Winter Horse Breathing

Cold air works the lungs before the muscles ever fire.

Winter riding introduces a factor many riders overlook: cold, dry air. Each breath pulls in air that’s denser, drier, and more irritating to the respiratory tract—especially during the first phase of work.

Breathing effort changes in winter.

How Cold Air Affects the Respiratory System

Temperature alters airflow response.

• Cold air dries respiratory tissues
• Airways take longer to warm and relax
• Breathing depth may stay shallow early in work

This can subtly limit oxygen delivery at the start of exercise.

Why Winter Breathing Influences Performance

Oxygen drives movement.

When respiration is restricted or inefficient, muscles fatigue faster and warm‑ups feel longer. Horses may appear sluggish or resistant—not from attitude, but from respiratory strain.

This is where Prehabilitation matters: supporting systems before workload increases.

Signs Cold Air Is Affecting Your Horse

• Shorter stride early in work
• Delayed willingness to move forward
• More visible breathing effort during warm‑up
• Improvement only after extended walking

These signs often fade with proper preparation.

Adjusting Winter Warm‑Ups for Breathing Comfort

Start slower than you think.

• Longer walking phases
• Gradual increases in intensity
• Avoid sudden bursts of speed early
• Allow time for respiratory tissues to adapt

Winter lungs need patience.

Support Circulation to Support Breathing

Respiration and circulation work together.

A sensation‑free liniment gel supports circulation in large muscle groups, helping oxygen delivery feel easier as respiratory systems warm and adjust to cold air.

Draw It Out® Liniment Gel fits naturally into winter grooming and pre‑ride routines, supporting calm transitions into work.

Areas Indirectly Affected by Cold‑Air Breathing

• Back and topline
• Large muscle groups
• Neck and shoulder region

When breathing improves, movement follows.

Create a Winter Breathing‑Smart Routine

Cold air changes the rules.

If you’re unsure how to adapt winter riding routines, the Draw It Out® Solution Finder helps align care with season, workload, and environment.

You can also explore the Horse Liniment Collection to support circulation and comfort throughout winter riding.

Let the Lungs Catch Up

Winter performance starts with breath.

When breathing, circulation, and warm‑ups work together, horses move freer, settle faster, and perform more comfortably—even in cold air.

Modern performance. Proven calm.