In the spring and summer, when the pastures are lush, your horse will pack on a little extra weight to prepare for winter. In the winter, they burn off those extra fat reserves to stay warm. While it is normal and even beneficial for horses to lose some weight in the winter, some do need help maintaining a healthy weight.
Healthy Seasonal Weight Fluctuations in Horses
A study on weight changes in Thoroughbred racehorses showed an average of 13 to 18 pounds of fluctuation throughout the year. For horses with a healthy body condition, small fluctuations are normal. Your horse’s wild ancestors experienced much greater fluctuations over the winter, but domestic horses live in milder conditions and have access to food and shelter year-round.
Around 50 percent of horses are overweight, and about 10 percent are obese. Many horse owners do not realize that their horse could benefit from losing weight in the winter. As long as your horse does not lose weight rapidly and maintains a body condition score of 5 or 6, you do not need to make major changes to their diet.
Monitor your horse’s weight by:
- Taking photos at least every other week
- Checking for slight fat cover over the ribs without the ribs being easily visible
- Consult your veterinarian to determine your horse’s ideal weight
If needed, you can explore nutritional support options in the Horse Supplements category.
When Is Winter Weight Loss Unhealthy?
Winter weight loss can be concerning for:
- Foals
- Pregnant mares
- Hard keepers
- Senior horses
Foals and senior horses may have more difficulty maintaining their core body temperature. Horses with higher caloric needs may struggle to maintain weight as their metabolism increases in cold weather.
If you suspect parasites are contributing to weight loss, talk with your veterinarian and review deworming options in the Horse Dewormers category.
How To Maintain Weight in the Winter
If your horse is losing more weight than usual this winter despite adequate nutrition, they may have an underlying health issue such as internal parasites or dental pain. If your horse has a clean bill of health, they may simply need more calories.
You can find a range of products to support overall equine health in the Horse Supplies category.
Provide Adequate Forage
Hay is the best fuel for your horse in cold weather. The high fiber content ferments in the gut, generating heat so your horse stays warm. Your horse should have constant access to hay in the winter.
You can replace up to 25 percent of your horse’s forage with alfalfa hay, which is more calorie-dense than most grass hays. Alfalfa hay should make up no more than 50 percent of your horse’s total diet.
Add Safe Calorie Sources
If your horse struggles to maintain weight even with around-the-clock hay access, you may need to add a fat source to their diet. Vegetable oils are inexpensive and widely available, but they are not ideal for every horse.
Ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and soybean oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. These nutrients support joint health, immune function, and cognitive health.
Ensure Access to Fresh Water
Make sure your horse always has access to fresh, clean water. Horses can become dehydrated in the winter when their trough or bucket freezes over, and they may eat less as a result.
You can use a heated water trough or place a floating object such as a soccer ball in the trough to help prevent ice from forming.
Introduce Changes Gradually
Any additions to your horse’s diet should be introduced gradually. Aim for steady progress rather than quick weight gain. It is generally better for a horse to be slightly lean than overweight.
If you do not see improvement within a few weeks, or if your horse’s weight continues to drop, consult your veterinarian for further evaluation and guidance.
