Blanketing Your Horses 101

As winter approaches, ensuring your horse stays warm and comfortable is essential. Blanketing your horse is a personal choice and there are pluses and minuses of blanketing.

Most horses handle the cold weather just fine as long as they have protection from wind and rain along with lots of roughage. Horses heat their bodies from the inside so good quality feed is essential whether or not you choose to blanket..

If you choose to Blanket, be sure you have the basics down. This guide will cover the basics of blanketing, including types of blankets, when to use them, how to fit them properly, and maintenance tips.

Why Blanket Your Horse?

• Thermal Regulation: Some horses can struggle to maintain their body temperature in cold, wet conditions. A wet coat can hinder their ability to trap heat, making blankets necessary during inclement weather[2].
• Comfort: Blankets provide comfort for horses that may be clipped or have thinner coats, especially in colder climates[2][4].
• Protection: Blankets shield horses from rain, snow, and wind, reducing the risk of illness due to exposure[3].

Types of Horse Blankets

Understanding the different types of blankets available is vital for selecting the right one for your horse:

• Turnout Sheets: These offer minimal insulation and are suitable for mild temperatures (above 50°F). They protect against rain without added warmth[2].
• Light Turnout Blankets: Providing moderate insulation (0-100 grams), these are ideal for unclipped horses during cooler fall days[2].
• Medium Turnout Blankets: With 150-250 grams of fill, these are suitable for horses that need more warmth but are not fully clipped[2][4].
• Heavy Turnout Blankets: These offer maximum insulation (300+ grams) and are perfect for clipped horses or extremely cold conditions[2].

How to Fit a Horse Blanket

A well-fitted blanket is essential for your horse’s comfort and safety. Follow these steps to ensure a proper fit:

1. Measure Your Horse: Use a measuring tape to determine the length from the center of the chest to the point of the buttocks. This measurement helps you choose the correct size blanket.
2. Check the Fit:
   1.  The blanket should sit just in front of the withers and extend to the tail.
   2. Ensure that it does not restrict movement or rub against sensitive areas like the shoulders.
3. Adjust Straps: Make sure all straps are secure but not too tight; they should allow some movement without being loose enough to cause safety hazards[1][2].

Maintenance Tips

To prolong the life of your horse’s blankets, regular maintenance is key:

• Inspection: Regularly check for tears or damage. Repair any issues promptly to prevent further damage[2].
• Cleaning: It’s best to take blankets to a professional cleaning service. If washing at home, brush off dirt and mud first, then rinse with a garden hose. Use a detergent designed for horse blankets and hang to dry—never tumble dry[2][4].
• Storage: When not in use, store blankets in a dry area away from pests. Consider using breathable bags that allow airflow while protecting from dust.

Conclusion

Blanketing your horse can be an important aspect of equine care during winter months. By understanding the types of blankets available, ensuring a proper fit, and maintaining them correctly, you can help keep your horse comfortable and healthy throughout the colder season. Remember to assess your horse’s individual needs based on their coat type, health status, and local climate conditions before deciding on blanketing.

Citations:
[1] https://www.coastalcountry.com/resource/blog-posts/animals/coastal-101-properly-fitting-your-horse-for-blanketing
[2] https://www.midsouthhorsereview.com/blanketing-101
[3] https://www.sstack.com/blog/blanketing/schneiders-learning-center-blanketing-101/b/r0055/
[4] https://www.breeches.com/blogs/blog/horse-blanketing-101-answers-to-your-biggest-questions
[5] https://www.sstack.com/blog/blanketing/c/bc10/
[6] https://swantraining.net/blanketing-101/
[7] https://www.smartpakequine.com/content/horse-blanket-guide
[8] https://www.doversaddlery.com/blanketing-101/a/blanket101/

Deciding whether to blanket your horse as winter approaches can be a complex decision influenced by several factors, including your horse’s individual needs, the climate, and the management style you employ. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine if blanketing is necessary for your horse.

Factors to Consider

1. Horse’s Coat Type:
   • Horses with thick winter coats are generally better equipped to handle cold weather and may not need a blanket. Breeds like draft horses or those that naturally grow dense coats can often withstand colder temperatures without additional insulation
   • Conversely, horses with thin coats, such as Thoroughbreds or Arabians, may require blanketing as temperatures drop, especially if they are clipped
2. Temperature and Weather Conditions:
   • As a general guideline, many horses will benefit from a blanket when temperatures fall below 40°F, particularly if they are wet due to rain or snow. Wet conditions can significantly reduce a horse’s ability to maintain body heat
   • If temperatures dip into the teens or below, heavier blankets (300+ grams of insulation) may be necessary for added warmth
3. Access to Shelter:
   • Horses with access to adequate shelter can often manage without blankets, as they can escape harsh winds and precipitation. However, if your horse lives outside 24/7 without shelter, they are more likely to need a blanket for protection against the elements
4. Body Condition and Age:
   • Older horses or those with lower body fat may struggle to maintain warmth and could benefit from blanketing. Monitoring their body condition score is crucial; leaner horses (scores of 4 or lower on a 9-point scale) will likely require additional warmth during cold spells
5. Physical Activity and Health:
   • If your horse is active and generates body heat through exercise, they may not need a blanket as much as less active horses. However, if they tend to stand around in the cold for extended periods, blanketing might help prevent muscle tightness and shivering

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to blanket your horse should be based on a combination of these factors rather than a strict temperature rule. Regularly assess your horse’s comfort level by observing their behavior—if they seem cold (e.g., shivering) or are losing weight, it may be time to start blanketing. Remember that blanketing is not just about temperature; it’s about ensuring your horse remains healthy and comfortable throughout the winter months.