11/13/2026
Winter can be a dangerous time of year for many equestrians. And we're not talking about slipping on ice in the barn driveway— we're talking about frisky horses. Why is it that our horses seem to become a little feral every winter?
The truth is that horses don't naturally get wilder every winter. In fact, research has shown that horses actually slow down to conserve energy. If your horse becomes spooky or hypersensitive when cold weather sets in, it might have something to do with your management practices. If your horse gets fed more grain and has less access to turnout in the winter, then you might have your answer as to why he suddenly likes to pretend he’s a member of the Russian ballet, complete with leaps and twirls, December through March.
Learn more about how to keep your horse feeling like a Steady Eddie all winter long in the first comment below.