Does a horse need a horse blanket in winter? There is more than one correct answer to this question, depending on several factors: the age and condition of horse, the climate, and use of the horse, to name a few.
Horses in the wild as well as many domestic horses live all their lives happily without horse blankets, even in climates where temperatures drop below freezing. Generally, horse grow a longer thicker coat in winter than in summer. This is often enough to keep them warm, as long as they are well fed, so that they will have sufficient body fat to insulate themselves, and have some kind of windbreak or shelter to get out of icy rain and snow, and away from cold drafts and winds. These horses probably do not need horse blankets.
Horse blankets are good for horses that have been clipped for winter riding or showing purposes, and for fragile horses that need extra protection. This might mean very old horses that have trouble maintaining enough weight to insulate themselves, or for very young horses.
Horse blankets have been known to retard winter hair growth. This might be desirable for horses that are ridden heavily in winter time. A long heavy coat takes much longer to dry if a horse is sweaty and hot than does a short coat. The horse with a long winter coat might catch a chill after a hard workout in winter if its coat doesn't dry soon enough.
If you decide to blanket your horse, be sure that the horse blanket fits properly, as you would not like the horse to get tangled in the horse blanket. Also, be sure that the horse blanket is not left on the horse if it gets wet. A soaked horse blanket is uncomfortable and unhealthy, just as your coat would be if it got soaked.
To make the right decision about whether or not to use a horse blanket for your horse in winter time, consult your veterinarian and professional horse people in your area. Take note of how they care for their own horses in winter. Ask them whether and what kind of horse blankets they use.
