When To Blanket A Horse

Blanketing a horse depends on various factors like the horse's age, breed, coat thickness, and overall health. Here are some general guidelines to consider:

1. Temperature: Horses are most comfortable when the temperature is between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius, a horse with a short hair coat or one that has been recently clipped may need a blanket to stay warm.

2. Coat Thickness: Some horse breeds have a thicker coat and can tolerate colder temperatures without a blanket. In contrast, breeds with finer coats may need a blanket to stay warm.

3. Health: Horses with a weakened immune system or those recovering from an illness may need a blanket to help regulate their body temperature.

4. Body Condition: Horses that are underweight may benefit from a blanket to help conserve energy and maintain their weight.

5. Activity level: Horses that are active and moving around generate more body heat and may not need a blanket as much as horses that are inactive.

It's essential to monitor your horse's behavior and body language to determine if they are comfortable or not. If they appear to be shivering or seem lethargic, a blanket may be necessary. However, it's crucial not to over-blanket your horse, as this can lead to sweating, discomfort, and even illness. A good rule of thumb is to use a blanket only when necessary and to remove it during the day to allow your horse's coat to breathe and grow.

Here is a quick guide: When To Blanket a Horse Temperature Guide

Temperature	Natural Coat	Body Clipped
50 degrees	Nothing or 0g Turnout	Lite 0g-100g Blanket
40 degrees	Lite 0g-100g Blanket	Lite-Medium 100g-200g Blanket
30 degrees	Medium 100-200g Blanket	Heavy 300g Blanket
20 degrees	Medium 200g-300g Blanket	Heavy 300g-400g Blanket
10 degrees or below	Heavy 300g-400g Blanket	Heavy 300g-400g Blanket with a 100g-200g Blanket Liner

 

To learn more about when to blanket your horse check out our Horse Blanketing Basics Guide.