Horses are less likely to get cold than humans

Once the longest day has passed (June 21st), ponies/horses start preparing their coat for the winter period. Especially the hardy breeds start shedding almost immediately after the longest day, warmblood breeds are often a bit later. Ponies and horses are able to develop a well-insulating and waterproof winter coat. The ideal outdoor temperature for horses is between -5 and 10/15 degrees Celsius, which is their comfort temperature. What is considered cold/chilly for humans is actually a very pleasant temperature for horses. Horses can tolerate the cold and rain better than we expect. But as horse owners, we tend to humanize our horses and wrap them up warmly because we are cold. That humanization is logical, but unnecessary for horses.

When to use a blanket?

In principle, every horse can do without a blanket in the winter, but there are situations where it is better to choose a blanket. Older horses, horses with muscle problems, shaved horses, or horses that are intensively trained may sometimes be better off wearing a blanket. Blankets help horses use less energy to stay warm, especially for older horses or horses that easily lose weight, this is a big advantage. But horses with muscle problems also benefit from keeping the muscles warmer.

Shaved horses no longer have natural protection and therefore need a replacement for their own coat. For these horses, a blanket is a must.

The majority of horses could get through the winter perfectly fine without a blanket, but there are exceptions. Therefore, always keep an eye on your horse and choose what suits your horse.

What is the right blanket for my horse?

Blanket stress is very recognizable in horse owners, because which blanket is good? There is no simple answer to this, because it varies from horse to horse and owner. Each horse has a different build and each blanket brand has a different fit. Where one horse fits into a blanket that costs only 50 euros, the other horse will only fit into a blanket that costs 300 euros. But here are some tips for choosing the right blanket for your horse:

• Don't buy the blanket too big! A common mistake is that blankets are bought too large. Blankets that are too large will sag backwards while moving, causing it to pull on the shoulders and withers. This can cause chafing. Many owners think that the chafing means the blanket is too small, but the opposite is actually true. Good point to remember: the tail flap of the blanket should start at the base of the horse's tail. If the tail flap starts further back, then the blanket is too long and will either pull back or hang crookedly.

• Ensure enough shoulder freedom: Especially for broad-built horses, it is difficult to find a well-fitting blanket. A size larger is often chosen, but then you get the problem of pulling on the withers. Therefore, try different brands of blankets and see which brand fits best with your horse's build. Shoulder gussets can help provide a bit more chest room. Blankets with the famous v-closure often provide more room in the front than blankets with a straight closure.

• Choose the quality that suits your horse's accommodation: Does your horse stay outside 24/7? Then choose a high-quality blanket with good breathability. The more expensive blankets may cost a lot upfront, but they will also last for years. These more expensive blankets can handle a larger amount of rainwater than the often cheaper brands. Additionally, the breathability of the more expensive brands is usually better, reducing condensation under the blankets. Does your horse stand in a playful herd or is your horse low in the pecking order? Then choose a blanket made of ballistic nylon, this material is much stronger and less likely to break if a horse pulls on it.

• Choose the right thickness: Choose the thickness of the blanket that suits your horse and your housing situation. Horses that stand still in the stall get cold more easily than horses that can move freely 24/7. An unshaved horse needs a thinner blanket than a shaved horse. Nowadays, many blankets have a liner system that allows you to easily switch blanket thicknesses without having to buy multiple blankets. Sometimes, a rain blanket is more than enough in the winter. Also, don't wrap your horse too warmly, overdressing can cause more health problems than leaving a horse colder. Always remember that a horse is a horse and not a human, if we are cold, the horse is probably still comfortable.

Read more in our blog "Rain blankets, winter blankets, outdoor blankets: What will you choose for your horse?" about the different types of blankets available.

Unsure whether to put a blanket on your horse this winter?

Sometimes it's difficult to determine whether or not to put a blanket on in the winter. Then make a list for yourself of why you would or would not put a blanket on. If the answer to the following questions is generally no, then choose not to use a blanket. You can always put the blanket on during the season, it's much harder the other way around.

1. Does your horse easily lose weight in the winter?

2. Is your horse older?

3. Does your horse have a weakened immune system or muscle problems?

4. Is your horse shaved?

5. Is your horse intensively trained?

If the answers to these 5 questions are mostly no, then your horse may be able to stand without a blanket in the winter.