# Horse Winter Care UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-winter-care-uk): Horse Winter Care UK — Quick answer. UK horse winter priorities: unfrozen water, adequate forage, shelter from wind and rain, and mud fever prevention. Colic is an emergency — pawing, rolling, looking at flank needs immediate vet contact.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-winter-care-uk): Horse Winter Care UK — Water and forage. According to the RSPCA and Blue Cross, horses may drink less when trough water freezes, which can increase colic risk in winter. Break ice or use insulated troughs twice daily, and provide hay ad lib so digestion helps maintain body warmth.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-winter-care-uk): Horse Winter Care UK — Rugging decisions. | Situation | Typical approach | |-----------|------------------| | Unclipped native, good shelter | May need no rug | | Clipped or thin coat | Rug when wet and cold | | Elderly or unwell | Vet-guided rugging | Over-rugging causes sweating and chill — check under rug daily.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-winter-care-uk): Horse Winter Care UK — Field management. - Sacrifice paddock or hard standing to rest muddy fields - Clean and dry legs after turnout - Check hooves regularly — thrush increases in wet

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-winter-care-uk