When temperatures drop, turnout becomes a calculated risk. Ice and frozen ground can turn a routine paddock session into a serious injury event. Slips and falls on ice commonly lead to strains, sprains, lacerations, and even fractures in horses. The good news? Most of these injuries are preventable with the right operational protocols. This guide outlines concrete steps you can take to keep your horses safe during winter turnout.
What is the first step recommended before turning horses out in winter?
Select one answer.
Assess Footing Before Turnout
Before turning horses out, walk the paddock and all gate areas yourself. If you find yourself sliding even slightly, conditions are unsafe for horses. Snow can hide slick spots underneath, so check carefully. Hoofbeats Equine Service recommends evaluating footing daily and keeping horses in a safer area until conditions improve.
Improve Traction in High-Traffic Areas
Proactive management reduces ice buildup around barns, walkways, and shelters. Treat icy areas early, before leading horses out. Your local CO-OP or feed store should carry pet-friendly salt. Alternatives include sand, ash, non-clumping kitty litter, or even old bedding in a pinch. MidSouth Horse Review also suggests redirecting gutters away from common pathways to prevent ice from water runoff.
Spreading sand, cat litter, or wood ash over frozen spots can improve traction temporarily—just avoid salt near hooves, as it can cause irritation. Hoofbeats Equine Service notes that these materials can be applied to frozen spots for immediate traction.
Manage Hooves and Shoeing
Hoof care is critical in winter. Pick your horse’s feet daily to remove snowballs that accumulate during turnout. Consult your farrier about winter-specific options, such as winter shoes, drive-in or permanent caulks, studs, or even pulling shoes for the season. MidSouth Horse Review emphasizes maintaining a regular trimming schedule regardless of weather.
Be cautious with turnout boots: rubber or plastic boots can become brittle in sub-freezing temperatures, making them less effective and potentially hazardous. Hoofbeats Equine Service advises that boots may worsen the problem in extreme cold.
Decide When to Skip Turnout
If footing is frozen solid or glazed with ice, opt for an alternative exercise plan: indoor hand-walking, using an arena or barn aisle, or targeted groundwork in cleared footing. Hoofbeats Equine Service reminds us that a few days without turnout is far better than weeks of stall rest for an injured horse.
Emergency Response: If a Horse Goes Down
Winter can turn a downed horse into a life-threatening emergency. Ice, snow, and cold temperatures can make it impossible for a horse to stand—leading to injury, exhaustion, and hypothermia. Irongate Equine Clinic outlines three golden rules:
- Safety first – Injured or frightened horses can react unpredictably. Protect yourself so you can help them.
- Call for help – Contact your veterinarian immediately, then get additional help from nearby friends or barn members.
- Act fast – In cold weather, every minute matters. The “Golden Hour” is critical for survival.
Key steps to assist a downed horse:
- Identify why they’re down – injury or ice? Your vet will help determine the cause.
- Improve traction – Use cat litter or sand under the feet to prevent slipping.
- Roll and warm them – Safely roll the horse (with veterinary guidance) and apply warm layers, including a space blanket.
- Move to safer footing – Slide the horse on a tarp or plywood to better ground if needed.
First Aid for Ice-Related Injuries
If a horse injures a leg on ice, the first and best course of action is to cool the area as quickly as possible using ice packs or very cold water. Wichita Equine & Butler County Vet Service notes that your immediate goal is to reduce inflammation and swelling to minimize tissue damage and speed healing. Ice slows the inflammatory process while other treatments take effect. Care must be taken, however, whenever cold therapy is applied to a limb. Ice wraps used incorrectly or applied for too long can potentially damage the skin and underlying tissue. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions exactly.
Build Your Winter Safety Checklist
- Walk paddocks and gates daily; check for hidden ice under snow.
- Treat walkways with sand, ash, or pet-friendly salt before turnout.
- Redirect gutters and downspouts away from high-traffic areas.
- Pick feet daily; consult farrier about winter shoeing options.
- Have a plan for alternative exercise when turnout is unsafe.
- Keep a first aid kit with ice packs, bandages, and a space blanket.
- Post emergency numbers and know the route to the nearest equine hospital.
How the Featured Expert Can Help
Randi Thompson, founder of the Equine Safety and Success Network (ESSN), brings over 45 years of equine industry experience to help barn owners and equine professionals develop safety standards, risk management plans, and operational protocols. Her consulting services focus on preventing injuries and reducing liability. Learn more at Randi Thompson Live.
Quiz
What is the first step recommended before turning horses out in winter?
- Apply hoof oil to prevent snow buildup
- Walk the paddock and gate areas to evaluate footing
- Blanket all horses to keep them warm
Correct answer: Walk the paddock and gate areas to evaluate footing