Few topics in the equestrian world create as much debate as horse blankets.
Some riders blanket as soon as temperatures drop below 15°C, others never use them at all, and many change multiple blankets throughout the day.
But when is it actually cold for a horse?
And more importantly: does blanketing always improve welfare, or can it sometimes work against it?
To answer these questions, we need to start from equine physiology.
How horses regulate body temperature
Horses are homeothermic animals, meaning they maintain a relatively constant internal body temperature (around 37.5–38.5°C) despite environmental changes.
Their thermoregulation relies on:
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Winter coat growth (natural insulation)
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Vasodilation and vasoconstriction
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Heat production through muscle activity
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Behavioral adaptations (movement, seeking shelter)
A healthy, unclipped horse, properly acclimated to the climate, can tolerate surprisingly low temperatures, even below freezing, without discomfort.
Cold alone is rarely the problem.
When cold actually becomes an issue
Blanketing becomes relevant when natural thermoregulation is compromised or challenged.
Clipped horses
Clipping removes the horse’s primary natural insulation.
In this case, a blanket is not a luxury — it’s a necessary compensation.
Sport horses
Training and competition involve intense work and sweating.
If heat dissipation after exercise is poorly managed, horses are exposed to rapid cooling, muscle stiffness and increased injury risk.
Horses kept in stables
Limited movement, air currents and humidity can increase heat loss, even at moderate temperatures.
Older horses or horses with reduced metabolic efficiency
They may struggle to maintain body temperature and require additional support.
The real risk: sweat, humidity and heat loss
After work, a horse produces heat and sweat. If moisture remains trapped:
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Evaporative cooling increases
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Muscles stiffen
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Recovery is compromised
This is why fabric technology matters more than thickness.
A blanket should manage heat and moisture, not simply add insulation.
Why fabric makes the difference: our choice of Dryarn®
The Scuderia 1918 x Regintex blanket was born from a precise question:
How can we protect the horse from cold without interfering with its natural physiology?
The answer was Dryarn®, a high-performance technical fiber widely used in elite human sportswear.
What is Dryarn®?
Dryarn® is an ultra-lightweight, highly insulating technical fiber with exceptional properties:
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High thermal insulation with minimal weight
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Exceptional breathability
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Does not absorb moisture
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Helps maintain a stable body temperature, not an artificial one
Discover the blanket on our Store:
Horse Blanket Regintex
