12/08/2025
Blanket or not to blanket is one of the biggest winter questions we hear in the Equine department. The short answer: it depends on your horse, not just the thermometer.
Here are general temperature guidelines:
Clipped horses often need more support: light blanket around 50–40°F, medium in the 40–30°F range, and heavy weights below 30°F.
Unclipped horses with a full winter coat typically need less: light blanket around 40–30°F, medium in 30–20°F, and heavy weights below 20°F.
From there, factor in:
Body condition – Hard keepers and thinner horses burn more calories to stay warm and may need blanketing sooner.
Hair coat – A dense, fluffy winter coat insulates better than a sleek or clipped coat.
Living situation – Horses in open fields with wind, rain, or no shelter usually need more protection than those in stalls or with run-in sheds.
Age & health – Seniors or horses with health issues may struggle to maintain body heat and benefit from an appropriate blanket weight.
Blankets should help your horse stay comfortably warm without sweating. If you are unsure what weight or style to choose, stop by The Mill and our team can help you select the right blanket to suit your horse’s needs.
