You walk out to the barn on a frosty morning, your breath hanging in the air, and your horse’s whiskers sparkling with tiny ice crystals. It is cold, but is your horse actually cold or just embracing the chill?
Knowing when your horse needs extra warmth is not always obvious. Some horses handle freezing temperatures with ease, while others start shivering when the thermometer dips below 50 degrees.
If you have ever wondered, "Is my horse too cold?", here are seven clear signs to look for, plus what you can do to keep them comfortable and healthy all winter.
How Horses Stay Warm Naturally
Horses are built to handle the cold. Their thick winter coats and slow metabolism help trap body heat, and the constant process of digesting forage acts like an internal heater.
However, some horses need a little help. Clipped coats, old age, illness, or damp and windy weather can all make it harder for them to stay warm. Even a healthy horse can lose body heat faster than it can produce it when the weather turns wet or bitterly cold.
Tip: A healthy, unclipped horse with plenty of hay and shelter usually does fine in cold, dry weather. Horses that are clipped, thin-coated, older, or turned out in windy or wet conditions may need a blanket to stay comfortable.
7 Signs Your Horse Might Be Too Cold
- Cold Ears or Skin
- Shivering
- Hunched Posture or Tucked Tail
- Lethargy or Reduced Movement
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight Loss or Rough Coat
- Constantly Seeking Shelter
Touch your horse’s ears, chest, or flanks. If they feel cold to the touch rather than comfortably warm, it is a clear sign that your horse may be chilled.
Just like humans, horses shiver to warm up. If you notice trembling muscles or subtle quivers, your horse is trying to generate heat and probably needs an extra layer.
A horse that is tucking its tail, arching its back, or standing with tight muscles is likely conserving body heat.
Cold horses often move less to conserve energy. If your usually active horse seems sluggish or uninterested in turnout, they could be cold.
Chilled horses sometimes eat less or turn away from hay. That only makes them colder since digesting forage is their natural heat source.
A dull coat, weight loss, or visible ribs can indicate your horse is burning too many calories to stay warm.
If your horse is glued to the barn or turns its rump toward the wind instead of grazing, they are telling you they would prefer a blanket and some comfort.
What to Do If Your Horse Is Cold
If you suspect your horse is chilly, start with these quick fixes:
- Move them to a dry, draft-free shelter.
- Offer plenty of hay to help them generate heat.
- Remove any damp or heavy blankets and replace them with a dry one.
- Layer a stable sheet or medium-weight blanket, depending on the temperature.
Choosing the Right Blanket for the Weather
Different weather calls for varying levels of protection. Use this quick reference to help you choose:
| Stable | Turnout | Short Coat or Clipped | Medium or Full Coat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet No insulation | Sheet No insulation | 50°F - 65°F | As needed |
| Tekno-Fleece® Moisture-wicking technology | Tekno-Fleece® Moisture-wicking technology | 40°F - 60°F | 30°F - 50°F |
| Light-Weight 180 grams | Light-Weight 80 - 180 grams | 40°F - 60°F | 30°F - 50°F |
| Medium-Weight 280 grams | Medium-Weight 220 grams | 35°F - 50°F | 30°F - 45°F |
| Heavy-Weight 440 grams | Heavy-Weight 380 grams | 20°F - 40°F | 15°F - 30°F |
| Extra Heavy-Weight 500 grams | - | Subzero - 20°F | Subzero - 15°F |
Related read: When to Blanket Your Horse
Shop our full collection of Horse Blankets to find the right weight for your horse.
Preventing the Chill
Once your horse is warm, keep them that way with smart blanketing habits:
- Rotate blankets so you always have a dry one ready for rainy days.
- Avoid over-blanketing, as horses can overheat easily if the weather warms up.
- Check daily under the blanket for dampness or sweat buildup.
- Keep hay available at all times since forage helps maintain body heat.
Pro Tip: Store blankets clean, dry, and off the ground between uses to extend their life. Check out our many blanket racks and bars to help.
FAQs
Q: What temperature do horses get cold?
Every horse is different, but most start to feel uncomfortable below 50-60 degrees, especially if it is windy, wet, or they are clipped.
Q: Do all horses need blankets in winter?
No. Some grow thick, fluffy coats and stay perfectly warm in dry winter conditions. Others, like older horses or those without shelter, benefit from an extra layer.
Q: How can I tell if I am over-blanketing my horse?
If they are sweating under the blanket, breathing heavily, or avoiding movement, they are too warm. Adjust with lighter layers as needed.
At the end of the day, your horse will tell you what they need if you know what to look for. Recognizing when your horse is too cold helps you blanket with confidence and keep them comfortable.
When in doubt, check for warmth under the blanket, keep the hay coming, and trust your instincts.
