What’s on My Winter Prep List for My Horses?

As the days get shorter and the mornings start to feel like I’m stepping into a meat locker, I know it’s time to get serious about winter prep for the horses. And by “serious,” I mean chasing my runaway rug stash, and mentally preparing for six months of frozen fingers and muddy hooves.

Here’s what’s on my winter prep list—with a few hard-learned lessons and laughs mixed in.

1. Check and Clean Rugs

Every Autumn, I proudly drag out the rug bin like a treasure chest… only to find it full of mystery straps, hay dust, some hefty spiders and that one heavyweight that smells mysteriously like a wet dog.  I lay them out like a chaotic game of equine fashion show and try to remember which horse wore which last year. 

Bring your rugs to Risley Saddlery for a wash and reproof before winter, and also sort out any repairs needed, Sheila B is a wizard with the sewing machine and saves many a doomed rug – start off as you mean to go on!

2. Stock Up on Hay and Feed

I treat hay shopping like I’m doomsday prepping. If you peek into my tack room in November, it looks like I’m preparing for an apocalypse that involves picky eaters and sudden snowstorms.

Pro tip: Try not to get caught in a hay pickup line during a surprise snowstorm.

3. Hoof Care and Farrier Schedule

Frozen ground and hoof maintenance are a combo I’d like to delete from reality. Hoof picking in winter is a workout. Between the frozen mud and my horses’ knack for stepping in the only manure pile for miles, we all know that the hoof picks will mysteriously disappear.  Stock up now, before the cold weather hits! 

https://risleysaddlery.co.uk/shop/horse-equipment/horse-care-and-equipment/hoof-and-leg-care

4. First Aid and Emergency Supplies

You know you’re a horse owner when your first aid kit rivals a small clinic. I stock everything from wound spray to duct tape (you know it’s true) and keep extras of the things that mysteriously disappear, like syringes and scissors.

I once opened my emergency bin to find a half-eaten granola bar, a hoof pick I’d been missing for three months, and my good winter gloves… chewed beyond recognition. The horses were not sorry.

First aid supplies are available online here – https://risleysaddlery.co.uk/shop/horse-equipment/horse-care-and-equipment/first-aid/

5. Adjusting Routines

Winter routines are a blend of strategy, stubbornness, and survival instincts. I try to ride before sunset, which means mounting up at 3:30 p.m. in January while pretending I can still feel my toes.

Some days, we skip the ride and just do a “grooming spa day,” which is code for brushing dried mud off a horse.

Stock up on your grooming kit requirements here – https://risleysaddlery.co.uk/shop/horse-equipment/horse-care-and-equipment/grooming-equipment/

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6. Stay Flexible and Stay Warm

I’ve learned to layer like a pro. Long Johns, thermal socks, three hoodies, and that one coat that smells faintly like molasses but gets the job done. I keep extra gloves in every coat pocket, which guarantees I’ll still lose them all by February.

And yes, I’ve 100% done chores in pyjamas under overalls. No shame in this game.

We have warm winter clothing and waterproofs too!  https://risleysaddlery.co.uk/shop/rider-clothing/casualwear/

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Final Thoughts

Winter horse care might not be glamorous, but it’s full of small victories, hilarious moments, and memories that make it all worth it—especially when your horse nuzzles your face with his warm breath on a freezing morning.

Got any funny winter prep stories of your own? We’d love to hear them—drop them in the comments and let’s all laugh through the snowdrifts together!