Want this info and chart handy? You can find the printable original here.
Before blanketing:
- Does your horse have enough hay to eat?
- Digesting forage is the primary method by which your horse’s body keeps itself warm enough. In very cold temperatures, providing a constant supply of hay is of paramount importance.
- Is your horse properly hydrated?
- Sufficient hydration is necessary for good digestion (see above – hay!) AND – reduced water intake and dehydration often leads to colic!
- If these needs have been met, and your horse is:
- Shivering
- Does not have adequate shelter from wind and precipitation
- Body condition score of 4 or less, or has trouble keeping weight on
- Older/geriatric
- Poor dentition
- In otherwise compromised health
- Clipped or has a very thin coat
- Then you should consider blanketing! The chart below is a guide to how we blanket at CSG.
Blanket weights:
- Sheet = no fill
- Light = approx. 100 grams fill
- Medium = approx. 200 grams fill
- Heavy = approx. 300+ grams fill
| Temperature | Precipitation | Natural coat | Clipped |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-40 degrees F | Wet | Light/Sheet | Light |
| 30-40 degrees F | Dry | None | Light |
| 20-30 degrees F | Wet | Medium | Medium |
| 20-30 degrees F | Dry | None | Medium |
| 10-20 degrees F | Wet | Medium | Medium/Heavy OR Medium + Light |
| 10-20 degrees F | Dry | None (as long as they have plenty of hay!) | Medium/Heavy OR Medium + Light |
| 0-10 degrees F | Wet | Medium + Light | Medium/Heavy + Light + additional layer if needed |
| 0-10 degrees F | Dry | Medium + Light | Medium/Heavy + Light + additional layer if needed |
| Below zero degrees F | Wet | Medium + Light | Medium/Heavy + Light + additional layer if needed |
| Below zero degrees F | Dry | Medium + Light | Medium/Heavy + Light + additional layer if needed |
Again, this is a guide for how we blanket the horses in our program at CSG, based on our local climate, our feeding program, and the amount of shelter space available (our horses live out 24/7.) How you blanket your own horses is dependent on these factors unique to your individual horse and their management situation.
If you are unsure, the best source of information is going to be the veterinarian who performs regular and routine veterinary work on your horse. They will have the best understanding of your horse’s health, needs and concerns.
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