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| Keeping Your Horse Cozy: Blanketing Best Practices |
Caring for horses goes far beyond just feeding and grooming. If your horse lives outdoors, you need to take steps to protect them from the elements when temperatures drop. Using horse blankets provides warmth and comfort during chilly weather so they stay happy and healthy all winter long.
Follow these dos and don'ts of blanketing to avoid common mistakes owners make when deciding whether to use a blanket and choosing the right option. We’ll cover:
When blanketing is necessary
Proper blanket fit and placement
Choosing the correct blanket types
Establishing a safe blanketing routine
Ongoing blanket care and maintenance
Understanding equine blanketing best practices will help you make the most informed decisions for your horse’s individual needs.
Deciding If Your Horse Needs Blanketing
Not all horses require blanketing. Healthy adult horses who grow thick winter coats and have access to shelter often manage winter weather on their own without assistance. However, the following horses will likely benefit from blanketing when temperatures drop:
Body Clipped Horses
Body clipped horses have had their coats trimmed short for aesthetic and competition purposes. Without their natural insulation, blankets provide necessary warmth.
Senior Horses
Senior horses and those with health conditions may struggle regulating body temperature. Blanketing helps them conserve energy and body heat.
Thin Horses
Thin horses lack sufficient fat stores to stay warm. Blankets supply additional insulation for consistent temperature regulation.
Horses With Health Issues
Horses with health problems like pituitary disease or Cushing’s disease have difficulty maintaining weight and growing winter coats.
Barely-Fluffy Horses
Some mature horses never grow truly thick coats, so owners blanket them for extra warmth.
Frequently Ridden Horses
Horses ridden frequently in icy temperatures use extra energy keeping warm. Blanketing your horse after exercise helps them recover faster.
If your horse falls into one of these categories, read on for blanketing best practices during cold snaps.
Properly Fitting and Positioning Blankets
To reap benefits from blanketing, you must choose blankets that fit correctly. Improper sizing leads to safety issues or discomfort compromising your horse’s welfare.
When shopping for blankets, the first step involves measuring your horse accurately.
Measuring Guide
Use a soft measuring tape to determine the number of inches around your horse’s body from their center chest to tail. This length equals their ideal blanket size.
Ask a helper to hold the start point steady at the chest while you stretch the tape back along the horse’s side to their tail. Note the measurement and shop accordingly.
Ideal Positioning
With the right size blanket, ensure proper positioning every time you blanket your horse:
- The front closure rests several inches ahead of the withers without drooping over them
- Fabric extends from chest to tail with minimal bagging or gaps
- Blanket encircles the belly without pulling too tight
- Neck and chest areas permit full range of motion without restriction
The blanket should move with your horse without impairment.
The “One Hand” Rule
Check your blankets using the “one hand rule." Slip a hand between the fabric and your horse’s coat. Ensure one hand-width space between skin and blanket around the neck, chest, belly, and hindquarters.
Add adjustments like removable liners or tighten straps to customize fit if the blanket proves too roomy.
Choosing Appropriate Blanket Styles and Weights
Blanket terminology can confuse owners when deciding what their horse needs. Learn the critical distinctions between blankets intended for turnout and stable use.
Turnout Rugs
Turnout rugs allow horses to roam safely while wearing a blanket outdoors. Features like the following provide durability:
- Waterproof and breathable fabrics prevent moisture saturation
- Tough outer materials resist ripping
- Generous shoulder room permits free movement
- Belly flaps overlap securely
Well-fitted turnout rugs keep your horse warm and dry during adverse weather like rain, snow, or wind.
Stable Rugs
Think of stable rugs more like indoor clothing to maintain cleanliness and comfort inside the barn. Stable rugs lack weather protection but deliver additional warmth if your barn still feels chilly.
Insulation Weights
Besides deciding between turnout and stable versions, pay attention to insulation levels designated by blanket fill power:
- Light and medium weights suffice during fall and spring
- Heavy blankets contain the most insulation for frigid winter temperatures
Manufacturers describe fill using grams or togs. Togs measure thermal efficiency instead of fill weight.
Match insulation levels to conditions to prevent horses from getting too hot or cold. Regulating temperature keeps their health steady.
Establishing a Safe Blanketing Routine
When blanketing your horse, prioritize safety by creating a consistent routine. Thoughtful blanketing rituals prevent accidents and panic.
Haltering First
Before blanketing, snap a sturdy halter and lead rope onto your horse for control. Unblanketing works better in reverse by removing the halter last after everything else.
Front to Back Buckling
Fasten blankets starting with the front chest closure. Then secure belly surcingles before finishing with leg straps and tail cords. Doing up the rear latches first risks spooking horses into bolting forward while partially trapped.
Unfasten blankets back to front when removing them.
Connect Leg Straps
Prevent loose leg straps from looping under hooves by attaching them together once wrapped around each hind leg.
Follow these standard safety measures every blanketing session. Over time your horse will cooperate with the familiar process.
Consistent Blanket Maintenance
Invest in quality blankets but don’t neglect proper care. Well-maintained blankets endure many seasons of reliable use. Follow these horse blanket care essentials:
Daily Checks
Lift blankets daily while grooming your horse to check for problems like rubs, loose straps, or bald spots. Tighten straps as needed to restore snugness between adjustments.
Cleanliness
Use a stiff brush and damp rag to remove caked-on mud or urine stains before reusing dirty blankets. Let blankets air dry completely before placing back on horses to avoid chill.
Proper Storage
After blanketing season ends, hand wash blankets with mild detergent and water. Air dry blankets completely before stowing them over the spring and summer. Look into professional equine blanket cleaning services for occasional deep cleaning.
To discourage moths, store freshly-cleaned blankets in breathable bags or plastic bins. Hang blankets instead of stacking to prevent crushing insulation materials.
Follow this blanketing protocol to keep your horse comfortable and safe once cooler temperatures set in. Adjust recommendations to suit your climate and any special needs. Bond with your horse over brushing sessions as you ensure their blanketing equipment stays in great shape all season long. Consistency and vigilance prevents problems down the road.
Key Takeaways: Blanketing Horses Right
- Measure your horse accurately for a proper blanket fit
- Position blankets to allow complete freedom of movement
- Distinguish between turnout and stable blanket types
- Consider your climate and horse’s needs when choosing insulation weights
- Blanket and unblanket horses using a consistent front-to-back system
- Perform regular inspections while grooming to catch issues early
- Store blankets properly over off-seasons to increase durability
Following these fundamental blanketing guidelines improves your horse's comfort and safety while saving you money on replacements. Invest time into choosing and caring for blankets so your horse thrives no matter the weather.