Blanketing a horse is a decision that should be made based on several factors, including the horse's age, breed, activity level, and the climate in which he lives.
Here are some general guidelines on when to blanket your horse:
* Young horses and old horses are more susceptible to the cold and should be blanketed when temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Horses with thin coats or short hair should also be blanketed when temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Horses that are not regularly exercised should be blanketed when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Horses that are sick or injured should be blanketed to help them maintain their body temperature.
Additional factors to consider when deciding whether to blanket your horse include the following:
* The horse's activity level. Horses that are turned out to pasture all day may need a blanket when the temperature drops, while horses that are kept in a stall may not.
* The climate in which the horse lives. Horses that live in cold, wet climates may need a heavier blanket than horses that live in warm, dry climates.
If you are not sure whether or not your horse needs a blanket, it is best to err on the side of caution and blanket him. A blanket can help your horse stay warm and healthy, and it can also prevent him from developing colic.
In your horse's case:
Since you mentioned that your horse is always sweating a lot and getting cold and dark after a long day of riding, it is likely that he would benefit from having a blanket put on him. Blanketing your horse will help him to retain his body heat and dry off more quickly, which will help to prevent him from getting a chill.