10/17/2026
🍂❄️ THE FIRST COLD NIGHT OF THE SEASON: HORSE CARE TIPS!🐴
The temperatures are dropping, and that first chilly night of fall is right around the corner! While horses are generally well equipped to handle cold weather, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping them happy, healthy, and comfortable. ❤️
Here are some tips to help your horses transition into the colder months!
🌡️ 1. Don't automatically reach for a blanket!
Healthy, acclimated horses with a good winter coat can tolerate surprisingly cold temperatures. A blanket isn't necessary for every horse! However, senior horses, underweight horses, clipped horses, and those with certain health conditions may need extra protection. If you do blanket, make sure it's waterproof when needed, breathable, properly fitted, and checked daily.
🌾 2. Give them plenty of hay!
One of the best ways for a horse to stay warm is by digesting forage. The fermentation of fiber in the hindgut produces heat, helping horses maintain their body temperature. Make sure they have plenty of good-quality hay, especially as temperatures drop!
💧 3. Don't forget the water!
Horses still need plenty of water in cold weather. Some horses drink less when the water gets very cold, increasing their risk of impaction colic. Check water buckets and troughs regularly, make sure they stay clean, and prevent them from freezing. Slightly warmed water may encourage drinking.
🏡 4. Make sure they have shelter.
Horses need protection from cold winds, rain, and freezing precipitation. A three-sided shelter, run-in shed, or appropriate stable can provide a place to escape the elements. Dry shelter and a way to get out of the wind are especially important when cold temperatures are combined with rain.
🐴 5. Pay special attention to your seniors and hard keepers.
Older horses and horses that are underweight may struggle more to maintain their body temperature. Check body condition, monitor weight, and adjust their feeding plan as needed. Don't wait until a horse is visibly shivering or losing weight to make changes!
🧥 6. Remember that wet and windy weather changes everything.
A dry winter coat traps insulating air, but rain and wind can make horses lose heat much faster. A horse that is comfortable on a dry, calm night may need additional protection during cold, wet weather.
🌱 7. Watch those pastures!
As grass growth slows, your horses may not be getting as much nutrition from grazing. Keep an eye on their weight and make sure their forage needs are being met. Don't assume there's enough food just because the pasture still looks green!
🔍 8. Do a quick evening check.
Before heading inside for the night, check that your horses have:
✔️ Plenty of hay
✔️ Access to fresh, unfrozen water
✔️ Adequate shelter
✔️ Properly fitted blankets if needed
✔️ No signs of illness, unusual shivering, or discomfort
❤️ And one final reminder: Every horse is different! There is no single temperature at which every horse needs a blanket. Their age, body condition, coat, health, shelter, wind, rain, and how well they've acclimated to the cold all matter.
At Sahara's Sanctuary, we want all horses to be safe and comfortable as the seasons change. A little extra preparation tonight can make a big difference tomorrow!
🐴 What is your go-to trick for keeping your horses comfortable when the temperatures first start dropping? Share your tips below!🍂
