The air is crisp, your breath fogs in the morning light, and your horse stands quietly in the pasture with frost sparkling across their coat. Horses look built for winter, but can they really stay warm when the temperature drops?
The short answer: yes, horses can get cold. How cold they get depends on their coat, age, condition, and environment. Understanding how horses handle low temperatures can help you keep them comfortable, healthy, and ready to take on the season.
How Horses Stay Warm Naturally
Horses are naturally equipped to handle cold weather. Their thick winter coats provide insulation, and the constant process of digesting hay helps them generate body heat. When it gets chilly, their hair stands upright to trap warm air close to the body, forming a layer of natural insulation.
Healthy adult horses with full coats, good body condition, and access to shelter usually stay comfortable even when temperatures drop. However, not every horse is the same, and some need extra support to keep warm.
Factors That Affect How Cold a Horse Gets
Some horses stay cozy all winter with little help, while others need blankets once temperatures dip. Several factors influence how well a horse handles the cold:
- Coat Type: Horses with full winter coats trap heat more effectively. Clipped or thin-coated horses lose warmth faster.
- Body Condition: Horses with lower body fat or muscle mass have less insulation.
- Age and Health: Older horses, very young horses, or those recovering from illness may struggle to maintain body temperature.
- Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, and dampness make it much harder for horses to stay warm, even at moderate temperatures.
- Shelter Access: Horses without a windbreak or run-in shed are exposed to more heat loss.
Understanding how these factors combine helps you decide when your horse might need extra care or a blanket
Signs a Horse Is Cold
Horses show subtle signs when they start to feel chilled. If you are not sure whether your horse needs a blanket, look for these common clues:
- Cold ears, chest, or flanks
- Shivering or muscle tremors
- Hunched posture or a tucked tail
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Seeking shelter more than usual
- A dull coat or slight weight loss over time
For a more detailed guide on identifying these behaviors, visit our related post: Is My Horse Too Cold?
What Temperature Do Horses Get Cold?
Most horses are comfortable in temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They begin to feel chilled when the thermometer drops below freezing, especially if they are wet or exposed to strong wind.
Use the chart below as a quick reference:
| Temperature | Stable Blankets | Turnout Blankets | Short Coat or Clipped | Medium or Full Coat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50°F – 65°F | Sheet, no insulation | Sheet, no insulation | As needed | As needed |
| 35°F – 50°F | Light Weight (approx. 180 g) | Light Weight (80–180 g) | 40°F – 60°F | 30°F – 50°F |
| 30°F – 45°F | Medium Weight (approx. 280 g) | Medium Weight (220 g) | 35°F – 50°F | 30°F – 45°F |
| 20°F – 40°F | Heavy Weight (approx. 440 g) | Heavy Weight (380 g) | 20°F – 40°F | 15°F – 30°F |
| Below 20°F | Extra Heavy Weight (approx. 500 g) | Extra Heavy Weight (approx. 500 g) | Subzero to 20°F | Subzero to 15°F |
When to Blanket Your Horse
Blanketing decisions depend on each horse’s individual needs. Use these general guidelines to help you decide when and what to use:
- Blanket if your horse is clipped, older, or thin and temperatures drop below 50°F.
- Use medium or heavy blankets when cold and wet conditions combine.
- Keep blankets clean, dry, and properly fitted to prevent rubbing.
- Always check under the blanket daily to ensure your horse is not sweating.
Keeping Horses Comfortable in Cold Weather
Beyond blanketing, several care practices help your horse stay warm through winter:
- Provide free-choice hay to keep their digestive furnace running.
- Offer plenty of fresh, unfrozen water.
- Check blankets daily for dampness, shifting, or rubs.
- Make sure turnout areas have adequate shelter from wind and rain.
Not sure which blanket your horse needs? Explore Schneiders' horse blankets by weight, fit, and fabric to find the perfect match for your climate and your horse’s needs.
Horses are remarkably resilient, but even the toughest ones appreciate a little help in winter. Paying attention to temperature, body condition, and behavior ensures your horse stays comfortable and healthy no matter how cold it gets.
Learn your horse’s unique tolerance, adjust blankets as needed, and keep the hay coming. With the right care, your horse will stay warm, dry, and ready for any winter adventure.
