Equine Veterinary Services
31/01/2025
Temps are dropping next week and I frequently get lots of questions about blanketing this time of year, here’s some info and great guidelines to keep your fur kids in their best health possible through winter ❄️❄️❄️
Blanketing a horse in cold weather is important for maintaining their comfort and health, but it’s crucial to understand when and why a blanket is necessary. As a veterinarian, I would recommend considering the following factors when deciding whether or not to blanket your horse in cold weather:
1. Temperature and Wind Chill
• Temperature Alone: Horses can generally tolerate temperatures down to about 32°F (0°C) without the need for a blanket, especially if they have access to shelter and can grow a winter coat. However, temperatures consistently below 20°F (-6°C) may warrant blanketing, particularly for horses with thinner coats or those that are clipped.
• Wind Chill: Wind can make the perceived temperature much colder. When wind chill drops below 20°F (-6°C), horses are at increased risk of cold stress. Blanketing can help retain warmth in these conditions, especially if they are exposed to the elements without adequate shelter.
2. Horse’s Coat Type
• Natural Coat: Horses with a thick winter coat (such as drafts, cobs, and some native breeds) may not need blanketing at all unless the weather is exceptionally cold or wet. Their natural insulation works well to keep them warm.
• Clipped Horses: Horses that are clipped for showing, performance, or health reasons have lost their natural insulation. These horses will need to be blanketed to prevent them from becoming too cold. Blanketing is especially important when they are not in work, as they cannot generate the same heat.
• Hairless or Thin-Coated Horses: Horses with little hair or naturally thin coats (such as some Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, or older horses) may struggle to stay warm, even in milder cold weather. A blanket is recommended if the temperature drops significantly.
3. Age and Health of the Horse
• Young Foals: Foals, especially those born late in the year, are more vulnerable to cold. Foals may require blankets when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), particularly if they do not have access to adequate shelter or if they are born prematurely.
• Elderly Horses: Older horses may have reduced circulation or a less effective metabolic rate for generating heat, so they may need blankets in colder weather. Particularly if they are ill, have dental issues, or are underweight, they may need the extra warmth to stay comfortable.
• Ill or Recuperating Horses: Horses recovering from illness or surgery may have reduced ability to regulate their body temperature. Blankets are helpful for maintaining their body temperature, especially if they are unable to generate warmth through movement or exercise.
4. Access to Shelter
• Stabled Horses: If your horse is stabled in a well-insulated barn or sheltered from wind and rain, it may not need a blanket unless temperatures drop significantly or the horse is clipped. However, they should still have a blanket if they are clipped or in poor condition.
• Pastured Horses: Horses in open fields without access to shelter will need more help from a blanket to stay warm, especially if they don’t have natural windbreaks like trees or hedges. For horses without a heavy coat, or those with clipped coats, a turnout blanket is crucial in these conditions.
5. Rain and Wet Conditions
• Wet Conditions: Horses who are wet from rain or snow are at much higher risk of hypothermia than horses that are dry. If it’s wet and windy, even if the temperature is above freezing, a waterproof turnout blanket is recommended. Wet hair loses its insulating properties, making the horse more susceptible to cold stress.
• Snow or Slush: Snow can also cause issues, especially if it is wet and melts. Wet snow or slush makes it harder for horses to maintain their body temperature. A water-resistant blanket is often necessary in these conditions.
6. Activity Level
• In Work: Horses that are being worked regularly, such as performance horses, eventers, or horses in training, may not need a blanket as long as they are warmed up through exercise. However, after exercise, it’s important to monitor the horse’s body temperature. If they are wet or sweaty, a cooler or blanket can help them dry off and prevent chilling.
• Inactive Horses: Horses that are not being worked regularly may need a blanket to help keep them warm, especially if they’re elderly, have health issues, or are out in the field during very cold weather.
7. Condition of the Horse
• Body Condition: Horses that are underweight or in poor condition (such as those recovering from illness) are more vulnerable to cold. A blanket will help them retain body heat.
• Body Fat and Muscle Mass: Horses with little body fat or muscle mass may struggle to stay warm, so blanketing becomes more important in colder weather. On the other hand, horses that are well-muscled and have good body fat reserves can tolerate the cold more easily.
8. Type of Blanket
• Stable Blanket: Ideal for keeping warmth in during stabling, but not suitable for wet or windy conditions.
• Turnout Blanket: Waterproof and designed for outdoor use. It’s essential for horses left outside in wet or windy weather. Some models offer insulation for added warmth.
• Cooler: Used for cooling horses down after exercise or helping dry them off after getting wet from sweat or rain. Coolers are great for preventing chills when horses are not fully dry.
General Guidelines for Blanketing: 🐎💯
• 40°F-50°F (4°C-10°C): Horses with thick coats typically don’t need a blanket, but clipped or thin-coated horses may need one.
• 30°F-40°F (-1°C-4°C): Consider blanketing clipped horses, or those in poor body condition, or when it’s wet and windy.
• Below 20°F (-6°C): Most horses, particularly those clipped or older, will need a blanket if they are not in a warm, insulated barn or shelter. Horses in good condition may not need one if they have adequate shelter and access to food.
• Extreme Cold (Under 10°F/-12°C): Horses that are exposed to extreme cold, especially without shelter, should definitely have a blanket, regardless of their coat type. Ensure the blanket is well-fitted and insulated.
Key Takeaways:
• Blanketing is essential for clipped horses, elderly horses, horses in poor health, and those without access to shelter in extreme cold, wet, or windy weather.
• Pay attention to temperature, wind chill, and moisture levels to determine when a blanket is necessary.
• Always use well-fitted, breathable blankets to prevent overheating or chafing.
Ultimately, it’s important to closely observe your horse’s behavior, as some horses may show signs of being too hot or too cold even with a blanket. Monitoring their condition and adjusting accordingly will ensure that they stay comfortable and healthy throughout the colder months.
