Feeding Horses Through the Mud: Nutrition Strategies for Wet, Cold Weather
If you're knee-deep in mud and rain-soaked paddocks right now, you're definitely not alone. Wet, cold weather can make horse care feel like an uphill battle — not just for you, but for your horse too. From mud fever and rain scald to weight loss and sluggish immune systems, winter brings its own set of nutritional challenges. But with the right feeding strategy, you can help your horse stay healthy, resilient, and comfortable through even the soggiest season.
Here's a science-backed, practical guide to supporting your horse nutritionally through the worst of the winter weather.
🌿 1. Muddy Weather = Hidden Nutritional Gaps
You may not see it right away, but winter mud can sabotage your horse's nutritional intake:
Pasture quality drops dramatically when grass is overgrazed or waterlogged. That means fewer nutrients and less natural forage.
More energy is required just to stay warm, especially for horses with thin coats, seniors, or those living out 24/7.
Health risks increase as the immune system gets taxed by cold stress and prolonged dampness.
Nutrition becomes more than just a maintenance tool in winter — it's your best defense against seasonal setbacks.
🐴 2. Feed to Fortify Skin and Hooves
Mud weakens the skin barrier and softens hooves, making horses more vulnerable to infections like thrush and mud fever. Supporting skin and hoof health starts from the inside:
Zinc and Copper: These trace minerals are crucial for keratin production and skin integrity. Deficiencies can lead to brittle hooves, poor coat quality, and increased susceptibility to rain scald.
Selenium and Vitamin E: Both support immune function and help reduce oxidative stress, which is elevated in cold, wet environments.
High-Quality Protein: Look for feeds with good amino acid profiles (like alfalfa or soybean meal) to support tissue repair, hair regrowth, and hoof structure.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in flaxseed, chia, or marine oils, omega-3s reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin and coat condition.
Tip: Avoid overloading on supplements without a balanced base diet. Start with a quality forage and add only what your horse truly needs.
🐎 3. Gut Health: Keep the Engine Running
A horse's digestive system thrives on consistency and fibre. When pasture is poor or unavailable, it’s up to you to fill the gap:
Provide free-choice hay: This keeps the hindgut active and generates heat via fermentation — nature’s internal heater.
Use slow feeders to reduce waste and extend feeding time. Bored horses standing in mud are more likely to develop ulcers or behavioural issues.
Boost calories with high-fibre, low-starch options: Beet pulp, soy hulls, and copra meal are excellent winter-friendly options. They're easier on the gut and great for adding condition without risking laminitis.
Tip: Avoid big jumps in starch or sugar. Sudden feed changes in winter can stress the gut and suppress immunity.
🌾 4. Smart Feeding in Wet Conditions
Managing feed in the mud is no picnic. Here are some real-world strategies:
Store hay off the ground and under cover to prevent mold and nutrient loss. Use pallets or hay huts where possible.
Balance a hay-only diet with a comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement or balancer pellet. Don’t rely on hay alone to meet your horse’s full nutritional profile.
Add targeted support for horses with compromised skin or immune systems. This might include:
Biotin and methionine for hoof health
Organic trace minerals (more bioavailable than inorganic forms)
Prebiotics and colostrum to support gut and immune health
Tip: Keep water warm enough to encourage drinking. Horses often drink less in winter, increasing the risk of impaction colic.
💡 5. Prevention is Cheaper Than Treatment
Good nutrition is your best insurance policy against winter health issues. A well-fed horse is more likely to:
Resist skin infections like mud fever and rain scald
Maintain hoof integrity despite constant moisture
Hold weight and topline when grazing is limited
Stay resilient against cold, stress, and illness
If you notice cracked hooves, dull coat, or poor condition, don’t wait for it to get worse — nutritional gaps may already be at play.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Yes, the mud and cold are a pain. But you’re not powerless. With a tailored feeding plan, you can give your horse the nutritional edge to thrive despite the conditions. Think of nutrition as part of your winter toolkit — right alongside waterproof rugs, mud boots, and determination.
👉 Not sure if your horse's diet is hitting the mark this winter? Let’s talk. Book a consultation to create a customised, science-backed feeding plan that meets your horse's exact needs.
Your horse deserves to come through winter healthier, stronger, and ready for spring — and smart nutrition is the key to getting there.
