By allowing the horse to go barefooted, the nail holes will grow out and the feet will expand. Going barefoot for a few months out of the year increases the circulation to the hoof and makes for a healthier foot. If you cannot remove the shoes because the horse is used often, a thin layer of neoprene or inner tube placed under the shoe and over the sole will decrease accumulation of snow. While you may not feel like riding as much during the winter, limiting a horse's exercise reduces circulation to all muscles, including the smooth muscles of the intestines. This can result in feed remaining longer than normal in portions of the horse's bowel and can lead to impaction colic.
Exercise also allows the horse to overcome the boredom prevalent in the winter.
Horses should be ridden or turned out to free exercise at least once daily. Ideally, horses should be left out for the entire day if weather permits. Warm the bit with your hands before putting in the horse's mouth. An icy bit can temporarily freeze and injure the tongue. Brush the horse well to remove snow, ice, moisture or dirt before saddling to prevent irritation.