Do Horses Need to Be Blanketed?

Ultimately, it's a myth that horses need to blanketed to stay warm in cold winter months. They are perfectly equipped to stay warm on their own with appropriate care. However, blanketing is still a beneficial practice when we remove them from their natural lifestyle and put them in work.

When Should a horse be blanketed?

Here are some general guidelines: Body Clipped Horses: Start blanketing when the temperature gets below 60°F, or anytime it is rainy or windy. Moderate Hair Coat Horses: Start blanketing when the temperature goes below 40°F. Heavy Hair Coat Horses: Start blanketing when the temperatures go below 30°F.

Do I have to blanket my horse?

To the question, "Must I blanket my horse?" the short answer is "no." The horse generates his own blanket—a haircoat that is long enough and thick enough to withstand the coldest days of winter. It's an adjustable covering that flattens against or elevates above the skin as the horse grows warmer or cooler.