Posted on February 5th, 2026

 

Winter has a way of turning horse care into a quiet detective job. Your horse cannot say hey, I’m freezing, so you have to read the clues, like posture, attitude, and that usual spark behind the eyes.

Cold weather can make normal routines feel fine on the surface, while something serious can be happening underneath.

No need to panic, but don’t shrug off small changes either. Hypothermia in horses is not always dramatic or obvious, which is exactly why it can easily go unnoticed.

Stick around, because the next sections break down what matters, why it matters, and how to tell the difference.

 

How to Spot Hypothermia in Horses Early

Cold snaps do not always show up as a dramatic emergency. Hypothermia can start as a quiet slide, and horses are good at looking tough while they lose ground. Your job is not to play vet; it is to notice when your horse stops acting like your horse, especially when wind, rain, and wet bedding stack the deck.

Start with the big picture. Scan the stall, paddock, and turnout setup, then scan the horse. A soaked coat, a drafty corner, or a horse parked away from hay can tell you as much as any thermometer. Pay attention to context, too. A horse that came in damp after turnout, got clipped recently, or dropped weight in winter has less cushion against cold stress.

Quick early-spot checks you can do fast: 

• Watch for their heat-making habits.
  A horse that is trying to warm up will often shiver, tense through the body, or look tight through the back and legs. Occasional trembles after a cold rinse are one thing, but repeated shaking in routine winter conditions deserves attention.
• Closely analyze how horses get up and go.  Notice energy and willingness to move, not speed.
  If your horse drifts instead of walking with purpose, stands parked for long stretches, or seems unusually heavy in the feet, treat that as a clue. Cold stress can also show up as more time lying down or a look that says, I would rather not.
• Learn to read the face and the focus. Look at behavior and awareness.
  A horse that tunes you out, seems oddly dull, or gets cranky without a clear reason may be struggling to stay warm. Feed and water habits matter here too, since a horse that backs off hay or drinks less is losing a key heat source.

After that quick pass, use your hands. Feel along the neck, chest, and barrel for warmth, then compare ears and muzzle. Cold extremities can happen in winter, but a whole-horse chill paired with off behavior should raise your suspicion. Keep your eyes on the pattern, not one moment. One odd detail can be nothing, yet several small changes that line up with rough weather can point to trouble.

Spotting hypothermia early is really about noticing drift. When routine posture, movement, and attitude slide away from normal, take it seriously and act quickly to protect warmth and comfort.

 

Common Signs of Hypothermia in Horses

Hypothermia in horses is not subtle forever, but it can start that way. Cold stress creeps in when a horse loses body heat faster than it can make it. Wind, rain, wet coats, and low body weight all tip the scales. If you suspect a problem, skip the guesswork and do a calm, basic check. A quick read on vital signs gives you real data, not just a vibe.

One core tool is the TPR check, which stands for temperature, pulse, and respiration. Start with temperature, since it is the clearest signal. A healthy horse usually sits around 99°F to 101°F. When the number drops below that range in cold conditions, take it seriously. Use a clean thermometer made for animals, add lubricant, and take the reading rectally. Keep your timing consistent, because body heat can shift a bit through the day.

Next comes the pulse. Most adult horses rest around 28 to 44 beats per minute. Find the mandibular artery; it runs along the inside of the jaw. Use two fingertips and count for a full minute. Rushing this part is how people talk themselves into the wrong number. Cold stress can push the rate up, and a struggling horse can also dip lower as things worsen, so any big change from your horse’s usual baseline matters.

Common signs to watch for during a cold-weather check:

1. Shivering that does not stop once the horse is dry and sheltered
2. Weakness or dull posture, including trouble staying alert
3. Cold ears and muzzle paired with a cool body feel
4. Slow, shallow, or oddly heavy breathing at rest

Respiration is the third piece. Normal breathing often lands around 8 to 16 breaths per minute when a horse is relaxed. Watch the flank or nostrils, then count full breaths for sixty seconds. Mist and steam can make breaths look bigger than they are, so focus on movement and effort, not the fog. Breathing that looks strained, uneven, or unusually slow can be a red flag in cold conditions.

Good winter care helps, but awareness is what catches trouble early. Track your horse’s typical TPR on normal days, because your best comparison is always your own baseline. When numbers swing hard or signs stack up, treat it as urgent and involve a vet.

 

Winter Safety Tips For Safer Horse Riding

Winter rides can be great, but the season plays by its own rules. Cold air is only part of the story. Wind chill and moisture can drain body heat fast, and that matters for both horse and rider. Many barns use 20°F as the point where rides should be shortened or adjusted, especially if the wind picks up or the footing is wet. Once you get near 0°F, most riding plans belong on the bench, since the risk of cold stress rises quickly.

Timing helps more than people think. Late morning into early afternoon often gives you the best shot at calmer temps and a little sun. That is not just about comfort. Warmer windows can reduce the chance your horse finishes a session damp and chilled. Keep rides purposeful and shorter when the weather is harsh. Long, slow slogs in cold wind are not character building; they are heat thieves.

Good habits to have to make winter rides safer:

• Check temperature, wind, and damp ground before you tack up
• Choose gear that stays breathable, since trapped sweat turns cold fast
• Dry your horse fully after a run, then use the right blanket for conditions
• Pick footing with care: avoid slippery spots and packed snow

Clothing and tack choices matter, but the goal is simple: keep warmth steady without trapping sweat. A well-fitting, breathable blanket can help before and after, while a suitable pad can add comfort during the ride. If your horse gets sweaty, that moisture needs to come off. A damp coat in winter is like walking outside in a wet hoodie, except your horse cannot complain about it on the drive home.

Footing is the other big deal. Snow can hide ice, and packed snow can turn hooves into skates. Regular hoof care helps, and a quick look at shoes, boots, and soles before heading out can save you from a sideways moment you did not sign up for. If the ground looks dicey, choose a protected arena, a safer track, or keep things light.

Hydration also gets overlooked. Frozen water and low drinking can raise the risk of fatigue, and a tired horse handles cold worse. Make sure water is available and not iced over, then keep an eye on normal drinking habits.

Winter riding is not about toughing it out. Smart choices, steady warmth, and safe footing let you ride when it makes sense and pause when it does not.

 

Take the Guesswork Out of Winter Horse Care with Bella Neve Shepherds

Cold weather does not have to turn horse care into constant second-guessing. When you know what to watch for and you stay consistent with basic winter safety habits, you cut down the risk of hypothermia and make better calls for your horse, fast.

Tired of Worrying Every Time the Temperature Drops? You shouldn't have to choose between your horse's warmth and fresh air.

At Calabrese Ranch, we are building a facility where safety is the standard—not a luxury. From heated wash racks to 24/7 climate monitoring, see how we are redefining equine care in Elizabeth City.

Secure Your Spot on the 2027 Founder's Waitlist! 

Questions about boarding, availability, or what we are building in Elizabeth City? Reach out anytime!