid, and then turns slippery. These areas are where horses, and people, are most likely to fall or strain joints.
Before the ground freezes completely, smooth out deep holes and fill them with crushed gravel, screenings, or coarse sand. Avoid fine materials like topsoil that turn slick when wet. Rubber mats or geotextile fabric covered with gravel create excellent stability in small, high-use spots.
If you manage multiple paddocks, focus on the ones you use most often. Keeping one entrance dry and secure is safer than spreading your efforts too thin. After snowfall begins, clear packed ice regularly and spread sand or wood ash for traction. Salt works for ice removal, but only use it away from hooves, since it can cause dryness and irritation.
A Simple Daily Winter Routine
Once the freeze sets in, daily habits keep things running smoothly.
Morning:
Check all water sources first. Remove any ice and confirm heaters are working. Feed hay immediately to warm horses from within.
Midday:
Inspect gates and trough areas for footing issues. Rake out manure in dry weather so it does not freeze into the ground. Keep the Paddock Blade handy for efficient manure removal when conditions allow, as it helps maintain safer footing and reduces ice build-up.
Evening:
Top off hay nets or feeders for overnight feeding, check blankets if used, and confirm all electrical cords for heaters are intact and safely out of reach.
Consistency makes winter chores less overwhelming. When the temperature plunges, a stable routine is your best defense against frozen buckets and hungry horses.
FAQs
Do horses drink more lukewarm water?
Yes, research shows horses prefer water between two and ten degrees Celsius. They drink more at these temperatures, which helps prevent dehydration and colic during cold weather.
Hay or grain for winter calories?
Hay should always provide most of a horse’s winter calories. Digesting forage generates internal warmth and keeps the gut active. Grain can supplement calories for horses that lose weight easily, but it should never replace hay.
Best quick fixes for icy gateways?
Spread coarse sand or screenings for traction, and avoid fine materials that turn slick. In small areas, rubber mats or old stall mats also work well. Remove manure often to prevent uneven frozen clumps that make footing dangerous.
Conclusion
Preparing your barn and paddocks before the first freeze means fewer headaches and safer horses all winter long. Keep water accessible, boost forage for warmth, and fix footing before the ground becomes solid. Check heaters and cords, store hay safely, and establish a simple daily routine that keeps chores consistent.
Winter in Canada will always bring challenges, but with preparation, your barn will stay efficient and your horses will stay healthy. As every experienced owner knows, a few hours of planning now can save weeks of trouble once the cold settles in.
