Is 42 degrees cold enough to put my horse's blanket on??

Question

It's not a turn-out blanket and it's about medium weight.

Answer 1

A horses comfort zone is a lot lower then ours. As long as your horse has a good body condition, can't easily feel ribs, and is not clipped he will not need a blanket at 42 degrees, just extra hay. The slow digestion process of hay provides heat for warmth. You can also check with other horse owners in your area and find out when they blanket.

Answer 2

It depends on what you are doing with your horse. My horses are all competitive show horses so they have blankets on them the second it goes under 55 so they dont gain coat over the winter. By the time it gets really cold they're wrapped up like little snow bunnies legs head and all. Other then that, a normal horse is healthier to be left naturally without a blanket unless they seem to be cold or are growing coat unnaturally. If your planning on blanketing him for the winter you'll want to start out with a sheet to gradually move to a blanket as it cools down. Also, if you have a heated barn, he'll need to have a blanket on to keep the same body temparture during the day.
Best of Luck :)

Answer 3

Remember if it is not a turn out blanket, is someone avaaliable to see to the horse if it rains/snows. A horse that gets wet with a wet blanket on him can end up with a cold plus worse. Also not all horses will use a shelter even if it is bad weather
cheers

Answer 4

It depends on the horse. I had a horse that was cold in that temp. she got her blanket put on. I had another horse at the same time that never wanted a blanket on.

You can tell when they are cold. Put your hand on their body and feel. Do this all around the body. If you feel your horse is cold use it.

To me 42 is not that cold. They do get a winter coat and I would wait until its a little colder.

Answer 5

Depends on your horse's coat, as well as other conditions. For instance, I blanket my horse year-around, although not always with a heavy duty one. But he naturally has a very short coat and gets cold easily, as well is grey (I like to keep him clean) and is rather sensitive to the bugs. On the other had, most of our horses live out and never are blanketed. They are warmbloods and grow a rather decent winter coat, so as long as they have adequate food and water and shelter from the wind, they are fine. We live in MN, and it isn't uncommon for windchill to reach -30 degrees F (-34 degrees C) in the winter. Your average horse is fine in all but the coldest temperatures as long as they have food, water (Unfrozen, obviously), a wind break (Such as a lean-to or stand of trees even), and they are dry (Not talking about some snow on their outer coat, but that they are soaked through to the undercoat) and not old or otherwise compromised. It's really up to you, although if you notice any signs your horse is having difficulty dealing with the cold (For instance he's shivering) I would blanket him asap. Usually at 53 degrees F (Your 12 degrees C) I would never even consider blanketing for warmth. Heck, I'm in shorts in that weather! But once again, up to you.

Answer 6

if the horse stands on it's own out in the paddock with their head down, their shoulders a bit slumped, and u can see any frost on their breath a blanket is a good idea. if it's chilly out or if they stands outside their stall door wanting in from the cold then a blanket is a good idea. if she seems at all uncomfortable outside then a blanket is a good idea. if u have to wear a heavy jacket then a blanket is a good idea.

Answer 7

You should not start putting your horses blanket on until its hair is grown out. After he gets his winter coat is when you should start putting your horses blanket on..

Answer 8

Is your horse cold? I don't know where you live but if he is cold then I would put it on. Just be sure to check him in the morning. It is going to be cold tonight where I live too but warmer in the morning. You would rather have him a little chilly than overheated.

Answer 9

i wouldn't hurt just be sure to take it off in the morning.i live in Texas and use a light blanket until it in the 30s a heavy one then

Answer 10

yah, i put my horses blankets on at 60!
your horse should be as warm as possible! (when its cold out!!)