When to Blanket a Horse: Your Ultimate Temperature Guide

Deciding whether or not to blanket your horse can feel overwhelming. From understanding your horse’s natural defenses against the cold to choosing the right type of blanket, there’s a lot to consider. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a When To Blanket A Horse Temperature Guide and all the information you need to make the best decision for your equine companion.

Understanding Your Horse’s Natural Warmth

Horses are naturally equipped to handle cold weather. Their bodies are designed to generate and retain heat. Knowing how your horse stays warm naturally is the first step in deciding if blanketing is necessary.

Here’s how horses stay warm:

Winter Coat: As daylight hours decrease, horses grow a thicker winter coat consisting of longer, coarser hairs. These hairs stand up, trapping warm air close to the body and providing insulation. The winter coat starts growing as early as July and fully develops by October, when the summer coat is shed.
Digestion: The fermentation of roughage in the hindgut produces heat, which helps maintain the horse’s core body temperature. This is why many horse owners increase hay rations in the winter.
Lower Critical Temperature (LCT): The LCT is the lowest temperature at which a horse can maintain its core body temperature without expending additional energy.

However, a horse’s natural defenses may not always be enough, particularly when factoring in clipping, age, and living conditions.

Should You Blanket Your Horse? Key Factors to Consider

The decision to blanket a horse is highly individual. It depends on several factors, not just the outside temperature. The most important aspects include:

Coat: Horses with full, thick winter coats are often fine without blankets. However, horses that have been clipped for showing or competition, or those with naturally thin coats, will likely need blanketing to stay warm.
- Horses with a full winter coat are likely to be OK au naturel
- Horses that are clipped or have sleek “show coats” will need a blanket to stay warm
Living Situation: Horses with access to shelter, like stalls or run-in sheds, are better able to cope with cold weather. Horses that live outdoors with limited shelter may require blanketing, especially during wet or windy conditions.
- Horses with stalls or other permanent shelter may well be fine with just their winter coat
- Horses that aren’t able to fully escape from the elements should have a waterproof sheet or blanket to keep warm and dry
Age: Senior horses often have difficulty regulating their body temperature due to less efficient digestive and immune systems. Blanketing can help them conserve energy and stay warm.
Body Condition: Horses with a healthy body condition score (BCS) have more fat reserves to help them stay warm. Thin horses, or “hard keepers,” may need blankets to avoid burning extra calories to maintain their body temperature.
- Easy keepers, or horses with plenty of fat, are more likely to be fine sans blanket
- Hard keepers, or naturally thin horses, often burn extra calories just trying to keep warm, so giving them a blanket is a smart choice
Geography and Acclimation: Horses acclimated to colder climates have a lower LCT than those in warmer regions. This means a horse in Florida might need a blanket at a temperature that a horse in Montana finds comfortable.

Example Scenarios: Blanketing Decisions

To further illustrate when to blanket, here are a few example scenarios:

Important Tip: Always have a blanket on hand, even if your horse typically doesn’t wear one. Unexpected cold snaps or wet weather can quickly change the situation.

Types of Horse Blankets and Sheets

Understanding the different types of blankets and sheets is crucial for making the right choice.

Sheets vs. Blankets: Sheets are lightweight and offer minimal warmth, while blankets have fill for insulation.
Stable vs. Turnout: Stable blankets and sheets are not waterproof and are designed for indoor use. Turnout blankets and sheets are waterproof and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Think of your horse’s wardrobe like your own. You have different outerwear for different weather conditions, and your horse should, too.

0-100 grams of fill – Sheets (also sometimes called “Light Weight Blankets,” because nothing’s ever that easy in the horse world!)
150-250 grams of fill – Medium Weight Blankets
300+ grams of fill – Heavy Weight Blankets

When to Blanket: A Temperature Guide

This when to blanket a horse temperature guide provides general recommendations. Remember to adjust based on the individual factors discussed above.

General Guidelines:

Keep in mind that these are just guidelines, and you should always monitor your horse for signs of being too hot or too cold.

Clipped Horses:

50-40°F (10-4°C): Light blanket
40-30°F (4- -1°C): Medium blanket
Below 30°F (-1°C): Heavy blanket

Unclipped Horses:

40-30°F (4- -1°C): Light blanket
30-20°F (-1- -7°C): Medium blanket
Below 20°F (-7°C): Heavy blanket

Measuring, Cleaning, and Storing Blankets

Properly fitting, cleaning, and storing your horse’s blankets will extend their lifespan and ensure your horse’s comfort.

Measuring: Use a soft measuring tape to measure from the center of your horse’s chest to the point of their rump.
Cleaning: Regularly clean your horse’s blankets to remove dirt, sweat, and debris. You can wash them yourself or use a professional blanket cleaning service.
Storing: Store blankets in a clean, dry place, away from pests and moisture.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Horse’s Comfort

Deciding when to blanket a horse requires careful consideration of individual factors and environmental conditions. By understanding your horse’s natural defenses, recognizing the different types of blankets, and following a when to blanket a horse temperature guide, you can ensure your horse stays comfortable and healthy throughout the winter months. Pay attention to your horse’s individual needs and adjust your blanketing strategy as needed. A well-informed approach will contribute to your horse’s overall well-being.

Key Components of Horse Blankets

One, two, or three surcingles cross under the belly, securing the blanket in place. More surcingles = more secure fit.
Shoulder gussets offer a bit more “give,” allowing greater freedom of movement.
A tail flap offers full wind and rain protection for horses who spend a lot of time outside. The bottom of the flap should reach the middle to the end of the tailbone.
Optional nylon or elastic leg straps help prevent shifting and keep the blanket secure in windy weather. For safety and security, these straps shouldn’t hang loosely. Loop them through each other to help avoid rubs.
Hoods and neck covers are separate pieces designed to attach to the turnout blanket for more complete coverage.

Horse Blanketing Glossary

Sheets – Sheets don’t have any fill, (just like the sheets on your bed) so they’re the lightest piece of apparel in your horse’s wardrobe. There are many different types of sheets:
Quarter Sheets – Usually made of fleece or wool, quarter sheets are designed to cover your horse’s hindquarters and wrap up under the saddle flaps or over your legs when you’re riding. Many riders prefer to use quarter sheets just for the warmup, while others keep them on for the entire ride, especially during long, cool-weather trail rides.
Coolers – Coolers come in two styles: square and fitted. Square coolers are oversized and loose, draping over your horse from the poll to the top of the tail and hanging just below the belly. Fitted coolers are snug-fitting, like stable sheets, and the term “fitted cooler” is often used interchangeably with “dress sheet.” Regardless of the cut, coolers are made from fleece or wool that draws moisture away from the skin while trapping heat; helping to keep horses warm and dry, not cold and clammy, as they cool out after winter riders.
Stable Blankets – Stable blankets are similar in style and material to stable sheets, but unlike sheets, blankets are filled, like the comforter on your bed. They come in a range of weights, offering different levels of warmth so that you can dress your horse according to the weather. Because the exterior material is not waterproof, stable blankets are generally used when the horse is in the stall. For waterproof protection, some owners will layer a turnout sheet over their horse’s stable blanket when the horse is outside.
Turnout Blankets – Turnout blankets combine the warmth of a stable blanket with the waterproofing of a turnout sheet. Just like stable blankets, turnout blankets come in a range of weights, to allow for temperature fluctuations throughout the winter. Their exterior material has a waterproof coating and a breathable membrane to keep your horse warm and dry through the worst winter weather. Some manufacturers, particularly those in Europe, will refer to turnout blankets as “turnout rugs.”
Weight/Fill – The weight of a blanket refers to the amount of fill, or “stuffing,” which is measured in grams. A lightweight blanket (aka “sheet”) has 0g or no fill. Medium-weight blankets have anywhere from 150-225g of fill. Heavyweight blankets have 250-370g of fill, with a few ultra-heavyweight blankets weighing in at 400g of fill.
Denier – Denier is the measure of nylon fiber density and is used to rate the strength of the exterior material on horse blankets. Like fill weight, denier varies greatly from one blanket to the next. A higher denier, like 1200D, indicates the blanket is more durable and more water-resistant than a lower denier, like 600D.
Rip-Stop – Rip-stop nylon features a checkerboard weave that helps prevent small rips from spreading, so you can patch a small hole instead of replacing the entire blanket.
Ballistic – Ballistic nylon was originally developed for use in bulletproof vests. Ballistic nylon turnout blankets won’t stop bullets, but they will put up with a lot of abuse.
RePET® / rPET – An eco-friendly option, blankets made with recycled PET plastic repurpose water bottles and other post-consumer recyclable plastic to help keep waste out of landfills and oceans.
Lining – Because the exterior material is often quite rough to stand up to the elements, many blankets have liners that are softer against your horse’s skin. Cotton or poly/cotton linings are absorbent, nylon linings help polish the coat and mesh linings enhance air flow and moisture management.
High Neck – This style of turnout blanket is cut significantly higher up on the horse’s neck, offering extended protection from the elements.
Neck Rug/Neck Cover – These separate pieces are made from the same material as turnout blankets and are designed to attach to the turnout blanket for more complete coverage. Many owners use neck rugs to adjust their horse’s level of protection and warmth as the temperature fluctuates.
Hood – Like neck rugs, hoods are separate pieces that can be used for extra warmth. Unlike neck rugs, hoods are made from the same material as stable blankets and cover the horse’s face, as well as the neck.
Front Closures – There are many types to choose from, but these are the most common:
- Buckle-Front – Just like a regular belt buckle, usually nylon straps with a metal buckle. Offers a lot of adjustability.
- Surcingle – Also known as “T-locks,” surcingle closures on the front of the blanket will function just like the belly surcingles, with two metal pieces that interlock to keep the blanket closed.
- Quick-Clip – Any metal snap or clip fastener that you can open and close with one hand. Really “handy” to have if you’re taking blankets on and off repeatedly. Easy to use with gloves, which is a big plus in the winter!
- V-Front – Usually cut a little higher on the neck, V-Front blankets fasten lower on the chest, eliminating pressure when the horse has his head down.
- Closed Front – Closed-front blankets have no opening in the chest, so they’re taken on and off over the head. The smooth, streamlined fit helps eliminates bunching and rubs.
Shoulder Gussets – Gusseted blankets have an extra piece of fabric sewn in at the shoulder, to allow for great range of motion.
Padded Withers – Fleece or foam padding at the withers can reduce rubbing, a common problem for many horses.
Leg Arches™ – With Horseware Ireland’s patented Leg Arches™, the edge of the blanket is cut back around the legs to allow for movement without interference or rubs from the blanket.
Surcingle – The belly strap(s) that is primarily responsible for keeping the blanket in place. Sheets and blankets can have anywhere from one to three surcingles, with two being the most common. The more surcingles on the blanket, the more likely it is to stay in place.
Leg Straps – These straps crisscross between the horse’s back legs, providing stability, preventing the blanket from riding up or shifting out of place.
Tail Flap/Tail Cover – An extra swatch of fabric that covers the tail area, usually to the bottom of the tail bone, to help seal out cold winds.
Tail Cord – This cord ties the back ends of the blanket together and rests under the tail, helping to keep the blanket in place.