November 22, 2025
Why Horses Get Stiffer in Fall/Winter
As the seasons shift, many horses may become a little more stiff, have a little less pep, or show hoof sensitivity. Fall is a beautiful time of year, but it can be surprisingly challenging for our horses.
🍁 Why Horses Get Stiffer in Fall/Winter
As temperatures drop, horses naturally experience:
• Less circulation to joints and limbs → thicker joint fluid & morning stiffness
• Drops in barometric pressure → increased joint and hoof sensitivity
• Tighter tendons and old injuries “waking up”
• Less natural movement as days get shorter
• Drops in barometric pressure → increased joint and hoof sensitivity
• Tighter tendons and old injuries “waking up”
• Less natural movement as days get shorter
This combination increases inflammation and makes arthritic or senior horses feel “creaky” this time of year.
🌱 Why Fall Pasture Can Trigger Soreness or Laminitis
Fall grass often contains surprisingly high sugar (NSC) levels due to:
- cold nights + sunny days
- frost stress
- slowed plant growth
- overgrazing during the fall “flush”
High-NSC grass can lead to:
- hoof tenderness
- metabolic stress
- gut inflammation
- increased insulin levels
This is why many horses with EMS, PPID, or a past laminitic episodes struggle in the fall even when the pasture looks “brown.”
🧠 The “Autumn Hormone Rise”
From late summer through early winter, every horse goes through a natural hormonal shift:
- ACTH increases
- Insulin rises
- Cortisol patterns change
For some horses, this means:
- foot soreness
- increased inflammation
- more anxiety or reactivity
- slower warm-ups
- laminitis risk
Senior horses, metabolic horses, and those with PPID are especially sensitive.
🌿 How Doc’s Hemp Full-Spectrum CBD Can Help
Fall affects every system in the horse’s body — joints, hooves, gut, hormones, and mood. This is often the season when many customers tell us they see positive changes with
Doc’s Hemp CBD.
Our USDA Organic full-spectrum hemp naturally supports:
• Joint comfort & mobility
Helps reduce inflammatory cytokines that increase in cold weather.
Helps reduce inflammatory cytokines that increase in cold weather.
• Healthy metabolic balance
Supports insulin sensitivity and reduces metabolic inflammation.
Supports insulin sensitivity and reduces metabolic inflammation.
• Hoof comfort during pasture changes
Helps modulate inflammation linked to high-NSC grass.
Helps modulate inflammation linked to high-NSC grass.
• Stress & seasonal hormone shifts
Supports calmness, focus, and nervous-system balance.
Supports calmness, focus, and nervous-system balance.
• Gut health
Helps soothe gut inflammation linked to sudden pasture changes.
Helps soothe gut inflammation linked to sudden pasture changes.
• Whole-body homeostasis
Supports the endocannabinoid system, which helps horses adapt to seasonal stress.
Supports the endocannabinoid system, which helps horses adapt to seasonal stress.
This makes full-spectrum hemp an ideal partner for horses moving into the colder months.
🍂 Simple Tips to Support Your Horse This Season
- Keep horses moving — even gentle walking helps
- Avoid pasture turnout right after a frost
- Consider a grazing muzzle for metabolic horses
- Test or choose low-NSC hay
- Keep seniors warm during cold rain
- Watch for subtle signs: hoof warmth, slow gait, mood changes
Small adjustments can make a big difference in fall comfort.
🌿 We’re Here for You & Your Horses
If your horse tends to struggle in fall or winter — stiffness, foot soreness, anxiety, or old injuries flaring up — you’re not alone. This is the season when horses need a little extra support.
As always, feel free to reply with questions. We’re happy to help you choose the right Doc’s Hemp option for your horse, dog, or cat.