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Start with a daily winter check
Make a routine of checking both the horse and its surroundings. A quick look can catch frozen water, a wet or poorly fitting blanket, unsafe footing, or a horse losing weight before the problem becomes serious.
- Confirm that water is clean, available and unfrozen.
- Check that forage is accessible and not covered by snow or ice.
- Look for changes in weight, comfort, coat condition or behavior.
- Check access to a dry shelter and inspect paddocks and routes for ice or frozen ruts.
- Make sure barn ventilation and any heated water equipment are working safely.
Keep water available and unfrozen
Horses need continuous access to fresh water in cold weather just as they do in warm weather. The American Association of Equine Practitioners says daily water needs may range from 5 to 20 gallons (20 to 70 liters), depending on air temperature, humidity, body weight, activity, health and physiological status. That broad range is not an individual target; check your horse’s intake and seek veterinary advice if it changes substantially. The AAEP’s Rescue and Retirement Guidelines recommend unlimited fresh water and regular checks to ensure it has not frozen, with daily checks for automatic watering systems.
Check buckets, troughs and automatic waterers often enough to catch ice or equipment failure. A heated bucket or stock-tank heater can help maintain access in freezing weather, but it does not replace monitoring. Install and maintain heating equipment according to its instructions, and check for electrical problems or stray voltage in the water.
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- 600 denier waterproof outer shell
- Large shoulder gussets for freedom of movement
- Tail flap
- Adjustable/replaceable elastic leg straps
- Double buckle front closure
A University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine winter-care article reported Scott Austin, DVM, saying water should be at least 40 degrees for horses to drink sufficiently. Treat that as his recommendation in that article, not a universal threshold established for every horse or system. The article also recommends frequent checks of built-in heaters: Caring for Your Horse in Winter.
Use forage and body condition to guide feeding
Digesting forage produces heat through fermentation in the horse’s hindgut, so hay is important in cold weather as well as for nutrition. Keep feed clear of snow and ice and make sure the horse can reach it. University of Illinois guidance gives general figures of about 2% of body weight in forage daily for an average horse and 2.5–3% in winter. These are source-level guidelines, not a ration prescription for an individual animal.
Watch weight and condition, especially in older or thin horses and those that have difficulty maintaining weight. Dental problems and other health conditions can interfere with eating or winter resilience. Ask a veterinarian or equine nutrition professional before making an individualized ration change. See the University of Illinois recommendations for extreme winter conditions.
Rank #2
- 600 denier waterproof outer shell
- Large shoulder gussets for freedom of movement
- Tail flap
- Adjustable/replaceable elastic leg straps
- Double buckle front closure
Provide shelter from wind and wet weather
A healthy horse with a full winter coat can generally tolerate cold, but wind, precipitation and wetness change the risk. A wet coat insulates less effectively, so provide a dry place and protection during severe exposure—particularly blizzards, strong wind and freezing rain combined with cold.
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A run-in shed or barn can offer shelter from wind and precipitation. Check that the horse can enter it freely, that it stays dry, and that the structure is safe. Shelter is part of the plan even for horses that do not wear blankets.
Decide whether a blanket is appropriate for this horse
Blanketing is an individual decision, not a response to a single temperature. Scott Austin, DVM, of the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, said, “Normal, well-fed horses do not require a blanket in winter if they have shelter.” A full coat, good body condition, acclimation and shelter may be enough for many horses.
Rank #3
- 1200D Ripstop Protection: The durable 1200 denier ripstop outer helps resist everyday rips, tears, and pasture wear, while the waterproof, breathable shell helps protect against rain, wind, and changing outdoor conditions
- Smooth Anti-Rub Comfort: A smooth nylon lining helps reduce friction against the coat, while the soft fleece pad at the withers adds extra comfort in a high-contact area during extended turnout wear
- Choose the Right Fill: Available in 0g no fill, 100g light fill, and 200g medium weight fill. Choose 0g for rainy wet days, 100g for cool damp turnout, or 200g for colder winter weather
- Secure Adjustable Fit: Dual front buckles with hook-and-loop assist, criss-cross belly surcingles, and adjustable leg straps work together to help keep the blanket stable and secure during turnout
- Freedom to Move: High shoulder gussets support natural movement for grazing, walking, and field activity, while the large tail flap adds extra rear coverage against wet, windy, or cold weather
Additional protection may be appropriate for a horse that is body-clipped, thin, older, struggling to maintain weight, recently moved from a heated barn, or not acclimated to cold after retirement or competition. Consider the whole situation: coat, health, age, wind, wetness, shelter and work. The University of Illinois article discusses both the limits and possible uses of blankets: Caring for Your Horse in Winter.
If you use a blanket, choose one suited to the weather and horse, and check that it is clean, intact and fits without rubbing or catching. Remove it periodically to inspect the skin and assess body condition. A blanket can flatten the coat and reduce some of its natural insulating effect, so do not use one as a substitute for checking whether the horse is actually comfortable.
Keep barn air fresh and plan for power outages
Do not seal a barn tightly to keep out winter air. Fresh-air exchange helps remove humidity and pollutants; ammonia from manure and urine can irritate the respiratory tract. Equine veterinarian Nancy S. Loving, DVM, described “cold, dry fresh air” as desirable and comfortable for horses even during severe winter weather in Winterizing Horses.
Rank #4
- 1200-DENIER WATERPROOF RIPSTOP OUTER SHELL: The breathable 1200D ripstop polyester shell blocks rain, snow, and harsh winds during full winter turnout while allowing moisture vapor to escape, keeping your horse dry and comfortable
- 300-GRAM POLY FILL INSULATION WITH TAFFETA LINING: Packed with 300g Polygood poly fill and lined with Persian twisted woven taffeta, this winter horse blanket retains core body heat on the coldest nights without adding excess bulk
- COMPLETE SYSTEM WITH NECK COVER AND BELLY WRAP: Unlike blankets sold without accessories, this set includes an integrated neck cover and belly wrap to extend weatherproof protection from poll to underline, eliminating the cold gaps left by body-only
- DOUBLE-STITCHED REINFORCED SEAMS AND SHOULDER GUSSETS: Taped and double-stitched seams resist splitting under active turnout stress, while shaped shoulder gussets reduce friction rub at the wither and shoulder
- REMOVABLE LEG STRAPS, INSULATED TAIL FLAP, AND DEE ATTACHMENT RINGS: Removable elastic leg straps keep the blanket secure without restricting hind movement, the insulated tail flap seals cold air out at the hindquarters
If heated waterers depend on electricity, plan for an outage before one happens. A generator and flashlight may be useful, but check the water source and heating system during an outage rather than assuming they are still working.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check footing before turnout or exercise
Frozen ruts, glare ice and puddles that freeze overnight can cause falls and serious injuries. Snow can conceal icy patches, so inspect paddocks, arenas and routes before letting a horse move freely or beginning work. If traction is poor or uncertain, use a safe, dry area or avoid the activity until conditions improve.
For shod horses in snowy climates, snow pads may reduce snow or ice buildup. Discuss winter shoeing and traction choices with your farrier; the right approach depends on the horse and local footing.
Best Value
- DURABLE 600D RIPSTOP HORSE BLANKET Made with 600 Denier ripstop material, designed for durability and reliable winter turnout use in cold and wet conditions.
- 100% WATERPROOF & BREATHABLE Waterproof and breathable construction helps keep your horse dry and comfortable during rain, snow, and winter weather.
- WARM 250 GSM POLYFILL INSULATION Features 250 GSM polyfill with a 210 Denier inner lining, offering dependable insulation to keep your horse cozy.
- SECURE FRONT CLOSURE & COMFORT FIT Designed with a front closure featuring two adjustable buckles, two shoulder gussets, and two removable elastic leg straps for secure fit and freedom of movement.
- FUNCTIONAL DESIGN WITH FULL COVERAGE Includes a tail flap and a ring for hood or neck cover attachment, providing practical coverage and easy accessory connection.
Adjust exercise to fitness, health and conditions
There is no established single temperature that determines whether every horse can safely be ridden. The decision depends on footing, the horse’s fitness and health, available facilities, workload and cold-weather acclimation. A 2024 review of cold-weather exercise guidance notes that scientific studies of exercise in extreme cold are limited. It also describes respiratory-tract damage in horses exercising heavily in cold air under experimental conditions; horses with inflammatory airway disease may be more affected. Read How to Exercise Horses Safely in Cold Weather.
When exercise is appropriate, warm up thoroughly—especially with older horses and those with arthritis, past injuries or inconsistent winter work. Cool down carefully and ensure the horse is dry before blanketing or turning it out. If footing is unsafe, or a horse’s health makes cold-weather work a concern, choose rest or a safer alternative and consult your veterinarian about that horse’s needs.
Quick Recap
When to call your veterinarian or other professional
- Veterinarian: Ask about unexplained weight loss, a substantial change in drinking or eating, health conditions that affect cold tolerance, or an individualized feeding or exercise plan.
- Farrier: Discuss shoeing and traction options if snow or ice is building up around a shod horse’s feet.
- Equipment professional: Have unsafe or unreliable water-heating equipment assessed; check electrical safety rather than continuing to use a suspect unit.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
