7 Smart Tips for Feeding Horses in Winter: Nutrition Advice for Aussie Owners

Cold mornings, wet paddocks, patchy pastures and the never-ending hay bills. Sound familiar? Aussie horse owners know that winter nutrition isn’t just about throwing more feed into the paddock. It’s about balancing warmth, energy, digestion, and hydration, all while watching for weight changes and unexpected issues like mud fever or colic.

But here's the most important thing: Before you implement anything from this article, please speak to your vet, a certified equine nutritionist, or a certified equine nutrition advisor.

They’ll guide you based on your specific horse’s age, breed, condition, workload, and environment. Nothing beats expert, one-on-one guidance.

In this article, we’ll break down two different nutrition strategies:

• One for horses who stay active during winter
  
  

• One for horses who get a break or reduce work
  
  

Let’s get started!

Understanding Australia's Winter Nutrition Challenges

Australia’s winter isn’t like Europe or the US. Depending on your region, you might be battling drizzly days in Victoria or dry cold nights in inland Queensland. Pasture growth slows or even stops, and horses burn more calories to stay warm, especially those left unrugged or living outdoors.

Regardless of climate, one universal truth remains: Fiber is king. Horses need roughage to maintain gut health and body temperature. Whether that fiber comes from pasture or hay, it must be consistent and high quality. Skimping here leads to everything from weight loss to ulcers.

Let’s look at how you can adapt based on your horse’s winter activity level.

Feeding Active Horses During Winter

Some horses stay in full or partial work through winter, especially performance horses, riding school mounts, and competitive hacks. These horses need higher energy diets to maintain performance, stamina, and weight.

Calories: The Core Focus

You don’t always need to pump them full of grains. Instead, prioritize slow-release energy sources like:

• Lucerne hay
  
  

• Beet pulp
  
  

• Soy hulls
  
  

• Copra meal
  
  

These keep blood sugar stable while helping maintain muscle tone and energy.

Forage & Fibre Intake

Aim for 1.5%–2.5% of body weight in forage daily. That’s roughly 7.5–12.5 kg of hay for a 500 kg horse. If pasture is poor or non-existent, high-quality hay becomes critical. Mixed meadow hay or lucerne blends work well.

Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Working horses still sweat, even in winter. So, they need electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium. Consider a salt lick or a daily dose in their feed. Also watch for:

• Vitamin D if your horse is rugged all the time
  
  

• Magnesium for muscle support
  
  

Hydration: The Hidden Winter Risk

Many horses drink less in winter. This boosts the risk of impaction colic. Use warmed water (10°C–15°C if possible), add water to feeds, and monitor manure texture.

Monitor Body Condition Weekly

Feel ribs, check topline, and assess coat condition. A good energy diet keeps the body smooth, not chunky or bony.

Sample Winter Nutrition Plan for Active Horses

Feeding Horses on a Winter Break

Not every horse works through winter. Some get well-earned time off, especially older horses, broodmares, or leisure horses that don’t perform during colder months.

While their calorie demands are lower, that doesn’t mean you can just let them fend for themselves.

Careful feeding is still key to keeping them healthy, warm, and free of winter problems like colic, mud fever, or excessive weight gain.

Lower Energy Needs, Same Fibre Needs

These horses aren’t burning as much energy, so their need for concentrates or grains drops significantly. However, fibre requirements remain the same. The digestive process itself keeps them warm from the inside out. A diet built on quality hay and pasture is usually enough.

Great options include:

• Grass hay or oaten hay (if not dusty)
  
  

• Lucerne as a supplement, not the base
  
  

• Haylage or hay cubes for horses with dental issues
  
  

Weight Management: Gain or Loss

Some horses will gain weight quickly when out of work, especially easy-keepers like ponies or stock breeds. Others might drop weight from the cold alone.

Track changes weekly using a weight tape and visual scores. Adjust hay levels before introducing hard feeds.

Avoiding Overfeeding Concentrates

Unless medically required, don’t feed grains to resting horses. Instead, maintain energy using:

• Low-sugar chaff
  
  

• Soaked beet pulp (for gut health)
  
  

• Linseed meal or oil (for skin and condition)
  
  

Joint Health & Digestive Support

Horses in a paddock rest benefit from:

• Joint supplements (glucosamine, MSM)
  
  

• Digestive balancers (especially if prone to ulcers)
  
  

• Vitamin E & selenium for antioxidant support (especially if grass is limited)
  
  

Hydration and Weather Changes

Even in rest, horses must stay hydrated. Use:

• Heated water troughs (if possible)
  
  

• Soaked hay pellets
  
  

• Plain salt or Himalayan licks
  
  

Cold water can significantly reduce intake, especially in older horses.

Sample Winter Nutrition Plan for Resting Horses

Practical Winter Feeding Tips for All Horse Owners

Regardless of whether your horse is working or resting, some winter nutrition principles remain universal. Cold weather can be tricky, but smart planning helps prevent common health issues while keeping your horse comfortable and content.

Change Diets Slowly

Always introduce new feeds or hay gradually over 7–10 days. Sudden diet changes can lead to colic or gut upset. If you switch from pasture to hay, or swap hay varieties, mix old with new.

Use Body Condition Scoring (BCS)

BCS is a tool for visually assessing fat coverage. Check:

• Ribs: Should be felt but not seen
  
  

• Spine & withers: Shouldn't be sharp or sunken
  
  

• Tailhead & rump: Should be rounded, not bulging
  
  

Score your horse every 1–2 weeks and adjust feeding accordingly.

Avoid Mud-Linked Feed Risks

Too much sugar or starch can increase risk for:

• Laminitis
  
  

• Mud fever (linked with lowered immunity)
  
  

Use low-NSC feeds, and avoid molasses-laden products unless necessary.

Rugging Impacts Feed Needs

If your horse is rugged 24/7, they may require slightly less energy to stay warm. Conversely, unrugged horses will need more hay to generate internal warmth through digestion.

Feed on Rubber Mats or Raised Platforms

Feeding hay directly on muddy paddocks can lead to waste, contamination, and ingestion of sand or parasites. Use feed mats, hay feeders, or raised surfaces.

When to Seek Professional Help

Even with the best planning, winter brings unpredictability. If you notice any of the following, contact a vet or certified equine nutritionist right away:

• Sudden weight loss or gain
  
  

• Dull or patchy coat
  
  

• Reluctance to eat or drink
  
  

• Diarrhea or very dry manure
  
  

• Stiffness, lethargy, or lameness
  
  

Also, if you’re unsure how to balance vitamins and minerals, especially with forage-only diets, don’t guess. A certified nutrition advisor can design a plan tailored to your region, pasture, and horse’s individual needs.

FAQs About Feeding Horses in Winter

Can I feed my horse the same in winter as in summer?
Not exactly. Pasture quality, temperature, and energy needs all change. Winter often requires more hay and possibly different supplements.

Do I need to consult a vet or equine nutritionist?
Yes. Especially for horses with health issues, special needs, or changing workloads. A professional ensures your horse gets the right balance without risking over- or under-feeding.

What’s the best type of hay for winter feeding?
Grass hay or meadow hay is ideal for most horses. Lucerne can be added in moderation. Always avoid moldy or dusty hay.

Should I warm my horse’s drinking water?
Yes, if you can. Horses drink more water when the temperature is around 10°C–15°C, which helps prevent impaction colic.

What about adding oils or fats to the diet?
Oils like linseed or canola can be excellent for condition and coat shine in winter. Introduce slowly and in consultation with your advisor.

How often should I weigh or condition-score my horse?
Every 1–2 weeks in winter is ideal. Use a tape and track trends, not just individual numbers.

Wrap Up

Feeding horses in winter is part science, part observation, and a whole lot of patience. Whether your horse is powering through the season in full work or enjoying a slow, muddy holiday, their nutrition needs shift. What stays the same is the importance of high-quality forage, fresh water, and personalized planning.

And remember: Every horse is different. Always consult your vet, certified equine nutritionist, or certified equine nutrition advisor before making any changes to your horse’s diet.

It’s the best way to ensure health, happiness, and long-term wellness!