01/12/2025
Winter is officially here in the UK, and many horses start to show little changes in their comfort and movement as the temperatures drop. ❄️🐴 Cold weather doesn’t just make us stiff, it affects your horse’s muscles, joints, balance, and general way of going too.
❄️ Why winter affects the body so much
• Cold muscles are tighter and less elastic, making horses more prone to stiffness when they first come out of the stable or start work.
• Joint mobility decreases in low temperatures, especially in older horses or those with arthritis.
• Slippery, muddy ground means the body works harder to stabilise, often leading to tight hamstrings, glutes, and lumbar muscles.
• Rug pressure (especially around shoulders and withers) can alter posture or create tension if the fit isn’t perfect.
• Shorter turnout and more stable time reduce natural movement, leading to overall reduced flexibility.
🐴 Common winter-related signs you might notice
• “Cold-backed” behaviour when mounting
• Shortened stride, particularly in the hind end
• Tightness through the back and hamstrings
• Tripping or feeling a bit unbalanced
• Added sensitivity around the withers, shoulders, or poll
• Stiffness that improves after a warm-up
✨ How physiotherapy helps your horse through winter
Equine physio can make a significant difference during the colder months:
• Soft tissue work to warm and loosen tight muscles
• Joint mobilisation to support comfortable movement
• Indiba radiofrequency therapy for deep, gentle warming, increased circulation, and pain relief
• Postural and strength exercises to combat reduced turnout or inconsistent work
Keeping your horse comfortable in winter doesn’t just help them feel better, it supports safer, more relaxed work and reduces the risk of strain injuries.
If your horse feels stiffer than usual, or you’d like a winter check-in, just drop me a message. ❄️💛🐴
