When winter rolls in or the summer heat ramps up, it’s natural for horse owners to wonder: Is my horse cold? Should I blanket them? Are they overheating?
Surprisingly, horses are far more temperature-tolerant than we often give them credit for — thanks to something called the Thermoneutral Zone (TNZ).

🔍 What Is a Horse’s Thermoneutral Zone?

A horse’s Thermoneutral Zone (TNZ) is the range of temperatures where they can maintain their core body temperature without expending extra energy to stay warm or cool.
For most adult horses, this range is approximately:

41°F (5°C) to 77°F (25°C)

Within this range, your horse is energetically efficient and comfortable. Their body isn’t working overtime to heat up or cool down — it’s simply doing what it does best: regulating naturally.

❄️ When Temperatures Drop Below the TNZ

When temperatures fall below the Lower Critical Temperature (LCT), horses automatically use several biological tools to warm up:

• Piloerection (a fancy word for fluffing up their hair) to trap heat
• Burning extra calories and fat for warmth
• Seeking shelter or turning their hindquarters to the wind

This is why horses with a thick winter coat can tolerate surprisingly cold temperatures — often much colder than humans expect.

☀️ When Temperatures Exceed the TNZ

On the opposite end, when temperatures rise above the Upper Critical Temperature, horses must spend energy to stay cool. Their primary cooling mechanism is:

• Sweating, which uses evaporation to dissipate heat

Pair this with adequate airflow, shade, and hydration, and most horses manage hot weather remarkably well.

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🌡 What Influences a Horse’s Thermoneutral Zone?

Not all horses share the same TNZ. Several factors affect how warm or cool a horse feels:

🐣 Age

Newborn foals have a much higher LCT and get cold more easily than adults.

🏋️ Body Condition

Horses with a healthy body condition score typically have better insulation.

🧥 Hair Coat

A long, fluffy winter coat lowers the LCT significantly, giving the horse “built-in insulation.”

✂️ Clipping

Clipped horses lose that natural insulation and will feel cold at higher temperatures.

❤️ Health Status

Illness, stress, or metabolic issues can reduce a horse’s ability to regulate temperature.

🏠 Shelter & Blankets (Rugs)

Windbreaks, shade, or blankets alter the “feels like” temperature around a horse, shifting their effective TNZ.

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🐎 Practical Implications for Daily Horse Care

Understanding the TNZ can greatly improve decision-making, especially around blanketing, feeding, and heat management.

🧣 Blanketing (Rugging) Wisely

Many horses—especially those with a full winter coat—are over-blanketed, which can lead to overheating. Horses simply don’t feel cold the way humans do.
A blanket may be appropriate when:

• The horse is clipped
• They are underweight or elderly
• They’re wet and it’s windy
• Temps are significantly below their personal LCT

Always assess the individual horse rather than relying solely on the weather report.

🌾 Forage: Nature’s Central Heating

Hay does more than provide nutrients — the fermentation of fiber in the digestive system creates heat.
Feeding consistent forage in cold weather is one of the best ways to keep horses warm naturally.

☀️ Cooling Through Hot Weather

To keep a horse comfortable in warm or hot temperatures, focus on:

• Shade or shelter
• Fresh water
• Electrolytes
• Adequate airflow (fans, cross-breeze, open stalls)

Sweating is normal, but prolonged or excessive sweating requires attention.

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💡 The Bottom Line

Horses are extraordinary thermoregulators. By understanding their Thermoneutral Zone, owners can make more informed decisions about blanketing, feeding, and overall care—keeping horses healthier, more comfortable, and stress-free year-round.

If you’d like help assessing your horse’s needs or want personalized blanketing guidance, feel free to reach out to us! 🐴💛