Horse Blanketing in NW Ohio & SE Michigan: Does Your Horse Really Need One?

As fall cools into winter in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, horse owners often wonder if it’s time to blanket their horses. While a cozy blanket may feel right to us, not every horse needs one. Here's how to decide wisely.

When Blanketing May Be Helpful

• Clipped horses—they’ve lost their natural winter coat.

• Older horses or those having trouble maintaining weight.

• Horses with medical conditions that affect body temperature regulation.

• Horses exposed to cold rain, wet snow, or strong winds without shelter.

When It’s Probably Not Necessary

• Healthy horses with full winter coats and access to shelter can usually stay warm naturally.

• Over-blanketing risks overheating and sweating, which can lead to chilling once the sweat dries.

Backed by Science: Key Findings from Veterinary Studies

Impact on Hair Coat Growth

A 2023 study by DeBoer et al. examined hair length and diameter in blanketed vs. nonblanketed horses from October to March. They found:

• Shorter neck hair in blanketed horses during January and February (43 mm vs. 58 mm in January; 35 mm vs. 47 mm in February) PubMedEquus Magazine.

• By March, coat characteristics returned to parity.

Takeaway: Blanketing can temporarily reduce neck hair growth, but the effect is not long-lasting Equus Magazine.

Best Practices & Regional Context: Horse Blanketing in NW Ohio & SE Michigan

As Extension experts at the University of Minnesota note:

• Lower critical temperature for an unclipped horse with a winter coat is around 18°F; below that, caloric needs rise significantly University of Minnesota Extension.

• Horses with shelter and dry coats can comfortably tolerate extreme cold—even below 0°F, if shelter is accessible University of Minnesota Extension.

• Blanketing is most sensible when:

  • No shelter is available.

  • There's a real chance of getting wet in freezing temps (rain, sleet, freezing rain).

  • The horse is clipped, young, old, or not acclimated.

  • The horse has a low body condition score University of Minnesota Extension.

Tips for Safe, Effective Horse Blanketing in NW Ohio & SE Michigan

• Proper fit is essential—avoid rubs, pressure sores, or impeding movement

• Adjust blanket weight daily, based on actual conditions—not just the calendar.

• Daily monitoring: Check for trapped moisture, damage, shifts in fit, or changes in body condition.

• Don’t blanket a wet horse, unless freezing rain is expected; moisture under a blanket can cause fungal skin issues.

• Nutrition matters: Ensure ample quality forage to meet increased energy demands in cold weather.

Summary

Scenario	Blanketing Recommended?
Clipped, older, health-compromised	Yes — helps with thermo-regulation
No shelter & chance of getting wet	Yes — prevents chilling
Fully-coated, healthy, with shelter	Usually No — natural mechanisms suffice
Cold, wet, and windy conditions	Yes — many horses choose blanketing then

Final Word for NW Ohio & SE Michigan Owners

Our region often brings damp cold, freezing rain, sleet, snow, and chilling winds, that can leave even robust horses shivering once their hair coat becomes wet. If your horse is without shelter, clipped, elderly, underweight, or medically sensitive, a well-fitted blanket, and consistent daily monitoring, can be a vital layer of care.

If your horse remains naturally healthy, even under typical winter snaps, you may let them rely on their coat saving yourself both effort and expense.

Need personalized advice? For expert guidance on blanketing, nutrition, or managing winter weight, call Oliver Mobile Veterinary Services at 419-345-1093 or visit www.olivermobilevet.com.