Preference for shelter and additional heat in horses exposed to Nordic winter conditions.
Authors: Jørgensen G H M, Aanensen L, Mejdell C M, Bøe K E
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Winter management practices often override horses' innate ability to regulate body temperature, yet understanding their behavioural preferences under natural conditions can inform more appropriate care decisions. Jørgensen and colleagues observed 22 horses given free access to outdoor areas, unheated shelter and heated shelter across varying Nordic winter conditions, recording location and behaviour minute-by-minute whilst monitoring ambient temperature, wind, precipitation and humidity. Remarkably, horses spent substantially more time outdoors in cold, dry weather (88% of observations below 0°C) compared to mild, wet conditions (52%), with shivering observed only during mild temperatures with rain or sleet—suggesting that thermoregulatory discomfort occurs in different conditions than many owners assume. Coldblood breeds utilised shelter significantly less than Warmblood breeds (80% versus 34% outdoors), and horses with heavier winter coats voluntarily spent more time outside, whilst animals with lower body condition scores preferentially sought heated shelter during adverse weather. These findings challenge conventional blanketing and housing practices, indicating that appropriate shelter availability, breed-specific management and condition monitoring may better support natural thermoregulation than blankets alone, particularly during wet rather than cold conditions.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Horses naturally seek heated shelter primarily during wet and windy conditions rather than in dry cold; weather type matters more than temperature alone for blanket/shelter decisions
- •Breed influences shelter preferences independent of weather—Coldblood types naturally adapt better to Nordic winter outdoors, suggesting blanket requirements may differ by type
- •Monitor for shivering during mild, wet conditions as the key indicator of thermal distress; dry subzero conditions do not necessarily trigger shivering in acclimated horses
Key Findings
- •Outdoor time ranged from 52% on mild, windy, rainy days to 88% on days below 0°C and dry
- •Shivering was only observed during mild temperatures with rain/sleet, not in dry cold conditions
- •Small Coldblood horses spent significantly more time outdoors (80%) compared to small Warmblood horses (34%)
- •Hair coat weight correlated significantly with outdoor shelter selection preference (ρ = 0.23; P = 0.004)