As horse lovers, we want to do everything we can to ensure our horses are comfortable and healthy. That's why it's important to know when to blanket your horse—and when not to. In this blog post, we'll discuss what temperature is too cold for horses, how you can tell if a horse is cold, and when you should take your horse's blanket off. By the end of this post, you'll be an expert on horse blanketing!
What Temperature is Too Cold for Horses?
This is a common question among horse owners. After all, we don't want our horses to get too cold—but at the same time, we don't want to overdo it with the blankets, either. So what's the answer?
The general rule is that horses should be blanketed when the temperature dips below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). However, there are a few other factors to consider as well. For example, if your horse is clipped (meaning their winter coat has been trimmed short), they will need a blanket even in temperatures above freezing. That's because their shorter coat won't provide enough insulation against the cold.
Age is also a factor to consider. Younger and senior horses generally don't tolerate cold weather, as well as middle-aged horses do. If you have a young or senior horse, err on the side of caution and blanket them at temperatures above freezing—better safe than sorry!
The type of shelter your horse has also makes a difference in blanketing. If your horse has access to a barn or other type of shelter and isn't clipped, it probably won't need a blanket unless it's very cold out. However, if they're stuck outside in inclement weather, they'll need all the help they can get! Make sure they have plenty of hay and water, too.
How Can You Tell if a Horse is Cold?
There are a few telltale signs that your horse is cold. First, check their ears. If they're cold to the touch, that's a good indication that your horse needs a blanket. Another sign of low body temperature is shivering - you'll be able to see their muscles quivering if they're too cold. Horses in the wild huddle together for warmth, so if you see your horses huddling - it may be a sign that they'd benefit from a blanket. Lastly, take a look at their nostrils. If they're dilated or inflamed, your horse has difficulty staying warm. If you see any of these signs, it's time to break out the blankets!
What Type of Blanket Should my Horse Have at Certain Temperatures?
As a general guide, we at Schneiders recommend using a waterproof turnout sheet with no insulation when the temperature is between 50℉ and 65℉ if your horse is clipped or as needed if they have a full coat. This will protect them from the wind and rain during poor conditions, keeping them dry and warm.
A lightweight blanket is suitable when temperatures are between 40℉ and 60℉ if your horse is clipped or 30℉ and 50℉ if they have a full coat.
For more frigid temperatures, a mid-weight or heavyweight blanket is a good choice. Consider using a mid-weight blanket when it is between 35℉ and 50℉ for a clipped horse or 30℉ and 45℉ for an unclipped horse.
Heavyweight blankets are great for keeping horses nice and toasty when temperatures drop below 20℉.
Print out this Blanket Temp Guide.
Which Blanket Fit is Right for my Horse?
Keeping your horse comfortable and protected from the elements during winter is important, and finding the right blanket is a big part of that. A great-fitting blanket will help your horse stay comfortable and healthy all winter, while a poorly fitted blanket can cause chafing and discomfort. Schneiders offers five original horse blanket fits to ensure you can find the perfect fit for your horse. To find the right fit for your horse, visit Schneiders' learning center and read our Horse Blanket Fitting Guide. With the right information and a little time, you can easily find the perfect blanket to keep your horse happy and healthy all winter.
Does an Unclipped Horse Need a Blanket?
Most horse owners know that clipped horses need blankets in the colder months to help keep them warm. But what about horses that are not clipped? In general, an unclipped horse does not need a blanket unless the weather is very cold or wet. The coat of an unclipped horse provides natural insulation against the cold, and the horse can generate additional warmth by using its body to create a windbreak.
If your horse is clipped, it will need a blanket when the temperature drops to stay warm. This is because clipping removes the horse's coat and ability to naturally regulate body temperature, making them more vulnerable to the cold. So, if you have a clipped horse, have a blanket or sheet on hand for when the weather starts to turn chilly.
When Should I Take my Horse's Blanket off?
Horse owners often wonder when they should take their horse's blankets off. The answer depends on several factors, including the weather and the horse's coat. Blankets should be left on during cold weather to help the horse stay warm. However, if the temperature rises above freezing or the horse starts to sweat, the blanket should be removed to prevent the horse from getting too hot. Horses with thick coats may also need to have their blankets removed earlier in the spring, as their coats provide enough insulation on warmer days. Ultimately, it is important to use your judgment and monitor your horse closely to determine when it is time to remove the blanket.
In conclusion, as horse owners, we want nothing more than for our four-legged friends to be happy and healthy. Part of achieving that goal involves knowing when to blanket them—and when not to blanket them. We hope this blog post has helped clear any confusion on the topic! Just remember: if it's below freezing outside, chances are your horse needs a blanket; if it's warmer than that, but your horse is clipped or old, they might still need one; and if your horse has access to shelter from the elements, they probably don't need a blanket unless it's bitterly cold outside. Other than that, just use your best judgment - after all, you know your horse better than anyone else!
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