Does My Horse Need Stabling This Winter

As we move towards the end of September and into October. We will begin to see a significant change in the weather. We must ask ourselves ‘Does my horse need stabling this Winter?’.

Temperatures will begin to drop and our days will become darker for longer. As we draw closer to the time when the clocks go back an hour. 

This time of the year can often be the time that many horse parents decide to begin the stabling process. To keep their horses indoors throughout the cooler months. However, not everyone has the means to do this. Which can result in some horses spending half their time stabled and others being kept outside all year round. 

Knowing your horse and its needs will help you decide on ‘Does my horse need stabling this winter.’ 

Reasons people stable their horses during the Winter and colder months

Autumn and Winter will see a reduction in the amount of food available outside. Limiting what your horse can graze, not to mention the quality of foraging materials. Quite often, with limited flora available in the open spaces of the field. Horses have been known to go searching in hedges. Which can put a strain on their limbs or worse can cause injury to their eyes and in some cases loss of sight. 

The weather can also be unpredictable at this time of the year. Whilst many horses that still have their winter coat intact can cope with the cold. There may be other reasons a horse might be stabled. Thunder or lightning can cause a horse to react out of fear, which may lead to injury. Snow, sleet, ice and even rain on an autumn day can cause a horse to slip. If you aren’t there to keep an eye on them twenty-four-seven. Then leaving your horse out can make them vulnerable to mother nature and their surroundings. 

If your horse has allergies this may be another reason for keeping them stabled throughout the winter months. Especially if your horse shares an outdoor space such as a paddock with other horses.

As well as giving your pasture time to rest. Which is really important for regrowth, there may be other things out in the fields that need attention. During this time you can address and fix any damaged fencing. Whilst as previously mentioned allowing your pasture the opportunity to rest

If you have more than one horse this can also invite trouble. For example, food is scarce in the outdoors. This could lead to one horse not being able to get enough should there become a hierarchy. 

A horse that has suffered an injury will have to be stabled for fear of infection from the outdoors. Especially with mucky fields, rainfall, and energetic horse pals that might accidentally make the situation worse. 

How Should I Prepare My Horse For Stabling This Winter?

Before stabling your horse ahead of the colder months there are a few things you should do in preparation. 

Take a look at the space you intend to keep your horse in over the winter. Eliminate any drafts and ensure areas that are prone to leaks are secured. 

Insulate water and heating pipes. This will reduce heat loss as well as time waiting for the hot water to warm up. With pipes that have cold water running through them, insulating will prevent frozen pipes as well as a build-up of condensation. This is definitely something you want to avoid in your horse’s stable as this could encourage dampness. You want to create a nice cosy environment.

If you have issues with drainage consider drainage channels or sloping floors. This will prevent any flooding in the stalls, keeping them dry. 

The use of lighting in the stables is important for your horses. Especially if they are going to be spending a lot of time indoors. With the nights being darker for longer, natural light will not be enough to keep the stables well-lit. Therefore it would be wise to invest in further lighting. To help create a safe environment for both you and your horses. As we know, strong winds can often hit throughout the winter months causing power cuts. Having a backup plan on hand such as torches or solar-panelled lighting is a great way to help prevent panic. Ensure all the important areas are well lit such as walkways. 

A big clean before you begin to place their bedding etc. Perhaps looking at ways to prevent mice or rats from venturing inside and creating their own winter homes. Especially as this can cause disease, and damage to wires, insulation and wood. Which could affect the structure of your horse’s stables. 

Store feed in tightly secured glass containers or metal bins. As pests will not be able to penetrate either of these materials keeping them out and food safe. If you cut off their food source then this should be half the battle. If you have a cat. Allow it to run up and down the stalls so the intruders will pick up the scent of a predator. Also, good housekeeping is an effective preventative. Keeping on top of any uneaten or spilt feed. Will means there is no reason for tiny rodents to enter your building. 

During the colder months, rats and mice aren’t just looking for food, they are also on the lookout for shelter. A warm space where they can live out the bitter temperatures can become quite a disaster. If they make your horse’s home theirs. Especially as they tend to breed at a rapid speed which can result in a rodent infestation. 

Any unused blankets, horse rugs or any fabric. You think a mouse or rat might take comfort in should be stored away. The same precautions are taken when storing feed, in containers that cannot be penetrated by sharp teeth. Wire wool is great for filling any holes that might appeal to these small rodents. 

Moving away from rodents, ensure you are well stocked up on supplies for your horse in good time. As this product can quickly become in high demand as soon as the leaves of autumn begin to turn brown. Don’t forget to stock up not only on feed and bedding. But also items that might get damaged easily with overuse or bad weather. Should you leave any outside such as buckets for carrying water etc

Other Factors To Consider When Stabling Your Horse This Winter

If you decide to clip your horse ahead of the winter months. Choose the right rugs to suit your horse’s needs. Keeping them warm as their natural winter coat will have been removed after the clipping. Choosing the right fit is key. If not this could cause your horse to sweat and rub giving rise to skin irritations. 

Horses can get bored and when indoors they are limited to what they can do. Outside they have the opportunity to forage, graze and explore their surroundings. To prevent your horse from becoming depressed and bored there are some great products available. 

Silvermoor Swingers have created a grass ball which is the perfect addition to your horse’s stable. This low sugar, low starch treat can be hung from their stables. Keeping them entertained for some time as they try to grab it with their teeth. One hundred per cent natural, this is a healthy treat that can help prevent gastric ulcers. 

Similar to Silvermoor Swingers. LikIt has designed a selection of different flavoured treats. Which can be used in conjunction with their own LikIt toys to help eliminate boredom in stabled horses.

Hiding treats throughout the stables is also a good way to encourage foraging and prevent boredom. 

What about our own safety?

It’s not just your horse’s safety we need to think of when stabling them. Being responsible and taking the right precautions should help keep you safe and out of any danger. 

Wearing the appropriate gear when entering your horse’s domain is crucial. A good pair of boots to protect your feet when mucking out or when moving your horse. Gloves to protect your hands as well as a helmet if your horse has a tendency of becoming overly energetic. 

Ensure there is no loose clothing as well as jewellery which might tempt your horse. Hi-Vis vests and or jackets to highlight your presence. Not only to your horse but to others in case of an emergency. 

What about exercise and grooming?

If possible try to allow your horse some outdoor time. Even if only for an hour so they can get some exercise and vitamin D2 to help maintain healthy bones and skin. 

If grooming your horse indoors, especially if this is their first time. Then a suggestion would be to tie them up to prevent any outbursts of excitement or nerves. This will stop you from getting injured and make it easier to get the job done. Grooming your horse will also be a great bonding time for you both, especially for your horse. 

Unfortunately, a stabled horse won’t get the same exercise it had during the warmer months. When it was out and about in the fields. And because of this, diet is definitely something that needs to be taken into consideration. Overfeeding your horse is a common issue with stabled horses. Often horse parents can forget to adjust their meal portions. And with horses not doing as much exercise at this time of the year. They are prone to putting on weight unless their portions are reduced. Often extra feed is given to keep them busy. This is why treats as mentioned previously are a great idea because it challenges them. Keeping their minds stimulated and occupied for some time. 

As always, if you have any questions regarding our products that can assist you in deciding ‘Does my horse need stabling this Winter’, call into one of our stores where you can speak to a member of our team or contact us via our website or any of our social media channels.