We’re halfway through October, and if you’re anywhere near Pennsylvania, you’ve probably felt it already.
Cold mornings. Crisp evenings. Maybe even the first frost on the grass.
And as horse owners start layering up, the question rolls in:
Is my horse cold?
It’s a fair one. Between fuzzy coats, temperature swings, and the eternal blanket debate, it can be hard to know when your horse is uncomfortable versus just adapting to the season.
Let’s clear that up.
Horses Feel Cold Differently Than We Do
Unlike us, horses are built to handle the cold. Their winter coat thickens, their metabolism shifts, and their digestive system generates heat constantly through forage.
That said, they can get cold. Especially:
• Older horses
• Underweight or thin-coated horses
• Wet or clipped horses
• Horses with certain medical conditions
These horses may need extra support sooner than you think.
Signs Your Horse Might Be Cold
Here’s what to look for:
• Shivering or trembling
• Tucked tail or hunched posture
• Cold ears and lower limbs
• Standing away from the herd or shelter
• Stiff movement or reluctance to walk
• Lethargy or changes in appetite
A little chill isn’t always a big deal. But prolonged cold stress can weaken the immune system, reduce weight, and affect overall well-being.
Don’t Rely on their Fluff
Winter coats can be deceiving. A thick coat doesn’t mean your horse is warm. It just means air is trapped.
Use your hands. Feel behind the ears, under the chest, and around the barrel. That’ll tell you more than a glance ever could.
When to Blanket
Blanketing is personal and varies by horse, but here’s a simple guideline:
• Above 50°F: No blanket needed
• 40–50°F: Light sheet for clipped or sensitive horses
• 30–40°F: Mid-weight for seniors or body condition concerns
• Below 30°F: Mid or heavy depending on wind and moisture
• Wet + Windy: Waterproof layer, always
Always use a dry, properly fitted blanket. Never blanket a wet horse. That traps moisture and can make things worse.
Cold Weather = More Calories
If your horse lives outside and you’re seeing cold nights, now’s the time to bump up hay. Forage equals heat. It’s the most natural way to keep your horse warm from the inside out.
Bottom Line: Don’t Guess. Check.
Not every horse will need a blanket this fall, but every horse deserves a check-in. Run your hands over them. Watch for changes. Trust what your horse is telling you.
And if you’ve got a senior horse giving you the side-eye on a frosty morning…
He might just be hinting for his puffer vest.
