01/22/2026
With this icy system nearly upon us, horses and facilities should be just about ready for temperatures to drop. Preparations now can prevent big problems later!
⢠Water, water, water: Check heaters, insulate exposed pipes, and be ready to break ice. Horses still need consistent access to water, even in freezing temps. Those heavy duty expanding hoses work really when and will last you years when you store them inside! 100ft of expanding hose fits comfortably in a standard 5gal bucket and is pretty lightweight. Just remember, keep it inside when not in use. The freeze miser is also incredibly effective for keeping faucets from freezing. If you don't have frost free spigots, you should be using a freeze miser. You should be able to find them locally. Just make sure you have a way to control the water they "leak" it can create an ice rink on the ground if you don't have a good method of water containment, many people place a trough under them to help catch water.
⢠Hay & feed: Increase forageâhorses burn extra calories staying warm. Make sure hay is dry, accessible, and protected from wind and moisture. Adding soaked beet pulp, hydration hay, or forage pellets/cubes can be a great way to add both forage AND water. We also tend to make warm mashes out of ALL grain meals during stressful weather events here, it allows us to add some extras like electrolytes to keep the horses thirsty and drinking. Making warm alfalfa tea is also a very popular option by using a small amount of alfalfa pellets steeped in a bucket of warm water.
⢠Shelter & wind protection: Ensure horses have access to barns, sheds, or solid windbreaks, especially from north winds.
⢠Blanketing: Old horses, thin horses, very young horses, or clipped horses may need blankets. Make sure all clips face inward. Ensure belly straps and leg straps are crossed. If your horse is out in the rain, make sure it's waterproof. Be mindful of temperature shifts and be sure you're blanketing appropriately for the weather, not too much or too little. Check daily for proper fit and dryness.
⢠Hoof care & footing: Be mindful of ice, frozen mud, and slick ground. Use gravel or hay in high-traffic areas to help prevent slips. If there's a bunch of snow and your horse is shod, cooking spray or Vaseline can help prevent snow from packing in and balling up. Pick feet often and apply whichever preventative every time. If there's a lot of ice on the ground, consider keeping your horses in until you can clear it.
⢠Check fencing & gates: Ice and wind can loosen boards, wire, and latchesâsecure everything ahead of time. Consider covering gate latches so they can't freeze shut or open. There's nothing more frustrating that a frozen latch.
⢠Daily checks and emergencies: Lay eyes and hands on your horses more often during extreme cold to catch issues early. Vets may struggle to get out to you, try to prepare your place and your horses so you don't need to call them. Horses will still be horses though. Have everything you can think of on hand and ready to address injuries, colic, and other issues with. We like to keep Banamine, Dorm Gel, Silver Sulfadiazine cream, Bute, and Equioxx on hand at all times. These are prescription only medications and must be obtained from your vet, but are good to have on hand in case of emergency. We also keep everything we need to care for an abscess and make a heavy pressure bandage on a leg. Being able to make those 2 things generally means you have all the materials to care for most non-catastrophic wounds. A thermometer and stethoscope are also must haves in the med kit.
Stay warm, stay safe, and give your horses an extra pat and treat (or two) during this cold snap. If you have winter prep tips or tricks, share them in the comments below!
