January
Advice
❄️ When is my horse cold? – Temperature, blankets & sizing advice
Horses are made to tolerate cold, but not always automatically comfortable at lower temperatures, especially when it is wet and windy or your horse is geschorenIn this guide we explain when a horse is really cold, how to recognize cold and which blanket you need at what temperature – including a handy table and sizing advice.
👉 Use these tips together with your waterproof blankets from Divoza to keep your horse dry, warm and happy.
🐴 Understand your horse well: cold ≠ thermometer only
Horses can largely regulate their own temperature, thanks to their body systems and winter coat. However, there are many situations where a blanket is a good idea:
- Rain, wind or wet fur reduce natural insulation
- Clipped horses lose their protective layer
- Older, thinner or skinny horses cool down faster
- Horses that stand still a lot (stable or small paddock) produce less body heat
Always pay attention to this individual signals (such as shivering, cold ears, tense muscles) and not just the temperature.
🌡️ What blanket thickness at what temperature?
Below you will find one practical guideline for blanket thicknesses based on temperature. Please note that this general guidelines are: every horse is different (coat, condition, clipping, housing).
| Temperature (°C) | Unshorn horse | Sheared horse |
|---|---|---|
| > +15 | No blanket | 0 grams/sheet |
| +10 to +15 | 0 – 50 grams | 0 – 100 grams |
| +6 to +10 | 50 – 100 grams | 100 – 150 grams |
| +1 to +5 | 100 – 150 grams | 200 – 300 grams |
| 0 to -5 | 150 – 200 grams | 300 – 400 grams |
| < –5 | 200 – 300 grams | 300 grams or more |
➡️ 0–50 gram blankets are often unlined rain blankets or sheets; ideal for wet weather with mild temperatures.
💡 Tip: In case of prolonged rain or wind, choose a waterproof one turnout blanket than just a filling. Check out our collection of waterproof blankets at Divoza Horseworld – waterproof blankets.
🧥 Waterproof or not? And how warm should it be?
✔️ Waterproof rugs are essential if your horse is outside in the rain/shower.
✔️ Good breathable material prevents your horse from sweating and then cooling down.
✔️ Combine padding with waterproofness for optimal protection.
Have a look at waterproof blankets and rain blankets at Divoza for every temperature and need:
👉 Waterproof insulated blankets
👉 Unlined rain blankets (0g sheets)
👉 Blanket with neck cover for extra warmth
👉 High denier outdoor blankets for durability
🔗 Direct search: waterproof horse blankets on divoza.com
📏 What size blanket does my horse need?
A well-fitting blanket is just as important as the right thickness. A blanket that's too short or too long can slip and cause chafing.
📐 Size advice based on withers height (indication):
| Height at the withers | Blanket size (cm) | **Neckpiece/Mask** |
|---|---|---|
| < 100 cm | 135 | XXS |
| 100 - 120 cm | 145 | XS |
| 121 - 130 cm | 155 | S |
| 131 - 140 cm | 165 | S |
| 141 - 150 cm | 175 | M |
| 151 - 160 cm | 185 | M |
| 161 - 168 cm | 195 | L |
| 169 - 175 cm | 205 | L |
| > 175 cm | 215 | XL |
➡️ Always measure your horse carefully: from mid-chest to base of tail. If you are between two sizes, usually take the larger size for comfort.
🧠 Practical tips for comfortable blankets
✨ Check in the morning and evening the temperature and adjust the blanket.
✨ Feel behind the withers – is it cold without shivering? Then the blanket is too light.
✨ Look out for sweat patches: this could indicate too warm blanket.
✨ In changeable weather a sheet + liner system to be ideal.
🐴 Conclusion – How to ensure your horse doesn't get cold
A horse does not automatically feel cold at low temperatures – but combinations of cold, wind and wet fur make the difference. Use these guidelines as a basis and combine them with observation of your horse.
Do you want waterproof and warm? Then check out the wide selection waterproof blankets at Divoza – from lightweight sheets to insulated turnout blankets for the coldest days.
👉 Which combination suits your horse this season?
🔗 More advice: see our advice page on waterproof blankets
