Maintain Comfort and Wellness Before Spring Arrives
Late winter in San Diego County can be a funny season. Cool mornings, warmer afternoons, the occasional rain, and that in-between feeling where spring seems close but is not quite here yet.
For horse owners, this is a key moment to pause, check in, and make a few small adjustments that set horses up for a smooth transition into spring.
Here are the areas that matter most right now, and what we recommend keeping an eye on.
Feeding Adjustments as Pasture Changes
Even in Southern California, pasture quality can shift quickly this time of year. Rain can bring new growth, while cooler nights slow it down. That mix means nutrition can change without much warning.
Late winter is a good time to:
- Keep hay as the foundation of your horse’s diet
- Watch body condition closely as grass availability fluctuates
- Avoid sudden feed changes. Any adjustments should be gradual over 7–10 days
- Make sure horses are drinking enough water. Cooler temperatures can reduce water intake, so tools like automatic waterers can be very helpful in keeping fresh water available at all times.
If you are starting to see pasture pick up, go slow. Too much fresh growth too fast can lead to digestive issues. Steady and consistent wins here.
Hoof Care in Wet and Muddy Conditions
Rain brings welcome relief to our landscape, but it also brings mud. Muddy paddocks and turnout areas can soften hooves and increase the risk of issues like thrush.
Late winter hoof care reminders:
- Pick out hooves regularly to keep them clean and dry
- Pay attention to smell or softness, which can be early warning signs
- Keep up with regular trims, even if riding has slowed down
- Support hoof health with balanced nutrition
A few minutes a day can prevent bigger problems later on. A few tools that can help with this care include a hoof pick, hoof brush, hoof shears and other tropical hoof care products.
Blanketing Tips for Fluctuating Temperatures
Our North County and South County San Diego winters are rarely extreme, but temperature swings are common. Cold mornings followed by sunny afternoons can make blanketing tricky.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Many horses do just fine without heavy blankets in our climate
- Over-blanketing can cause sweating and skin irritation
- If you blanket, check fit often and remove layers as temperatures warm
- Let your horse guide you. Shivering, sweating, or changes in behavior are good indicators
When in doubt, lighter layers and flexibility are better than locking into one setup. Also, make sure to keep blankets clean to remove dirt, hair, and oils. Regular cleaning prevents skin irritation and extends the life of the blanket.
Elston Hay & Grain offers a drop-off service at their store, and they’ll coordinate with their cleaning partner, Linda. Click here to learn more about horse blanket cleaning.
Supporting Coat and Digestion During Seasonal Shifts
As days slowly lengthen, horses begin preparing for shedding season, even if winter coats are still hanging on. At the same time, seasonal changes can impact digestion.
This is a good time to consider:
- Grooming more regularly to support circulation and coat health
- Nutritional support that promotes healthy digestion
- Watching for changes in manure, appetite, or energy levels
You do not need to do everything at once. Simple, consistent care goes a long way.
Bedding Considerations in Late Winter
Wet weather makes bedding especially important right now. Clean, dry stalls help protect hooves, joints, and respiratory health. This time of year, many horse owners rely on bedding options like mini flake shavings, triple screen shavings, straw bales or bedding pellets to provide absorbency, comfort, and insulation for their horses.
Late winter bedding tips:
- Keep stalls as dry as possible to reduce moisture exposure
- Remove wet spots frequently, especially after rainy days
- Choose bedding that offers good absorbency and comfort
- Maintain airflow in barns, even during cooler weather
Comfort underfoot matters more than we sometimes realize, and using quality bedding products can make a big difference in keeping horses healthy and comfortable.
Setting Horses Up for Spring
Late winter is not about big changes. It is about small, thoughtful adjustments that prepare horses for what comes next.
A little extra attention now helps:
- Ease the transition into spring feeding
- Prevent hoof and skin issues
- Support healthy coats and digestion
- Keep horses comfortable and consistent
If you ever have questions about feed, bedding, grooming tools, or supplements, we are always happy to talk things through. Caring for horses through every season is what we do.
Here’s to a smooth finish to winter and a strong start to spring.
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Elston Hay & Grain
For over 56 years, Elston’s has been San Diego’s go-to for animal care and rural living. We proudly support generations of horse lovers, livestock caretakers, pet owners, and home growers with top-notch hay, feed, and supplies. Rooted in ranching and built on friendly know-how, we’re here to help you care for your animals with confidence. Whether you’re raising chickens, feeding a stable, or spoiling your pup, here at Elston’s we’ve got what you need.
Shop online or visit us at our locations in Ramona and Poway. We proudly deliver to all of San Diego County, including Escondido, Lakeside, Warner Springs, Julian, Ranchita, Bonita and the rest of South County. https://shop.elstonhayandgrain.com/