Horse Blankets: Necessary or Luxury?

When is a horse cold?

In general, horses do not get cold quickly; their comfort temperature is between 5 and 20/25 degrees Celsius. This means that only below or above these temperatures might a horse start feeling uncomfortable. Weather conditions play a big role: 5 degrees feels very different in wet and windy conditions than in dry and sunny weather. Some horses feel comfortable at cooler temperatures, while others prefer it warmer. Just because horse X is enjoying the rain at 5 degrees doesn’t mean horse Y feels the same. Whether a horse feels cold is therefore very individual. Humans should also be careful not to compare their own feelings with the horse’s: just because we find 5 degrees chilly does not mean the same for your horse. Always watch your horse’s signals and adjust your care accordingly.

Signs your horse is cold

A healthy horse with a good coat can handle a lot of cold, but it’s always important to pay attention to possible signs of discomfort. In some horses, this is very obvious; in others, you must look for subtle cues:

Tense muscles or arched back
Seeking shelter
Standing still and curled up
Being unusually explosive or restless
Cold ears and legs
Shivering or trembling

When to use a horse blanket

This cannot be answered universally. Whether or not to use a blanket is a personal decision that each owner should make based on their horse’s signals. In general, older horses, highly trained horses, or weaker/thinner horses can benefit from a blanket. These horses need extra protection to conserve energy and protect muscles. Young horses usually do not need a blanket in the first years of life, as they develop a thick winter coat and are not in intensive training. Many cold-blooded breeds also grow thick coats, making them resilient against cold, wind, and rain. However, if a horse is clipped, blankets become necessary as the natural protection is gone.

When we recommend using a blanket

Sometimes it is wise to put a blanket on your horse. Whenever it benefits the horse’s health and well-being, we fully support the use of blankets. Examples include:

No or insufficient shelter
The horse needs to gain weight
The horse has a weakened immune system
Older horses prone to stiffness or weight loss
Horses previously affected by muscle problems
Clipped horses
Any other situation where a blanket is desired

Whether to use a blanket is always the owner’s decision. They know their horse best, its living conditions, and whether a blanket is necessary. Nowadays, horse blankets are available in all shapes and sizes, ensuring that horses can comfortably wear a blanket suitable for their body type and lifestyle.

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