Preparing Your Horse’s Joints for Cold Weather

The days are still warm, but fall is coming—and if you have an older horse or one with a history of arthritis or joint issues, now is a good time to start thinking about how those joints will feel when temperatures begin to drop.

Cold weather itself doesn’t necessarily cause joint problems. But changes that come with winter—less movement, harder or frozen footing, longer periods spent standing, and changes in exercise routines—can make existing stiffness and discomfort much more noticeable.

A little preparation now can help keep your horse comfortable and moving well throughout the colder months.

Keep Them Moving

One of the best things you can do for healthy joints is encourage regular, appropriate movement.

As temperatures drop, horses may naturally move less—especially when pastures become muddy, icy, frozen, or snow-covered. Horses that normally get regular exercise may also spend more time standing during the winter months.

Gentle, consistent movement helps maintain joint mobility, supports the muscles surrounding the joints, and encourages circulation.

For horses with arthritis, a long period of standing followed by sudden strenuous exercise can be particularly uncomfortable. Whenever possible, aim for consistent activity rather than the occasional hard workout.

Give Them Time to Warm Up

That first lap around the arena may feel very different in January than it did in July.

Older horses and those with known joint changes may need additional time to loosen up before being asked for more demanding work.

Start with plenty of relaxed walking and allow your horse to gradually increase his range of motion before moving into faster or more strenuous exercise.

And remember: the warm-up isn't just for your horse's joints. Tendons, ligaments, and muscles benefit from a gradual increase in activity, too.

Pay Attention to Footing

Winter footing can change quickly.

Frozen, rutted ground can increase concussion and make movement uncomfortable, while ice creates an obvious slipping hazard. Deep or uneven snow can also require considerably more effort from your horse.

Consider the footing when deciding how much—and what kind of—exercise is appropriate that day. Sometimes the best choice is simply an easy walk.

Maintain a Healthy Body Condition

Extra weight means extra work for weight-bearing joints.

Keeping your horse at an appropriate body condition is important year-round, but it can become particularly important for horses already dealing with arthritis or other orthopedic concerns.

At the same time, older horses can sometimes struggle to maintain weight during the winter, so don't assume that "less is better." The goal is an appropriate body condition for the individual horse.

Don't Wait Until Your Horse Is Really Sore

Watch for subtle changes as the weather turns colder:

• Taking longer to loosen up

• Shortened stride

• Reluctance to pick up a lead

• Difficulty backing or turning tightly

• Hesitation going up or down hills

• Changes in willingness to work

• Stiffness when first leaving the stall or paddock

• Difficulty getting up or lying down

These changes aren't simply something we have to accept because a horse is "getting old."

They may be telling us that something hurts.

Make a Winter Joint Plan Before Winter Arrives

If your horse has known arthritis, previous joint injuries, or a history of becoming noticeably stiffer during the winter, now is a good time to talk with your veterinarian.

Depending on the individual horse, a winter management plan might include changes in exercise, turnout, hoof care, nutrition, pain management, or other veterinary treatments.

There isn't one joint-care plan that's right for every horse.

The goal is to look at your horse, his workload, his history, and his environment and make a plan that helps keep him comfortable and moving throughout the season.

Because when January arrives in Wisconsin, we'd much rather already have a plan than wait for your horse to tell us he's hurting.

Not sure whether the stiffness you're seeing is normal—or something that deserves a closer look? Give Dells Equine Veterinary Service a call. We're happy to help you figure out what your horse needs before the cold weather settles in.