Winter: The Secret Weapon For Weight Loss

If you've got a good doer who seems to live on fresh air and put on weight just glancing at grass, then winter is actually your friend. In fact, it might be the most important season when it comes to managing their weight.

Here’s the thing: a horse’s weight isn’t supposed to stay the same all year round. Evolution didn’t design them that way. Horses naturally gain weight in spring and summer when the grass is lush and bursting with nutrients, and then lose some of it during the colder, harsher months when food is scarce. It’s nature’s version of a cycle — the equine equivalent of fat squirrels stocking up for winter.

The problem in the domestic world is that many horses never get the chance to dip into their winter “pantry.” Instead, they cruise into spring already overweight because we do such a good job at keeping them warm and protected from the elements during the cold months. Then, with all that fresh, sugary grass around the corner, you can see how quickly things go wrong.

So, instead of fearing winter, use it. Embrace it. Let nature do some of the work for you. The goal is to replicate, as much as possible, the conditions your horse has evolved for — without compromising welfare.

Here are some practical (and sometimes uncomfortable) truths:

1. Don’t Over-Rug (honestly, your horse probably doesn't need one!)

We humans hate being cold, so we assume our horses do too. They don’t. Horses are incredible at regulating their own body temperature. That hind gut of theirs is basically a central heating system on legs, producing heat all day long. Throwing unnecessary rugs on them just stops their bodies from burning calories to stay warm. Less fat-burning, more fat-storing.

2. Clipping Can Help the Process Along

A well-timed clip means your horse has to work harder to keep warm, which increases calorie use. Think of it as giving their natural weight-loss program a little nudge.

3. Be Brutally Honest About Hard Feed

Does your good doer really need all that hard feed? For most, the answer is no. A decent balancer is usually enough. Hard feed equals extra calories, which is exactly what you don’t want if weight loss is the goal.

4. Forage Isn’t “Guesswork” — Weigh It

Ad lib forage might sound nice, but for the good doer it’s often too much. Work with the guideline of around 2% of bodyweight to maintain — and adjust accordingly if your horse needs to come down. Get a weigh tape, get them weighed regularly and don’t just eyeball it.

5. Make Forage Smarter, Not Richer

Soaking hay (for 8–12 hours) reduces sugar levels, making it less calorie-dense. Mixing in straw (barley or oat) as up to 50% of the total forage ration is another tried-and-tested way to keep them chewing without piling on the pounds.

6. Keep Balancers Low Energy

Good doers don’t need rocket fuel in their feed. A low-energy balancer covers the essentials without undoing all your hard work.

7. Turnout Is Non-Negotiable

Yes, even when it’s raining sideways and you’d rather stay under a blanket yourself. Horses need movement — not just for weight management but for gut health, mental wellbeing, and overall soundness. Standing in a stable is the quickest route to an overweight, unhappy horse.

The Bottom Line

Winter is the best opportunity you’ll get to set your horse up for a healthy spring. If you’re strict and intentional now, you reduce the risk of laminitis, keep their metabolism working as nature intended, and avoid the dreaded “already overweight before the grass even comes through” scenario.

So, instead of worrying about the weather, start thinking of winter as your secret weapon. Play the long game, and your horse (and your future self) will thank you for it when the spring grass starts rolling in.