Horse Blanket Temperature Guide

Many healthy horses can live comfortably without a blanket. Horses who have a good body condition, a full winter coat, and time to acclimate to changing weather conditions can often go without one.  

However, horses who may benefit from blanketing include:  

• Body-clipped horses  
• Senior horses  
• Young foals  
• Horses with a low body condition  
• Horses with certain ​​​​medical conditions that affect coat growth 
• Horses with naturally thinner coats 
• Horses without access to shelter for extended periods of time 

Still unsure of when to blanket your horse? This horse blanketing guide can help you decide. Note: If your horse has a health condition or you’re concerned about your horse’s health in relation to their blanketing needs, talk with your veterinarian.  

Temperature is just one factor when blanketing horses. Before reaching for a blanket, also consider these important elements: 

Before choosing a blanket, evaluate your horse’s coat condition. 

• Thick, fluffy coats provide natural insulation. 
• Horses with naturally thin coats have less insulation. 
• Body-clipped horses will most likely need blankets. 

Evaluate the weather forecast for wind, rain, snow, and humidity. None of these alone means a horse needs a blanket, but each is important in the decision-making process.  

People often assume blankets are needed because it’s cold. Access to shelter or a windbreak, sun exposure, and how long a horse is stalled or turned out also influence blanketing decisions. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, even for horses living in the same climates and environmental conditions. It’s important to consider individual factors like: 

• Age  
• Weight  
• Health status  
• Breed  

Even after considering multiple factors, knowing which blanket to start with and when to use heavier or lighter options can still feel confusing. The horse blanket weight chart below provides a starting point based on temperature and the considerations described above.  

Note: These temperature ranges are general guidelines and should always be adjusted based on your horse’s individual needs and weather conditions. 

For example, horses with well-developed coats may still benefit from a medium-weight blanket while older, thinner and clipped horses may require a heavyweight blanket to stay comfortable 

Once you decide your horse needs a blanket, the next step is selecting the appropriate weight. Stalled horses typically wear quilted blankets, while those on turnout wear blankets made to withstand wet, rugged conditions. 

Unlined stable sheets are frequently used to keep horses clean. They offer minimal warmth and are made of cotton, nylon, or waterproof materials.   

For milder weather, lightweight stable blankets provide clipped horses warmth during cooler temperatures, and turnout blankets provide rain protection. 

Medium-weight blankets are ideal for use during winter conditions. They provide moderate insulation for both stalled and turned-out horses.  

During extreme cold and severe weather, clipped or vulnerable horses may need a heavyweight stable or turnout blanket.   

If you plan to blanket, the goal is to achieve Goldilocks’ “just right” standard to avoid a situation where your horse may be too cold or too hot. 

Every horse responds to cold weather differently. Look for these signs to determine if your horse needs a heavier-weight blanket. 

• Shivering  
• Tucked tail  
• Cold ears 
• Weight loss despite adequate feed  

Over-blanketing can cause your horse to become uncomfortable or overheat. Monitor your horse for: 

• Sweating underneath the blanket  
• A damp coat  
• Increased respiration  
• Restlessness  

Slip your hand under your horse’s blanket daily for a quick check, and regularly remove the blanket and check for rubbing, skin conditions, or body condition changes. 

Weather conditions and your horse’s needs change throughout the year, as well as in midseason with unexpected storms, temperature spikes, or dips. With these management tips, you can choose the best blanket and keep your horse feeling comfortable year-round: 

• Check blanket fit every day by looking for rubs around the shoulders, withers, and leg straps.  
• Remove blankets regularly to inspect skin and coat for any rubs, abrasions, or infections.  
• Adjust blankets as temperatures change to avoid overheating or shivering.  
• Remove soaked blankets and allow them to dry to prevent chills. Have a backup blanket ready for these occasions.  
• Avoid layering excessively unless needed.  
• Swap out excessively dirty blankets for clean ones as needed. 

Successful blanketing depends on more than just the thermometer reading. To choose the right blanket, evaluate your whole horse, including their coat and body condition, along with the weather and shelter.  

Monitor your horse daily to ensure their comfort and check the blanket for damage to reduce the risk of injury. If you’re ever in doubt, schedule a visit with your veterinarian to develop a personalized horse winter care plan. 

It depends on your horse. If yours is clipped, senior, thin, or has a health condition, you may want to start blanketing with a light sheet at 40–50 F if it’s wet or windy. 

Horses with access to shelter may not need a blanket in the rain, especially during warm season rains. Evaluate your horse’s individual needs and living conditions, and talk with your veterinarian if you are unsure. 

Yes. Horses can overheat while wearing a blanket—even while wearing a fly sheet on humid days. 

If your horse is sweating or their skin feels hot and damp, the blanket is too warm.