Tag Archives: horse blankets

When Is It Too Cold for Horses to Go Outside?

Feeding hay helps to keep your horse warm when it's too cold for horses.
Round bales are a great way to feed pastured horses in winter,

As winter settles in and the temperatures plummet, horse owners often face the question: When is it too cold for horses to go outside? While horses are tough and well-adapted to the cold, there are certain temperature thresholds and conditions to consider to keep your equine companions safe and comfortable during the winter months.

How Horses Tolerance the Cold

Horses, particularly those with thick coats, are generally well-equipped to handle cold weather. They can naturally regulate their body temperature, and their muscles can make the hair stand on end, fluffing up the coat and trapping more heat. During inclement weather, it is essential not to wash out the natural oils on a horse's skin and hair, as they add much-needed protection against the elements.

How to tell if Your Horse is Cold

Of course, the most obvious way to tell if your horse is cold is if it is shivering. Once a horse begins to shiver, it is vital to offer it extra protection against the elements. It is, however, easy to tell if a horse is cold before it gets to such an extreme. If your horse has its tail tucked up close to its body, has cold ears, is standing with its head turned away from the wind, or its body, shoulder, or chest feels cold to the touch, it is likely too cold.

Factors that can influence how cold is too cold for a horse to be outside.

Coat Condition

A thick winter coat offers excellent protection against cold temperatures. However, if your horse's coat is thin, has recently been washed, or has been clipped, they will have less natural insulation and need extra help to stay warm and comfortable.

Wind Chill

Wind can dramatically reduce the temperature, making it feel much colder than the actual thermometer reading. Horses may be more susceptible to cold and wind chill, especially without shelter.

Humidity

Precipitation and humid conditions can make cold weather feel even more unpleasant. A wet horse loses body heat much more quickly than a dry one.

Age, Health, and Size

Older horses, young foals, or horses with health issues are more susceptible to cold weather and find staying warm in extreme conditions more challenging. Similarly, smaller horses and those with less body fat may struggle in colder weather.

Temperature Guidelines for Turnout

While horses can tolerate cold temperatures down to about 0°F (-18°C), the key to ensuring their well-being is to keep them comfortable and safe. Here are some general guidelines for when you should start considering limiting their time outside:

Above 20°F (-6°C)

At temperatures 20°F or above, most healthy horses with thick coats can safely stay outside for extended periods. Ensure they have access to shelter, plenty of water, and adequate forage. A well-fed horse generates heat through digestion, which helps them stay warm.

10°F (-12°C) to 20°F (-6°C)

When temperatures fall below 20°F, horses may still handle being outdoors, but extra precautions should be taken. For instance, ensure your horse has access to shelter from the wind, as wind chill can make temperatures feel much colder. This could be a run-in shelter or a thick grove of trees. Providing them with extra hay will also help them generate body heat.

Below 10°F (-12°C)

As temperatures dip below 10°F, the risk of hypothermia and frostbite increases, particularly for wet horses. Consider blanketing or bringing your horse inside, or provide them with a sturdy windproof shelter with a roof if they must be outside.

Extreme Cold Below 0°F (-18°C)

When temperatures reach or drop below 0°F, it's generally too cold for horses to be outside for extended periods. At these temperatures, horses may not be able to generate enough body heat, and frostbite can occur, especially on ears and other extremities. If your horse must be outdoors, they should have access to a well-sheltered area with plenty of forage, water, and bedding to keep them warm.

Other Considerations for Winter Care

Beyond the temperature itself, here are additional factors to keep in mind when deciding whether to let your horse outside during cold weather:

Shelter

A windproof, dry shelter is essential in cold weather. Horses should be able to escape wind and precipitation, which can chill them quickly. A run-in shed or barn with good ventilation and bedding will provide relief during severe conditions.

Water

Frozen water troughs or buckets are a serious concern during winter months. Horses need access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. De-icers and heated water buckets can help ensure this. At a minimum, break and remove the ice often. We use a mallet and a small fishing net

Blanketing

To blanket or not to blanket is a full blog post.

If your horse has been clipped or has a thin coat, you may need to provide a blanket for extra warmth. Be sure the blanket fits correctly and is designed for the conditions. Blankets that are too heavy can make your horse too warm, while too light may not provide enough insulation and prevent the horse's muscles from lifting the hair and creating natural protection against the cold.

Feeding

Increasing hay intake in the winter can help your horse generate more heat. Hay and hay derivatives (grass pellets, etc.) take time to digest, and the digestive process produces body heat, helping to keep your horse warm. Avoid switching to a grain-heavy diet unless specifically advised by your vet.

Exercise

If your horse is out of regular work due to inclement weather, do not overwork them when the weather is fair enough to ride. Be cautious of sudden changes in activity levels during cold weather. Warm up thoroughly and avoid long periods of intense exercise in extremely cold conditions, as horses can be more prone to injury or exhaustion.

Conclusion

While horses can tolerate surprisingly cold temperatures, taking a balanced approach to their care in winter is essential. When temperatures fall below freezing, owners should pay close attention to wind, shelter, water, and overall health to ensure their horse's well-being. Remember, your horse's coat, age, and health play key roles in determining how cold is too cold for them to be outside. By staying vigilant and prepared, you can keep your horse safe and comfortable even on the coldest of winter days.

A Comprehensive Guide to Buying the Right Horse Blanket

How do you know which is the right horse blanket for your horse?

The weather is starting to cool down, so our thoughts turn to how to keep our horses comfortable during cold, inclement weather. You want to be sure your horse is warm and dry, but with the multitude of blankets available to choose from and the expense incurred when buying one, you need to be sure you get the right one for your horse.

Here is a guide to help you decide on the right horse blanket.

What kind of blanket should I buy?

There are literally hundreds of different styles and types of blankets available, and they can be very expensive. So, you should first ask yourself: Does my horse need a blanket at all?

Most horses can survive year-round, outside, even in extreme climates, provided they have adequate body hair and a place to shelter from the wind. In higher elevations or very exposed pastures, an unclipped, old or horse with a thin coat could benefit from extra protection in the form of a blanket. A horse that has been clipped (hair removed from its body) MUST wear a blanket while it is turned out during inclement weather and while stabled. Horses are better at generating body heat in the pasture as they can move around more. A stabled horse is more likely to feel the cold unless the stall is adequately insulated.

Once you have decided your horse needs a blanket, you must ensure you get the right one.

There are basically two different types of horse blankets:

Stable Blanket

Stable blankets are used, as the name would suggest, while the horse is in the stable. They are NOT waterproof and should not be used outside. They are generally made of a quilt-type material and fitted to the body. Hoods, usually sold separately, can also be used for complete coverage of horses with a full-body clip.

Turnout Blanket

Turnout blankets are waterproof and come in two different types: standard or combo. A standard turnout blanket covers from the withers to the tail, whereas a combo also has a detachable hood to cover from just behind the ears down to the withers.

What size blanket do I need?

How to measure a horse blanketTo know what blanket size to buy, you need to measure your horse. If possible, get someone to help you with this.

  • Stand your horse squarely on a level surface
  • With a flexible tape measure, measure from the center of the horse's chest (over the high point of the shoulder) to the rear of the hind leg (level with the point of the buttocks)
  • If the size you measure is not available from the manufacturer, round up to the next size

Will it keep my horse warm enough?

Blankets are generally filled with either Polyfill or Fiberfill and measured in grams. The amount of filling will determine how warm the blanket will be. Knowing how much fill your blanket will need is decided by the following factors:

  • The environment in which your horse will live. Take into consideration not only the weather but also his accessibility to shelter.
  • The condition and length of your horse's coat and whether or not he is clipped

Below is a chart to help you decide how much fill your blanket will need:

Fill Warmth
Sheet - no fill Provides protection from wind and rain
100-gram fill Light warmth
150-gram fill Light to medium warmth
200-gram fill Medium warmth
250-gram fill Medium to heavy warmth
300-gram fill Heavy warmth
400-gram fill Very heavy warmth

Can my horse wear the same blanket all winter?

It would be very convenient for all concerned if your horse could wear the same blanket all winter, and some do. However, some days are warmer than others, even in winter (especially if you live in the lower states). Therefore it is a good idea to have at least two stable blankets and two turnout blankets.

Below is a chart to help you decide when to use which blanket:

Temperature Horse with a Full Coat Horse with a Body Clip
50 - 60° F No blanket Sheet
40 - 50° F No blanket Light to medium blanket (150-250g)
30 - 40° F Sheet or light blanket Medium to heavy blanket (200g-300g)
20 - 30° F Light or medium blanket Heavy (300-400g) or medium (200-300g) with blanket liner
Below 20° F Medium blanket Heavy (300-400g) with blanket liner

Will the blanket be strong enough not to rip?

Some horses can wear the same blanket season after season, and some are so destructive they only have to walk out of the stall, and the blanket is in pieces. No matter how much care you take to keep your horse safe while turned out, accidents can happen. One thing to consider is the strength of the outer material, also known as 'denier.' The thicker the material, the stronger it will be.

The following chart will give you an idea of how resilient your blanket will be:

Denier Strength
210 Very light strength
420 Light strength
600 Medium strength
1200 Heavy strength
1680 Extra heavy strength
2100 Super heavy strength

Now you know which kind of blanket you need and how warm and strong it needs to be, all that is left is to decide what color to buy. Nowadays, that's another subject. Remember, your horse doesn't care what color or design the blanket is, but he will be more content if he is comfortable and warm (not too hot) during the winter. Happy shopping!