Introduction
Canadian winters can be beautiful, but for horse owners, they bring a mix of cold air, biting wind, and the constant question of whether to blanket or not. Some horses grow thick coats that handle the cold easily, while others shiver as soon as the temperature drops. The key is understanding how horses regulate body heat, how blanketing affects that process, and how to make smart choices that suit each horse’s needs.
How Horses Keep Warm
Horses have an amazing ability to regulate their temperature naturally. Their winter coat grows long and fluffy, trapping air close to the skin as insulation. When temperatures fall, small muscles in the skin contract, causing the hair to stand up, which increases that insulating layer. This process, called piloerection, is how an unclipped horse can stay warm even in freezing weather.
Movement and forage also help maintain body heat. As a horse eats hay, digestion in the hindgut produces internal warmth, often called the “hay heater.” Providing free-choice hay through winter is one of the best ways to keep horses comfortable. Shelter from wind and freezing rain is equally important, even for hardy types.
However, once a horse is clipped, underweight, or lacks shelter, the natural system needs help. That is where thoughtful blanketing comes in.
Understanding Temperature, Clipping, and Blanket Weight
Blanketing should depend on the horse’s coat, condition, and environment, not just the number on the thermometer. In most parts of Canada, unclipped horses with full winter coats tolerate temperatures down to about minus ten degrees Celsius with shelter and hay.
Light to medium clip: These horses lose much of their natural insulation, so start blanketing around zero degrees and increase protection as temperatures drop below minus five.
Full clip or senior horse: Begin blanketing at plus five to zero degrees and use heavier rugs below minus ten, depending on wind chill and access to shelter.
Equine Guelph offers excellent blanketing charts that combine temperature, body condition, and coat length. Using those resources helps owners match blanket weight to real conditions instead of guesswork.
Checking Fit and Preventing Rubs
Even the best blanket fails if it does not fit properly. A well-fitted rug should rest smoothly across the shoulder without pulling, allow free movement of the neck and legs, and lie flat along the spine. You should be able to slide a hand easily under the chest closure.
Common rub points include the shoulders, withers, and chest. If you notice hair loss or friction spots, reassess the fit immediately. Sometimes a thin liner or shoulder guard solves the problem, but often it means the cut is wrong for your horse’s shape. Neck covers can help prevent rain from seeping under the rug, but they also trap heat, so use them only when necessary.
Check belly straps each day to ensure they are secure but not tight. Wet or twisted straps can cause sores, and loose ones can tangle dangerously. A daily two-minute inspection prevents most issues.
Turnout Versus Stable Blanketing
Canadian horses often spend parts of the day outside, even in deep winter, so choosing blankets that suit turnout conditions is vital. Turnout rugs should be waterproof and breathable, with strong fabric that resists tearing. A good outer shell keeps rain, snow, and wind out while allowing moisture from sweat to escape.
Stable rugs, on the other hand, are designed for warmth indoors and are not waterproof. They are lighter, softer, and easier to layer. If your horse comes in at night, remove any wet turnout rug before stabling to avoid skin irritation. Keeping a second dry blanket for overnight use is a smart investment.
Remember that layering works better than one heavy rug. It lets you adjust insulation as the temperature changes and makes washing and drying easier.
Daily Body Condition and Comfort Checks
Blanketing decisions should evolve with your horse, not stay fixed all season. Check your horse’s body condition at least once a week by feeling the ribs, shoulders, and hindquarters. A thick coat can hide weight loss or gain, so hands tell the truth better than eyes.
If your horse feels cold behind the elbow or along the chest under the blanket, it may need a bit more insulation. If it sweats when standing quietly or develops a damp patch along the neck or back, the rug is too heavy. Adjusting early prevents chills and overheating alike.
Also, check the blanket itself. Ice, mud, or shavings trapped under the edges can create pressure points. Shake out or brush off the rug each day to keep it light and breathable.
When to Remove the Blanket
Blankets should come off for at least a short time each day. Removing them allows the coat and skin to breathe, prevents fungal build-up, and lets you inspect the body for rubs or sores. Choose a dry, wind-protected time of day for this routine. Grooming while the blanket is off improves circulation and lifts dead hair.
During milder spells, some owners remove blankets entirely for a few days to let horses readjust. Just remember that once a horse has been blanketed consistently, its coat loses some insulating function, so do not leave it uncovered during sudden cold snaps.
Balancing Shelter, Forage, and Blankets
Blankets are only part of the comfort equation. Adequate shelter and steady access to hay are equally important. A three-sided shed facing away from prevailing winds offers enough protection for most horses. In group turnout, provide space so lower-ranking horses are not forced into the weather.
Continuous forage keeps internal heat production steady. Horses that run out of hay become colder within a few hours, no matter how heavy their blanket. In very low temperatures, offering warm water also helps maintain hydration and body heat.
When all three elements, shelter, forage, and a properly fitted blanket, work together, horses stay far more comfortable than with a heavy rug alone.
FAQs
What temperature do most Canadian horses need a blanket?
Unclipped horses with full coats usually cope well until temperatures drop below minus ten degrees Celsius, provided they have hay and shelter. Clipped or thin-coated horses often need blanketing around zero degrees or even higher if it is windy or wet.
Do clipped seniors need heavier rugs?
Yes, senior horses and fully clipped horses lose body heat faster, so they usually require heavier or layered rugs. Watch them closely in changing weather and adjust as needed.
How often should I re-fit or re-check a blanket?
Check fit every day and reassess size or layers at least once a month. Weight changes or thicker coats can alter fit during winter. Always check for rubs or damp spots each time you groom.
Conclusion
Winter blanketing in Canada is about observation and adjustment, not just following a temperature chart. Each horse is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Understand how your horse regulates heat, choose blankets that fit comfortably, and inspect them daily.
Combining proper blanketing with shelter, good footing, and unlimited forage keeps Canadian horses warm and healthy through even the coldest months. For reliable guidance and helpful tools, explore the educational resources from Equine Guelph, which continue to help owners make confident, science-based blanketing decisions every winter!
