Winter Conditioning: Lay the Groundwork for a Strong Spring

Horse and rider’s quieter winter pace can be prime time for planning for a stellar spring. Maintaining strength, flexibility, and hoof health can help prevent stiffness, support soundness, and make for a smoother transition back to full work in the spring.

Rather than scrambling to prepare before that overnight trail ride or when show season approaches, a thoughtful winter routine allows your horse to stay comfortable, conditioned, and mentally engaged year-round.

Think Long-Term, Not Last-Minute

Muscle tone, joint and hoof integrity are built over time, not overnight. Maintaining your horse's baseline fitness can reduce the risk of soreness or setbacks when training intensity increases.

Your horse will benefit from a lighter routine of daily movement, balanced nutrition, and targeted support for joints and hooves.

Nutrition and Hydration Matter

Horses often drink less water in winter, which can affect digestion, circulation, and overall comfort. Encourage hydration by:

• Keep water from freezing. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, most horses prefer water that’s between 45°F and 65°F (about 7°C to 18°C).
  
  
• Provide free-choice salt
  
  
• Ensure forage intake remains consistent

Cold weather can make a horse’s joints feel tighter, especially in horses that spend more time standing or moving less frequently. Try incorporating low-impact exercises into your horse’s winter routine to help keep them conditioned and supple.

Winter-friendly conditioning ideas include:

• Relaxed walking sessions under saddle or in-hand
  
  
• Light flatwork focused on rhythm and balance
  
  
• Ground poles at the walk or trot to encourage joint articulation and topline use
  
  
• Gradual hill work, weather permitting, to maintain strength
  
  

Consistent movement helps lubricate joints naturally and supports overall mobility, especially when paired with daily care routines that promote joint health, like adding Absorbine® Flex+Max® Joint Health Supplement Pellets to your horse’s diet.

Balanced nutrition that supports muscle recovery, connective tissue, and hoof growth helps your horse maintain condition even when workloads are reduced. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your horse is receiving the proper nutrition they need.

Stretching: Small Effort, Big Payoff

Stretching can make a difference in your horse’s comfort and flexibility during the colder months.

Try simple stretches after exercise or grooming:

• Carrot stretches to each side and between the front legs
  
  
• Neck and shoulder stretches using gentle lateral flexion
  
  
• Hind leg stretches, carefully extending each leg forward and backward
  
  

Stretching helps improve range of motion, encourages relaxation, and can reduce stiffness—particularly helpful for horses working less intensely during winter.

Don’t Forget Hoof Health When the Ground Freezes

Winter footing can be wet, frozen, or uneven, all of which place extra stress on hooves. Maintaining hoof strength during winter helps prevent cracks, chipping, and weakness that can become bigger problems in spring. In cold weather, hooves grow more slowly, so cracks and other hoof issues don’t grow out as quickly. Work with your farrier to determine the best strategies to deal with the footing your horse may encounter.

Supporting hoof quality year-round—rather than starting once issues appear—allows new, stronger hoof growth to develop steadily. Consistency is key, as hooves take months to grow and reflect changes in care. Consider a time-tested hoof product, such as Hooflex® Therapeutic Conditioner, that supports a flexible, resilient hoof structure from heel to coronary band,

Mental Fitness Counts, Too

Winter can be mentally challenging, especially for horses used to regular work or competition. Keeping training varied, even at a lower intensity, helps maintain focus and willingness.

Mixing groundwork, hacking, light schooling, or turnout time can keep your horse engaged and happy while still supporting physical health. Stall toys can provide mental stimulation and help alleviate boredom in horses confined to their stalls.

Winter Care Sets the Tone for Spring

Maintaining your horse’s fitness, flexibility, and hoof health through winter isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about maintenance and prep for spring. Horses who have been supported throughout winter tend to transition back into work more easily, with fewer aches and setbacks.

By focusing on steady movement, stretching, proper nutrition, and ongoing joint and hoof support, you’re investing in your horse’s long-term comfort and performance—no matter the season.