Blanketing a horse depends on several factors, including the horse’s coat, health, age, weight stability, shelter availability, and the outside temperature. Here’s a practical framework to decide when to blanket: Key factors to consider
- Coat and acclimation: Healthy horses with a thick winter coat and access to shelter may not need a blanket. Clipped or short-coated horses lose some insulating value and are more likely to benefit from a blanket.
- Body condition and health: Underweight, very old, very young, ill, or injured horses have less ability to regulate their temperature and are more likely to need additional warmth.
- Shelter and wind/rain exposure: If shelter is lacking or the wind and precipitation are significant, a blanket can help protect against cold air and wetness.
- Temperature benchmarks (use as rough guide, not strict rule): Many owners blanket when temperatures consistently approach freezing or below. Body-clipped horses, and those with trouble maintaining weight, often benefit at higher thresholds. In contrast, horses with a full, thick coat and good shelter might stay unblanketed well below freezing.
- Dryness is crucial: Blankets are most effective on dry horses. Wet or muddy coats lose insulation and may require removal of wet gear and allowing the horse to dry before blanketing.
Practical guidelines
- If the horse has not been clipped and has a full winter coat, consider blanketing only if:
- There is no shelter and temperatures are persistently cold with wind or precipitation.
- The horse is underweight, elderly, very young, ill, or recovering from illness or injury.
- If the horse is clipped or has a thin coat:
- A blanket is more likely to be beneficial, especially in wet or windy conditions, or when temperatures are near or below freezing.
- A hood/neck coverage can help protect areas that no longer have hair.
- Manage changes in environment and care:
- If housed indoors with stable temperatures, blanket use may be driven more by weight maintenance and health status than by ambient temperature.
- In barns with variable temperatures, consider adjusting blanket weight or frequency of changes to keep the horse comfortable rather than over-blanketing.
- Regular checks:
- Ensure proper fit to prevent rubbing or overheating.
- Change blankets when the horse becomes wet or when the indoor vs outdoor temperatures vary significantly.
- Monitor for overheating, sweating, or signs of stress.
When in doubt
- If the horse is healthy, has good body condition, access to shelter, and a full coat, you may opt to refrain from blanketing and rely on natural coat and shelter, with extra care during cold snaps or storms.
- For horses with special needs (underweight, illness, recent surgery, foals, or seniors), blanketing is often warranted to maintain body warmth and condition.
If you’d like, share details about your horse (coat length, age/health, weight status, whether they have shelter, climate conditions, and whether you’ve clipped them). A more tailored recommendation can be provided based on those specifics.
