When to Blanket a Horse

If you live in a temperate climate, blanketing your horse is a very important part of horse ownership. Once the temperature dips below a certain point, it's essential to cover your horse in a warm, well-fitting blanket that will keep him or her warm when in the stall or turned out in the field.

If you're uncertain about when to blanket your horse and you're looking for a temperature guide, Mary's Tack and Feed has you covered. We'll show you how to determine when it's time to blanket your horse, what type of horse blanket you'll need and even how to properly size the blanket for your horse's needs.

How Does a Horse Keep Warm?

First, it's important to understand your horse's body and how it regulates temperature. Horses are biologically equipped with a few characteristics that help them to keep warm in cold temperatures, such as a thicker winter coat that develops as soon as the days start to get shorter. Horses also develop roughage in the hindgut, which uses calories to generate warmth throughout the body. However, once the temperature outside dips below the body's lowest critical temperature, or LCT, the horse is unable to maintain core body temperature without expending additional energy.

When to Blanket Based on Temperature

Based on this information about the LCT, you now know that the temperature at which a horse needs a blanket varies from horse to horse. To determine your horse's LCT, you'll want to consider the average temperature they're used to, length of hair coat, amount of body fat and other determining factors. For example, a lean, athletic horse that is normally stabled in a barn may have an LCT of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but a shaggy horse that is typically kept outdoors in the winter may have an LCT of 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Older horses will also have higher LCT temperatures and require more frequent blanketing. Monitor your horse's LCT to determine when you'll need to start blanketing.

Choose the Right Blanket

Now that you know approximately when you should blanket your horse, you'll want to make sure you invest in the correct blanket for their needs. If your horse lives in a mild climate without snow, freezing rain or harsh winter winds, you may only need a sheet, which is a lightweight blanket that typically isn't waterproof. If you live in a very cold climate where snow often accumulates in the winter, a medium or heavy weight blanket with lots of fill is essential. These blankets are waterproof, which means that they'll protect against precipitation or wet grounds if your horse is prone to rolling. These blankets also feature lots of other protective details, such as:

• Surcingles that cross under the belly to keep the blanket from sliding
• A tail flap that provides wind and rain protection at the tail
• Hoods and neck covers that offer full-body protection and insulation for extreme weather

There are endless styles of horse blankets, so be sure to do your research before buying to make sure you get one that meets all your horse's needs.