With freezing temperatures, snow and icy conditions affecting many parts of the UK, winter can be a challenging time for horse owners. While the colder months often bring changes to daily routines, they can also increase the risk of certain health issues - one of the most common being impaction colic.

Understanding why impaction colic is more prevalent at this time of year, and taking simple preventative steps, can help support your horse’s digestive health throughout the winter.

What Is Impaction Colic?

Impaction colic occurs when a blockage forms within the digestive tract, most commonly at the pelvic flexure - a natural narrowing and bend in the large colon. This area is particularly vulnerable when feed material becomes dry and compacted. As the contents of the gut dehydrate further, they become harder to move along, leading to discomfort and pain for the horse.

Why Winter Increases the Risk

During winter, horses often experience several changes in management all at once. Grass intake reduces and hay becomes the primary forage source, which contains significantly less moisture than fresh pasture. At the same time, horses may drink less, as they are less inclined to consume very cold water and frozen buckets or troughs can limit availability altogether.

Reduced turnout and exercise due to icy ground, snow or frozen paddocks can also slow gut motility. Horses are designed to move and graze for much of the day, and when movement is restricted, the digestive system can become less efficient. In some cases, increased stabling can also lead to boredom-related behaviours such as eating straw bedding, which further increases the risk of impaction.

The Importance of Hydration

Maintaining adequate hydration is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of impaction colic. Horses tend to drink more when water is not close to freezing, so taking the chill off water where possible can make a real difference.

Buckets and troughs should be checked regularly throughout the day and any ice fully removed. Positioning stable buckets against internal walls can help reduce freezing, and for horses living out, regularly breaking and removing ice from troughs is essential. Adding a small amount of hot water from a kettle or flask to cold water can help encourage drinking, particularly in very cold conditions.

Using Wet and Sloppy Feeds to Support Fluid Intake

Another effective way to support hydration is through feeding wet or sloppy feeds. Adding water to normal dry feeds can significantly increase overall fluid intake, particularly for horses that are reluctant drinkers in cold weather.

Mash-style feeds are especially useful during winter, as they can be fed warm and are often more palatable. Products such as ReadyMash, ReadyMash Extra and Solution Mash can be soaked with warm water to create a soft, appetising feed that helps contribute additional moisture to the diet while supporting digestive comfort. These types of feeds are particularly beneficial during periods of increased stabling or reduced movement.

Rowen Barbary’s naturally healthy Treats range can also be fed soaked as a soft-textured mash. With their natural “water-holding” capacity, treats such as Carrot Mash, Banana Mash, Beetroot Mash, Herbal Health Mash or Tutti Frutti can help encourage fluid intake while offering variety and a rewarding element to winter feeding routines.

Managing Forage Intake in Winter

As hay intake increases during winter, so too does the horse’s requirement for water. Feeding large amounts of dry forage without sufficient hydration can increase the risk of impaction.

Including a soaked fibre feed alongside hay can help balance this. ReadyFibre Mash is a highly palatable soaked hay replacer that can be used to partially replace dry forage, helping to increase moisture intake while supporting normal digestive function. Fed warm, it can be particularly appealing during colder weather.

Keeping Horses Moving

Movement plays a vital role in keeping the digestive system functioning properly. Where turnout is limited due to weather conditions, it’s important to ensure horses are still moving daily.

This might include hand-walking, gentle ridden work, time in an indoor school, or simply encouraging regular movement out of the stable. Even short periods of activity can help stimulate gut motility while also providing warmth and mental stimulation.

Monitoring and Early Intervention

Keeping a close eye on droppings throughout winter can provide early warning signs of digestive issues. Reduced frequency, smaller droppings or droppings that appear harder and drier than normal should be taken seriously.

If you notice any signs of discomfort such as pawing, restlessness, reduced appetite, repeated lying down or rolling, contact your vet immediately.

A Winter Welfare Focus

While winter inevitably brings changes to turnout, exercise and feeding routines, impaction colic is largely preventable with thoughtful management. Prioritising hydration, supporting movement, feeding wet feeds and monitoring closely can all help reduce the risk during colder months.

If you ever have concerns about your horse’s health, your vet should always be your first point of contact.