Deciding whether to blanket your horse is one of the most debated topics in stable management. Horses are highly efficient at regulating their own body temperature through their thick winter coats, but certain factors like clipping, age, and wet weather make blankets essential.
The Horse's Thermoneutral Zone
An unclipped horse is perfectly comfortable in temperatures ranging from 15°F to 60°F (-9°C to 15°C). When it gets colder than 15°F, or when wind and rain flaten their coat's insulating fluff, they require supplemental protection.
Blanket Weight Temperature Chart (For Clipped vs Unclipped Horses)
| Temperature Range | Unclipped Horse (Natural Coat) | Clipped Horse (Shaved) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Above 60°F (15°C)** | No blanket | No blanket / Fly sheet | | **50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C)** | No blanket | No blanket or Light Sheet | | **40°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C)** | No blanket / Rain Sheet if wet | Light Blanket (100g) | | **30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 5°C)** | Light Blanket (100g) | Medium Blanket (200g) | | **20°F to 30°F (-6°C to -1°C)** | Medium Blanket (200g) | Heavy Blanket (300g) + Neck Wrap | | **Below 20°F (-6°C)** | Heavy Blanket (300g) | Heavy Blanket + Liner + Neck Wrap |
The Danger of Over-Blanketing
Over-blanketing is far more dangerous than under-blanketing. If a horse becomes too warm, they will sweat underneath their blanket. The sweat cannot evaporate, soaking their hair and skin. When the temperature drops further, the wet hair loses all insulating ability, leaving the horse dangerously cold and prone to skin conditions like rain rot.