Cooler temperatures and shorter days are ahead, and as we prepare for winter horse care, one question we address frequently at Woodside Equine Clinic is when to blanket a horse. While most horses can tolerate temperatures as low as 5 degrees F, there are circumstances when a horse can benefit from a blanket. In this horse blanket guide, our team shares helpful hints so you know when to blanket a horse. 

Horse Blanket Guide

By November, your horses have started growing their heavy winter coats, which will serve them well all season long. 

In temperatures above 5 degrees, you do not need to blanket your horse if the horse:

• Has a heavy winter coat
• Is in good health
• Is a healthy body weight

DO blanket your horse if these situations arise:

• There is no shelter, and the temperature (or wind chill) drops below 5 degrees.
• There’s a chance of rain, freezing rain, or sleet.
• It’s very windy.
• Your horse’s winter coat has been clipped.
• Your horse is hurt, sick, or underweight.
• Your horse is very old or very young.
• You just relocated to a colder climate. (Horses need about 2-3 weeks to get acclimated.)
• Your horse’s body condition score (the measure of fat) is 3 or lower.

Equine Blanket Tips

If blanketing your horse is necessary to protect him from the effects of winter weather, keep these equine blanket tips in mind: 

• For optimal safety and warmth, a properly fitting blanket is a must. The blanket should not inhibit the horse’s shoulders or pull across the wither area. A blanket that does not fit properly can also lead to painful sores and irritation. Horse.com has a fit guide to help you choose the appropriate blankets for different temperatures.
• Remove the blanket every day and check it for damage or abnormal wear.
• Keep the blanket dry.
• Don’t blanket your horse when he’s wet. Wait until he is completely dry before blanketing. 
• Choose a blanket that is waterproof or water-resistant.

More Winter Horse Care Tips

Besides knowing when to blanket a horse, these winter horse care tips will help prepare your equines for falling temperatures:

• Keep up to date with routine preventive care, and deworm your horse before the coldest season to keep him in tip-top shape for winter.
• Make sure your horse has access to unfrozen water (aim for water that’s 45-65 degrees).
• Provide your horse with access to shelter at all times.
• Maintain routine hoof care.
• Have your equine veterinarian assess your horse’s body condition score regularly.
• Offer additional hay during extreme cold.
• Provide opportunities for exercising in the winter.
• Keep paddocks free from snow and ice, and remove manure and wet bedding every day.
• Keep barns and shelters well-ventilated. 

We’re Here to Support Your Winter Horse Care

Our team at Woodside Equine Clinic is committed to the health and safety of these beautiful animals. Please contact us at (804) 798-3281 if we can answer your questions about winter horse care or if you’d like more equine blanket tips. We’re here to help!