A Practical Guide for UK Conditions
Wet winters are one of the biggest management challenges for UK horse owners. Persistent rainfall, heavy clay soils and limited daylight create muddy fields, damaged pasture and increased risk of injury and skin conditions.
Poor turnout management during winter can lead to:
- Mud fever
- Thrush
- Tendon strain
- Field destruction
- Behavioural stress
- Weight fluctuations
Good winter turnout strategy protects both horse welfare and land longevity.
Why Wet Winters Are So Problematic
When soil becomes saturated:
- Hooves sink deeper
- Grass roots loosen
- Mud forms around gateways
- Horses expend more energy moving
- Skin remains damp for prolonged periods
Continuous exposure to wet mud weakens the skin barrier and increases bacterial penetration.
Environmental management — not just horse care — is key.
1. Protect High-Traffic Areas First
Gateways, water troughs and hay stations suffer the most damage.
Prevent deep mud by:
- Installing hardcore or stone base
- Using heavy-duty rubber matting
- Laying woodchip in high-wear zones
- Rotating entry points where possible
Targeted reinforcement prevents entire fields from becoming unusable.
2. Create Sacrifice Paddocks
A sacrifice paddock is a designated area used during extreme weather to protect main grazing.
Benefits:
- Preserves grass for spring growth
- Limits mud exposure across whole field
- Concentrates wear in manageable space
- Reduces long-term pasture damage
Sacrifice areas often require:
- Additional forage provision
- Regular poo picking
- Thoughtful drainage
- Safe fencing
Protecting pasture is long-term planning, not short-term compromise.
3. Manage Turnout Duration Strategically
Full-day turnout in deep mud is not always beneficial.
Consider:
- Half-day turnout
- Split turnout groups
- Alternate-day turnout
- Rotational grazing
- Increased stable enrichment if turnout reduced
Balance the horse’s need for movement with land protection.
4. Monitor Leg Health Daily
Wet winters increase risk of:
- Mud fever
- Greasy heel
- Swelling
- Minor cuts hidden by mud
- Skin softening
Daily checks should include:
- Inspecting pasterns and heels
- Picking out hooves
- Drying legs if heavily saturated
- Checking for early scabs
Early detection prevents escalation.
5. Hoof Care in Wet Conditions
Constant wet–dry cycles weaken hoof structure.
Monitor for:
- Thrush development
- Soft soles
- Wall cracking
- Loose or lost shoes
- Increased sensitivity
Maintain regular farrier visits — winter hoof care is not optional.
Hoof health directly affects movement safety in deep ground.
6. Adjust Rugging for Wet Weather
Wet wind dramatically increases heat loss.
During prolonged rain:
- Ensure rugs are fully waterproof
- Check stitching and seams regularly
- Replace rugs that have lost waterproofing
- Avoid unnecessary layering that traps moisture
A saturated rug loses insulating ability.
Always check inside daily for dampness.
7. Maintain Adequate Forage Intake
Winter pasture rarely provides sufficient nutrition.
Increase hay or forage provision when:
- Grass cover is poor
- Horses are standing in mud instead of grazing
- Weight begins to drop
Adequate forage:
- Maintains body condition
- Generates internal warmth
- Reduces stress behaviours
- Supports digestive health
Cold, muddy conditions increase calorie demands.
8. Reduce Risk of Slipping Injuries
Deep mud increases strain on:
- Tendons
- Suspensory ligaments
- Hocks and stifles
Reduce risk by:
- Avoiding forced movement in deep mud
- Keeping feeding areas stable underfoot
- Minimising sudden herd changes in poor ground
- Monitoring energetic horses closely
Controlled movement protects soft tissues.
9. Rotate Fields Before They Fail
Do not wait until pasture is destroyed.
Rotate before:
- Grass is completely uprooted
- Mud reaches fetlock depth
- Standing water develops
- Horses begin churning gateways
Early rotation preserves soil structure and reduces repair costs.
10. Stable Management During Reduced Turnout
If turnout must be limited:
- Increase exercise or hand-walking
- Provide stable enrichment
- Maintain predictable routines
- Monitor behaviour for frustration
- Ensure consistent forage availability
Limited turnout without management adjustments increases stress.
11. Drainage and Long-Term Planning
For yards with recurring mud problems, consider infrastructure improvements:
- French drains
- Improved field grading
- Track systems or all-weather turnout areas
- Gravel stabilisation around key zones
- Improved gateway construction
Investing in drainage reduces yearly winter damage.
Signs Wet Conditions Are Affecting Welfare
Watch for:
- Persistent leg irritation
- Increased swelling
- Reluctance to move
- Weight loss
- Increased stable vices
- Fatigue after turnout
Mud-related stress often develops gradually.
Common Mistakes
Avoid:
- Leaving horses out continuously in deep mud without support
- Ignoring early skin changes
- Waiting too long to rotate fields
- Assuming mud exposure is harmless
- Failing to adjust forage levels
- Using turnout routines designed for dry seasons
Wet winter management must be proactive.
The Core Principle
Effective wet winter turnout management requires:
- Land protection strategy
- Daily health monitoring
- Forage planning
- Weather-aware rugging
- Injury prevention awareness
- Flexible decision making
Mud is not merely cosmetic — unmanaged mud becomes a welfare issue.
Balanced planning protects both horses and pasture.
Good winter management is about working with conditions, not fighting them.
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Knowledge Hub: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/knowledge-hub/
Category: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/category/rugging-seasonal/
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