If left to grow, is a healthy natural winter coat enough to keep your horse warm over winter? The short answer is yes. First, let’s understand how the hairs work. Muscles control each hair follicle allowing them to stand on end and fluff up the coat. The added space between the hair traps heat. You’ll notice when snow falls on a horse’s back; it does not melt; this is because the heat is trapped within. A healthy, thick coat should do its job in keeping your horse warm.
Let’s talk about blanketing. If you wish to blank a horse with a healthy natural winter coat on more frigid days, don’t make the blank too tight or use an extra heavy one. Either will prevent your horse’s hair from being able to fluff up, reducing the insulation factor.