Blanketing your horse is an important aspect of winter care, just like keeping water warm and available. While some horses can regulate their body temperature naturally, others may require blankets to stay warm, dry, and healthy. Understanding when to blanket, what type of blanket to use, and when a horse does not need a blanket helps ensure your horse is comfortable and protected throughout the colder months.
Why Blanketing is Important:
Blanketing serves several purposes, including maintaining a horse’s body temperature, keeping them dry during wet weather, and protecting clipped or older horses. Horses with thin coats, those recovering from illness, or those who are underweight might struggle to stay warm on their own. Proper blanketing helps conserve a horse’s energy and can prevent weight loss, stress, and cold related issues such as hypothermia.
Blanketing Guidelines: When to Blanket
Unclipped horses: Many unclipped horses with a full winter coat can handle cold temperatures without a blanket, provided they have access to shelter and are in good health. A horse’s thick coat naturally insulates by trapping heat, but heavy rain or snow can compromise this.
Clipped horses: Horses that have been clipped for riding or other reasons will need blankets when the temperature drops, as they no longer have the full insulation of their coat.
Senior or ill horses: Older horses or those with medical conditions may struggle to regulate their body temperature and can benefit from a blanket even in mild weather.
Underweight horses: Horses that are underweight may lack the body fat needed to stay warm and may require blanketing at higher temperatures than healthier horses.
Wet and windy conditions: Even horses with a thick winter coat can suffer if their coat becomes soaked and the wind penetrates the natural insulation. Waterproof blankets can help prevent this.
Types of Horse Blankets and Their Uses
There are several types of horse blankets designed for different weather conditions and purposes:
Stable Blankets: These are non-waterproof blankets meant for use inside the barn or stable. They provide warmth but are not suitable for outdoor use in wet or snowy conditions. Stable
blankets are ideal for clipped or older horses staying indoors in cooler weather.
Turnout Blankets: Designed for outdoor use, turnout blankets are waterproof and breathable, protecting horses from the elements while allowing moisture to escape. They come in varying
weights:
Lightweight (Sheet): Suitable for milder weather or for horses that need protection from rain but do not need insulation.
Mediumweight: Ideal for moderate cold or for horses that need a balance between warmth and breathability.
Heavyweight: Best for very cold conditions, typically used for clipped horses or those that need extra warmth.
Coolers: These blankets wick away moisture after a workout or bath. Coolers help prevent a horse from getting chilled while drying off and should be used when your horse is sweaty or wet, particularly in colder weather.
When a Horse Doesn’t Need a Blanket:
Many horses, especially those with full winter coats and access to adequate shelter, may not need blanketing even in colder temperatures. Horses are naturally well-adapted to withstand
cold weather, and over-blanketing can sometimes cause overheating, leading to discomfort or respiratory issues. Horses with a full coat who are healthy, have sufficient fat reserves, and are not clipped are usually fine without a blanket, as long as they have shelter from wind and rain.
Our Final Thoughts:
Blanketing is an important tool in horse care, but it is essential to understand when and what type of blanket to use. While some horses need extra warmth and protection, others are naturally well-equipped to handle cold temperatures. By following proper blanketing guidelines and being aware of your horse’s needs, you can help keep them comfortable and healthy throughout the winter.