Skip to content
Sign Up for Newsletter
Get Unlimited Access
Facebook-f Twitter Pinterest-p Instagram Youtube
  • Login
    • Register
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Login
    • Register
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Topics
    Breeding and Reproduction

    Horse breeding from planning through foal care

    Hoof Care

    Prevention and treatment for problems of the equine foot

    Nutrition

    Proper feeding practices for foals, adult horses, and older horses

    Welfare and Industry

    Discussions about the welfare of our equine friends

    Diseases and Conditions

    Horse-heath-problem risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

    Horse Care

    How to care for the basic health needs of horses

    Sports Medicine

    All aspects of caring for performance horses

    All Topics
    Farm and Barn

    Design and maintain a healthy horse operation

    Lameness

    Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of leg lameness

    Vet and Professional

    News and issues for equine health professionals

  • Magazine
    The Horse 2025: Older Horse

    Cover Story

    Aging Metabolic Horses--What Do They Need?

    Age can complicate managing already tricky metabolic disorders in horses. 

    Also in this Issue

    • Keeping the School Horse Sound and Healthy
    • Equine Health Emergencies: Plan Ahead for Best Outcomes
    • Equine Metabolic Syndrome Facts
    • Case Study: Keeping the Older Show Horse Competitive
    • Feeding to Avoid or Reduce Inflammation
    • Balancing Work and Rest for Horses’ Long-Term Soundness
    • A Hoof for the Ages
    • Recognizing Vision Problems in Horses
    Digital Edition
    Give a Gift
    Subscribe
    Manage My Subscription
  • News

    Latest News

    Caring for Young Horse Joints

    AAEP Kester News Hour: Highlights in Equine Genetics and Neck Lesions

    Wisconsin Filly Positive for Strangles

    North Carolina Horse Tests Positive for Strangles

    2 Strangles Cases Confirmed in Maryland

    2 Michigan Horses Test Positive for Strangles

    More News

    Disease Alerts


    EDCC Health Watch

    Event Coverage

    2024 AAEP Convention

    2024 EquiSUMMIT

    2024 Olympics

     

  • Features

    Latest Features

    Equine Metabolic Syndrome

    Equine Metabolic Syndrome

    April 30, 2025

    Managing Your Performance Horse’s Joints

    April 9, 2025

    Additional Features

    Understanding, Recognizing, and Managing Pain in Horses

    How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse?

    Dealing With Equine Colic: Here are 33 Do’s and Don’ts

    Promoting Longevity in Performance Horses

    Everything You Need to Know About Laminitis in Horses

    All Features
  • Q&As

    Latest Q&A

    2018 KER Conference; Caring for Senior Horses: What to Remember

    Vitamin Supplementation for Old Horses

    May 5, 2025

    Equine Nutrition FAQ Series

    Sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition

    Learn More

    Q&As

    Equine Behavior

    Our animal behavior experts field your questions about why your horse does XYZ.

    Horse Nutrition

    Equine nutritionists respond to queries about forage, grain, supplements, and other related topics.

    Performance Horse Health

    Veterinarians and researchers tackle questions about equine athletes.

  • Visuals

    Featured Media:

    Identifying and Managing Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS); diagnosing insulin dysregulation in horses; EMS Horse; top podcasts of 2018

    Endocrine Disease and Performance Horses—More Than Laminitis

    equine metabolic syndrome

    Equine Metabolic Syndrome Facts

    Quick Links

    Webcasts
    Infographics
    Slideshows
  • Podcasts

    Featured Podcasts

    longeing bay horse

    Caring for Young Horse Joints

    lameness exam

    Equine Innovators: Improving Joint Health in Horses With Orthobiologics

    Podcasts

    Ask 'TheHorse' Live

    The Horse’s experts answer your questions during a monthly live audio event.

    Equine Innovators

    Join us as we interview leading equine researchers from the University of Kentucky.

    All Podcasts
  • Free Reports

    Fact Sheet: Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)

    Fact Sheet: EPM

    Fact Sheet: Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) in Horses

    Free Reports:

    View All Free Reports

    Quick referenced of horse conditions, diseases and health topics

    Forms

    Checklists and identification forms for horse owners

  • Tools
    Equine Vital Signs Interactive

    Normal Horse Vital Signs and Health Indicators

    Mare Gestation Calculator

    Adult Horse Weight Calculator

    Additional Resources

    Event Calendar
    Horse Health Glossary
    Get-A-DVM
    New Products
    Polls
    TheHorse.com en Español
  • StableManagement.com
  • Topics
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Features
  • Commentaries
  • Visuals
  • Podcasts
  • Free Reports
  • Tools
  • Shop
  • StableManagement.com
  • Login
    • Register
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Login
    • Register
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine

Winter Wear for Horse People

  • December 15, 2019
  • Posted by The Horse Staff
Stay warm around the barn during the coldest months by adding these winter-weather essentials to your horse-keeping wardrobe.
  • Topics: Media, Slideshow, Winter Care
Share
Favorite
Please login to bookmark Close

Please login to access.

ADVERTISEMENT

Stay Warm This Winter

If you want to stay active with your horses during the months of potentially inclement weather, begin by planning ahead. Do you ride inside or out? Are you responsible for outdoor chores? Do you trail ride? What you do with your horse determines the types of clothing you'll need. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Plan for the Weather in Your Region

What’s the expected winter weather for you in your area? If it’s primarily wet and rainy, and trail riding is your thing, do you own a good rain slicker that fits over your coat and saddle? Water-shedding Australian-style raincoats and hats are a great option for staying dry while riding in these conditions. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Dress in Layers!

In very cold weather, layering is a tried-and-true way to maximize outdoor comfort. This simple concept allows for quick adjustments based on your activity level and rapid weather changes. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Shell or Outer Layer

A shell, or outer layer, shields you from wind and rain. Select a shell roomy enough to fit easily over other layers without restricting your movement while riding or doing chores. If you're working in wet or snowy weather, look for waterproof fabrics. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Wear a Technical Fabric Base Layer

A base layer against your skin manages moisture. Choose a fabric that wicks away perspiration, keeping you dry and warm; avoid cotton fabrics, which hold moisture. Lightweight performance fabrics with flat seams will minimize chaffing during riding and barn chores. Look for varieties that are cut longer in the sleeves and body specifically to cover your arms and backside when riding. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Wear a Warm Insulating Layer Between Your Base and Outer Layers

Down fill is an exceptional insulator and is extremely lightweight. However, if down gets wet, it goes flat and can no longer insulate. Fleece is highly breathable, making it a great choice for riding. However, it's not good in wind, which is why it’s best used as an interior layer under a wind-resistant shell. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Keep Your Wrists Covered

Wrist-cuff thumbholes on your insulating or base layer keep shirt sleeves tucked into gloves for added warmth around wrists. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Lightweight Gloves

Lightweight runners’ gloves offer warmth with flexibility, which allows for gripping with your fingers and thumbs. They're also often touchscreen compatible. While these are excellent for riding or simple chores, they're neither waterproof nor sturdy enough for manual labor. Look for gloves with an extended cuff for extra protection. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Waterproof Gloves

In rain, snow, or very cold weather look for heavy-duty, waterproof gloves made of durable materials and lightweight insulation. Some even come with pockets to insert hand warmers. Check the hunting section of outdoor stores for other sturdy options. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

High-Tech Hats

Have a hat or hood available to keep your head and ears warm. Wool insulates even when wet and is an excellent choice. An additional fleece lining will offer your ears extra protection. Some caps even have LED lights built into them so that you can see (and be seen!) in the dark. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Ear Warmers

Ear warmers come in many fun varieties, some of which work well with a pony tail or under a riding helmet. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Insulated Boots for Chores and Riding

Consider investing in insulated, waterproof work boots for chores, as well as a pair of winter riding boots. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Keep Your Toes Warm

Stirrup protectors help shield toes from wind and rain for outdoor rides, keeping feet warmer longer. These are available for both English and Western stirrups. Under your boots, wear warm wool or wool-blend winter socks. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Spring's Around the Corner

Dressing appropriately for the elements and staying warm and dry can make winter horse chores and riding more bearable. It might not seem like it as you're cleaning paddocks in the snow, but spring is just a few months away! | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Share

The Horse Staff

The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care is an equine publication providing the latest news and information on the health, care, welfare, and management of all equids.
MORE ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
PrevPreviousHow Long Can I Store Horse Feed?
NextHilltop Bio Announces Regenaflex: Reaction-Free Regenerative Therapy for HorsesNext

Related Articles

longeing bay horse

Caring for Young Horse Joints

Identifying and Managing Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS); diagnosing insulin dysregulation in horses; EMS Horse; top podcasts of 2018

Endocrine Disease and Performance Horses—More Than Laminitis

equine metabolic syndrome

Equine Metabolic Syndrome Facts

lameness exam

Equine Innovators: Improving Joint Health in Horses With Orthobiologics

Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with

FREE weekly newsletters from TheHorse.com

Learn More

Sponsored Content

Identifying and Managing Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS); diagnosing insulin dysregulation in horses; EMS Horse; top podcasts of 2018
Endocrine Disease and Performance Horses—More Than Laminitis
4CYTE Horse - Epitalis Forte
Ask a Pro: 4CYTE™ for Horses: Why Early Joint Care Matters  
FoalinPasture-iStock
Feeding Programs for Orphan Foals
No posts found

Weekly Poll

sponsored by:

What’s the biggest challenge you face when bringing your horse back into work after winter?
84 votes · 84 answers
VOTEView poll results
View All Polls

Readers’ Most Popular

longeing bay horse
Caring for Young Horse Joints
1-WesternHorseinArena--Nichole-Chirico-8D2A7235-(1)
Mares in Heat: What’s Normal, What’s Not?
Equine Metabolic Syndrome
Equine Metabolic Syndrome
Hyperflexion_AdobeStock_286300566
Researchers Review the Effects of Hyperflexion on Horse Welfare
No posts found

Top Categories

  • Breeding and Reproduction
  • Nutrition
  • Horse Care
  • Hoof Care
  • Diseases and Conditions
  • Vet and Professional
Partners in Equine Health
AAEVT Logo
World Equine Veterinary Association logo
AAEP logo
BEVA logo
International Association of Professional Farriers logo
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis logo

Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.

Follow us

Youtube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter

Our Sites

  • A Home For Every Horse
  • American Cowboy
  • Barrel Racing Magazine
  • Breakaway Roping Journal
  • Calf Roping
  • EQUUS
  • Haul Safe
  • Hope In The Saddle
  • Horse & Rider
  • Practical Horseman
  • Stable Management
  • Team Roping Journal
  • The Horse
  • US Rider
  • US Roper
  • A Home For Every Horse
  • American Cowboy
  • Barrel Racing Magazine
  • Breakaway Roping Journal
  • Calf Roping
  • EQUUS
  • Haul Safe
  • Hope In The Saddle
  • Horse & Rider
  • Practical Horseman
  • Stable Management
  • Team Roping Journal
  • The Horse
  • US Rider
  • US Roper

Resources

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Freelance Info
  • Help
  • Horse Radio Network
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Freelance Info
  • Help
  • Horse Radio Network

Company

  • Meet the Staff
  • Mission Statement
  • Terms of Use
  • Community Policy
  • Advertise with Us
  • Meet the Staff
  • Mission Statement
  • Terms of Use
  • Community Policy
  • Advertise with Us
Your Privacy Choices
Data Subject Access Request
Cookie Consent
Privacy Policy
Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.
  • RSS feed
  • Site Map
  • Privacy
  • EquineNetwork.com
  • RSS feed
  • Site Map
  • Privacy
  • EquineNetwork.com
Copyright ©2025 Equine Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without written permission of Equine Network, LLC is prohibited. THE HORSE, THE HORSE logo, THEHORSE.com and THEHORSE.com logo are trademarks of Equine Network, LLC.

We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site you consent to cookies. Learn more

Sign In

Lost your password?

Don’t have an account? Register for a FREE account here.

Create a free account with TheHorse.com!

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Password*

Profile

Do you own a horse?
Do you own a horse trailer?
Do you own a horse farm?
In which equestrian disciplines do you ride, show, or participate?

Newsletter Offers

Weekly Newsletters
Monthly Newsletters
Other Newsletters
By clicking "subscribe", I consent to Equine Network’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service and I represent that I am over 16 years old.
The Horse
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.