How Cold is Too Cold for Your OTTB?
The answer isn’t black and white. It depends on several factors. A useful phrase to keep in mind is: “Horses can cope with cold, and they can handle wet, but cold and wet together are a real challenge.” A chilly, damp day hovering around 1°C with driving rain can be more stressful for your OTTB than a crisp -2°C morning with snow.
What Influences Cold Tolerance in NZ OTTBs?
Every horse is different. Factors like age, condition, diet, coat thickness, metabolic health, and even past management play a role. Most healthy, adult OTTBs who’ve grown a proper winter coat, are a good weight/body condition and are getting good nutrition can handle typical New Zealand winter conditions just fine. However, horses with sleek summer coats due to clipping, lights, or recent racing careers may need extra care.
If your OTTB has a clipped coat, is older, has just come off the track, or isn’t yet at ideal body condition, their tolerance to the cold drops significantly. These horses require rugs, additional feed, and sheltered turnout options to stay warm and well.
Understanding Lower Critical Temperature (LCT)
The Lower Critical Temperature (LCT) is the point where a horse must burn more energy just to keep warm. Here are some general guidelines from Kentucky Equine Research:
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Foals: LCT around 20°C
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Young horses (well-fed): Around -11°C
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Young horses (limited feed): Around 0°C
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Adults in good condition: As low as -15°C
This isn’t a hard rule just like us, horses vary. Some seem “hardy” and others feel the chill more. What’s important to note is that foals, older horses, and those not in peak health will begin using more energy to stay warm at higher temperatures than their robust adult counterparts.
Is Shivering a Sign of Concern?
Not necessarily. Shivering is a natural body function that helps generate heat. It does mean your horse is using extra energy, but it’s not automatically a red flag. If the shivering continues for several hours without stopping, then your horse is likely struggling and may need help staying warm. Rugging up, providing shelter, offering warm water, and increasing hay.
Don’t Overlook Water Intake
One often-missed issue in winter is reduced drinking. Horses drink less when water is cold, which can lead to dehydration and increase the risk of colic. While horses prefer cold water when they have a choice, studies show they drink more when only warm water is available. Try offering tepid water during frosty weather yes, it’s a bit more work, but it pays off in the long run.
Hay, Fibre & Heat Production
Forage is a horse’s best friend in cold weather. As roughage breaks down in the hind gut, it produces internal heat. Allowing your OTTB to nibble hay throughout the day helps them maintain body warmth. Feeds with high fibre content, such as beet pulp based mixes, are especially helpful. Rather than boosting grain, increasing fibre and forage is a more horse friendly way to meet their calorie needs during winter.
Key Takeaways for NZ OTTB Owners:
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Cold + wet is the hardest weather combo for horses.
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An OTTB’s tolerance to cold depends on their coat, age, diet, health, and body condition.
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Horses fresh off the track lack a thick winter coat and need extra care.
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Prioritise hay and warm water during cold spells.
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Watch for ongoing shivering. It could be a sign your horse needs more support.
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Fibre-rich feeds help produce heat from within.
Supporting your OTTB through a New Zealand winter doesn’t need to be complicated, just thoughtful. With a little planning, you can help them stay healthy, happy, and warm.