Horse comfort temperature

Horses have a comfort temperature ranging between -5 and 10 degrees. This is the temperature at which horses feel most comfortable. And that is much lower than for humans, as the temperature for humans is around 20 degrees. Horses can usually handle the cold better than the heat. But it is important to remember to see the horse as an individual. Just like with humans, one person may walk around in a t-shirt at 15 degrees while another may need a thick jacket. The comfort temperature is a guideline for the horse as a species, not as an individual.

Wind and moisture cool down faster

In principle, horses do not have problems with the cold, but as soon as wind and rain come into play, the perceived temperature can drastically decrease. This can make horses feel much colder, with the perceived temperature dropping below the comfort temperature. This is one of the main reasons to always provide shelter so that the horse can choose to stand out of the rain and wind. Of course, horses will position themselves with their hindquarters facing the wind and their tail protecting them from the cold, but in prolonged rainy/windy conditions, this may not be sufficient. Unfortunately, not all municipalities allow for the construction of shelters, but there are now portable shelters that are often allowed. A row of large bushes/trees can also provide shelter. There is always a solution to be found. Remember that this shelter is also important in the summer so that horses can stand out of the sun if they choose to do so.

Cold can lead to health issues in horses

Many horses grow a good winter coat, making a blanket not always necessary. But there are circumstances in which a horse may benefit from a blanket. And this is not just for older horses. They often benefit from a blanket as they don't have to spend energy on keeping warm, allowing them to maintain a healthy weight. Horses with sensitive muscles, digestive issues, or joint problems can also greatly benefit from a blanket. This helps prevent the cold from affecting the body, making it more comfortable for the horse. Horses that "catch a chill" can develop muscle or joint problems. They may become stiff, leading to stiffness throughout the body, particularly in the back and loins. The cold can also lead to wet manure, disrupting digestion and causing diarrhea or watery stools. Horses sensitive to digestive issues in the winter may be affected by the cold, but this may have multiple causes, with diet playing a major role.

But is my horse really cold?

As horse owners, we often project our own feelings onto our horses. If we are cold, our horse probably is too. But that is not always the case, as the comfort temperature is completely different. Additionally, horses stay warm by eating, as digestion generates heat that warms the horse. That's why it's important to feed more in colder weather.

Horses can regulate their temperature by lifting their hair. This allows air to flow between the fur, providing insulation. This is actually the first step for horses to warm up. Horses that are truly cold may stand stiffly, some may start running, and others may shiver. Shivering is a mechanism horses use to warm up, generating heat to warm themselves. A little shivering is not harmful, as long as the horse has a dry place to warm up and enough food. But if you really want to know if your horse is cold, check their body temperature. It's always good to know your horse's baseline temperature, but if you suspect your horse is cold, it's especially useful. If your horse is below this baseline temperature, you can assume your horse is cold.

It's important to look at the horse as an individual

Don't project your feelings onto your horse. Look at your horse as an individual and make decisions based on that when it comes to blanketing. Does your horse quickly develop back issues in the cold? Why not put a blanket on to help? Does your horse destroy every blanket you put on? Maybe that's a "subtle" hint that it prefers to be without a blanket.

If you notice your horse is cold, provide extra roughage to get digestion going. You can also give warm mash. If your horse is wet and cold, put on a real wool blanket to dry off. Then decide if a waterproof blanket is necessary.

But always provide a shelter from the wind and rain, even if horses are wearing blankets. The low temperature is often not the issue; it's the wind and rain that can make horses cold. Always keep an eye on your horse, even if everyone else blankets their horse heavily. If your horse is happy without a blanket, that's fine. And vice versa, even if all the horses in the herd are without a blanket, if your horse benefits from one, as an owner you can listen to that. This is why there is no definitive answer to the question "when does a horse really get cold?" It varies per horse, and can manifest as a stiff horse, a shivering horse, or a horse that's running around.

Interesting blanket facts:

• The thickness of the blanket varies depending on the individual horse. A clipped horse will likely need a thicker blanket than an unclipped horse.

• Find the right fit. Nothing is more annoying for a horse than an ill-fitting blanket worn around the clock. Rub marks, crooked blankets, or a horse that constantly destroys its blankets are signs that the blanket may not fit properly.

• An unlined blanket does not flatten the horse's hair. A well-fitted blanket provides enough room between the blanket and the coat, allowing a horse under a waterproof blanket to raise its hair without issues.

• A smooth or fleece lining? This also depends on the horse's preference. Fleece can be more abrasive and may cause rubbing if the blanket doesn't fit properly. A smooth lining is more hygienic. Keep in mind that a fleece lining adds about 50 grams to the weight of a blanket.

• The outer fabric also affects the warmth of a blanket. A 600 denier blanket allows more wind through than a 1200 denier or ballistic nylon blanket. Many horses are colder under a 600 denier blanket than under a blanket made of, for example, ballistic nylon.

• A horse can sweat under a blanket, making it look like the blanket is leaking. But in reality, the horse is too warm. Pay close attention to ensure your horse isn't too warm under the blanket.