The pastured horse must be offered adequate shelter in the winter. This can be provided by a cluster of trees, a ravine, hill, canyon, or creek bottom as well as man-made structures. A simple three-sided shed can be situated with the back wall facing the prevailing winds and the opening facing the sun. Fresh Water Conscientious attention to winter nutrition can prevent colic, laminitis, and a loss of condition. Feed high quality feeds on a regular schedule and ensure adequate water intake by checking a horse's water source twice daily.
Horses can only last for three days without water.
Horses drink between eight and twelve gallons of water a day. Although during the winter months, intake will be at the low end of the range, the effects of dehydration can easily go unnoticed during winter months. Forcing horses to produce moisture by eating snow is counter-productive. In addition to the fact that six times as much snow must be eaten to provide an equivalent amount of water, horses must use precious body heat to melt the snow. This requires them to use up calories that could be used for warmth just to satisfy their thirst.