Do all horses need rugs in winter?

Not always. Many native breeds cope with shelter and forage. Clipped, elderly, thin, or sick horses often need rugs — your yard vet can advise on weight and rug type.

Why does colic increase in winter?

Reduced water intake when troughs freeze, diet changes, and less movement contribute. Ensure unfrozen water and consistent forage.

Bacterial skin infection on lower legs from prolonged wet muddy conditions. Keep legs clean and dry where possible; contact your vet if scabs or swelling appear.

Horse Health

Horse Winter Care UK — Rugging, Mud & Colic Risk

Published 1 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20261 min read

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.

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.

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.

Field management

Sacrifice paddock or hard standing to rest muddy fields
Clean and dry legs after turnout
Check hooves regularly — thrush increases in wet

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do all horses need rugs in winter?: Not always. Many native breeds cope with shelter and forage. Clipped, elderly, thin, or sick horses often need rugs — your yard vet can advise on weight and rug type.
Why does colic increase in winter?: Reduced water intake when troughs freeze, diet changes, and less movement contribute. Ensure unfrozen water and consistent forage.
What is mud fever?: Bacterial skin infection on lower legs from prolonged wet muddy conditions. Keep legs clean and dry where possible; contact your vet if scabs or swelling appear.