When it comes to preparing your senior equine for winter weather, small steps can go a long way to support your horse's health and comfort. Nathan Slovis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky., shares some tips.

Shelter from the Storm If your older horse is going to be fully or partially turned out this winter, one of the most important things for them to have outside is shelter, Slovis said. This can mean just a tree line to break the wind, or a run-in shed for those that live outside year-round.

Blanketing While many older horses that live outside will have an adequate coat to keep them warm, a waterproof layer is also important.

"Older horses are more prone to skin diseases and bacterial skin infections from excess moisture," Slovis explained. "Infections can be devastating in winter because you can't give baths, and (the horse) might have to be on antibiotics. The rug doesn't necessarily have to be thick or heavy, but it should be waterproof and breathable