Winter doesn’t sneak up on us, but it sure can feel like it when the first hard freeze hits. Horses don’t care if the hydrant is frozen or the tractor won’t start—so it’s on us to be ready before the snow flies. Here are ten essential tasks to add to your winter preparation list.
1. Water Systems – Keep It Flowing
Frozen water is the fastest way to create a crisis. Insulate hydrants and pipes, test tank heaters, and check electric cords for safety. If you use heated buckets, hang them securely and keep the plugs out of reach where horses can’t chew. A little effort now saves a lot of ice-chopping later. At 10-15 gallons of water per horse per day, you’re going to need a reliable supply that won’t freeze. I check my tank heaters early in the season because, without fail, the hardware store will be sold out as soon as the first major freeze hits.
2. Hay & Feed Storage
Your horses won’t stop eating just because the pastures are buried. Put up enough hay to carry you through winter. I like to add 10 to 20 percent, just in case of a poor or late harvest next year. Store bales on pallets or mats to keep them dry and prevent mold. Ensure that you seal any grain tightly to prevent rodents from finding a cozy buffet. In my barn, feed sacks hold garbage while steel garbage cans hold feed.
3. Shelter & Barn Prep
Walk through your barn and run-in sheds with winter in mind. Patch leaky roofs and make sure gutters drain away from high-traffic areas. Block direct drafts, but don’t sacrifice ventilation. Fresh air prevents respiratory issues. Add footing to keep floors safe, not slick.
4. Pastures, Paddocks, & Fencing
Mud and ice love gateways and fence lines. Add gravel or screenings now, before the ground freezes. Check fences and gates while repairs are still easy—because once the frost hits, digging a post hole is no one’s idea of fun. Consider setting up a sacrifice lot to save pastures from winter overuse. Fall is the time of the year when I bring my critters in off the pasture. I try to baby my pastures as best I can to prevent overgrazing.
5. Manure & Waste Management
Manure doesn’t stop piling up when the snow starts falling. Plan where it will go, and make sure you can still access that spot once the ground is frozen or covered. Service equipment before they’re needed when the weather turns bad. I like to spread compost at this time of the year to reduce the size of my piles and add a valuable soil enhancement at the same time.
6. Footing & Ice Control
Safety underfoot matters for both horses and humans. Place mats around water troughs, gates, and barn doors. Stockpile sand, gravel, or non-toxic traction material for icy walkways. Skip traditional salt. It can be hard on hooves and unsafe for livestock.
7. Horse Health & Condition
Call your vet for fall vaccines and deworming. Check body condition scores now, and add calories if needed, waiting until January is too late. Dig out your blankets early: clean, repair, and test the fit so they’re ready when the temperature drops.
8. Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance
Cold weather isn’t kind to machines. Service tractors, ATVs, and snow-removal gear before you need them. Keep extra fuel on hand and add stabilizers to prevent fuel from gelling in cold weather. If you rely on a generator, test it now to ensure it’s working correctly. Please don’t wait to check it when the power goes out in a storm.
9. Lighting & Electrical Systems
Short days mean more barn chores after dark. Replace weak or burned-out bulbs in the barn and paddocks. Inspect wiring for damage from rodents or moisture. Stock flashlights and spare batteries in several places—you’ll thank yourself when you need them.
10. Emergency & Contingency Planning
Winter storms can close roads, cut power, and delay feed deliveries. Keep at least a week’s supply of hay, grain, and bedding where you can reach it. Refresh your first aid kits for both horses and humans. Review evacuation or shelter-in-place plans.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a horse facility for winter isn’t glamorous, but it is essential. A few weekends of work in the fall can mean the difference between a smooth season and daily struggles. Your horses will thank you in the best way they know how: by staying healthy, safe, and ready for spring trails.
For more information on this and other items of note for trail riders and horse campers, visit us at www.TrailMeister.com . You can also pick up copies of my books, The ABCs of Trail Riding and Horse Camping, and It’s a Cinch!, on Amazon.