Blanketing is a common practice for horse owners, especially during colder months. But knowing when and how to blanket your horse can be confusing, with factors like the horse’s coat thickness, age, and body condition influencing your decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about blanketing, from assessing your horse’s needs to ensuring you blanket safely.
What to Consider When Blanketing Your Horse
1. Access to Shelter
Horses with adequate access to shelter, such as a barn or a three-sided run-in shed, may not need a blanket as often as horses exposed to open fields. Shelter offers a place to escape from harsh weather, reducing the need for a blanket in many cases.
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science indicated that horses given the choice to seek shelter during winter storms showed a decrease in physiological stress, which can help them maintain body temperature without the need for blanketing. When shelter is available, a horse’s natural winter coat and body fat can provide sufficient insulation from the cold.
Takeaway: If your horse has access to shelter and the temperatures aren’t extreme, they may not need a blanket as often.
2. Body Condition
A horse’s body condition score (BCS) is crucial in determining if they need a blanket. Thin horses, with a BCS under 5 (on the 1-9 scale), have less body fat to insulate them from cold temperatures and may benefit from blanketing.
A study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that horses with lower body fat were more likely to shiver in response to cold temperatures, signaling an increased need for a blanket. For underweight horses or horses with difficulty maintaining weight, blanketing can help conserve energy and improve their comfort during cold weather.
Takeaway: Horses with a low body condition score are more susceptible to cold and will likely need a blanket to help maintain body temperature.
3. Coat Type and Thickness
A horse’s natural coat provides significant insulation, and many horses develop a thick winter coat as temperatures drop if given the chance and not over-blanketed too early. However, certain breeds, particularly those bred for warmer climates (e.g., Arabians and Thoroughbreds), may not develop a coat thick enough to withstand extreme cold.
In addition, horses that are clipped lose their natural protection and are far more susceptible to the cold. Clipped horses will almost always require a blanket in winter, as noted in Equine Veterinary Journal, which found that clipping reduces insulation by over 50%. The study also indicated that clipped horses had higher energy demands in cold weather due to the lack of natural insulation.
Horses that have moved from a warm to cold climate and have not had a few seasons to adapt to the differing climate, will likely need blanketing in inclement weather.
Takeaway: Horses with thin coats or those that are clipped will need a blanket in colder weather to compensate for the lack of natural insulation.
4. Age and Health
Young horses and senior horses tend to have more difficulty regulating body temperature. Older horses, particularly those with arthritis or other health concerns, may need extra warmth to ease stiffness or manage discomfort. Likewise, younger horses that are still growing may struggle to maintain adequate body temperature in harsh weather conditions.
Research published in Equine Veterinary Journal points out that senior horses with a compromised immune system often have a harder time maintaining body temperature. Blanketing older horses can help them conserve energy and maintain better health in colder weather.
Takeaway: Senior horses and young horses often benefit from blanketing as their ability to regulate temperature may be compromised.
5. Digestive Health and Metabolism
A horse’s digestive system plays a critical role in thermoregulation. Digesting forage produces heat, helping horses stay warm from within. Horses with access to ample forage can often regulate their body temperature effectively, reducing the need for a blanket.
A study from the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition emphasized that horses consuming sufficient forage throughout winter had increased thermogenesis (heat production). However, horses with digestive issues or limited access to forage may struggle with this internal heating process, making blanketing beneficial in these cases.
Takeaway: Horses with digestive health issues may need a blanket to support thermoregulation, especially if they have limited access to forage.
6. Climate and Weather Conditions
The climate and weather conditions in your region play a large role in blanketing decisions. In areas with high humidity, cold temperatures can feel more biting, and blankets with waterproof outer layers are essential to keep horses dry. Wet, damp coats can reduce a horse’s ability to stay warm, increasing their risk of hypothermia.
For example, a study in Veterinary Clinics of North America observed that horses exposed to wet and windy conditions had a marked decrease in core body temperature compared to those in dry, cold conditions. Wind chill can strip away the insulating layer of warmth next to the horse’s skin, so a blanket can help create a barrier against these conditions.
Takeaway: Horses in humid or windy environments may benefit from a waterproof and windproof blanket to stay dry and warm.
How to Blanket Safely
Once you’ve determined that your horse would benefit from a blanket, it’s essential to follow safe blanketing practices to avoid any risks or discomfort.
1. Choose the Right Blanket Size
The fit of the blanket is crucial to your horse’s comfort. Blankets that are too tight can cause rubbing, restrict movement, and create pressure points, while overly loose blankets can slip, tangle, or cause tripping hazards. Measure your horse accurately from the center of the chest to the edge of the tail to ensure the best fit. Many equine retailers offer size guides to help with selecting the right size.
2. Check for Signs of Overheating
Horses are susceptible to overheating if over-blanketed, especially if temperatures rise unexpectedly. Signs of overheating include sweating under the blanket, restlessness, and rapid breathing. Make it a habit to check your horse’s temperature under the blanket daily, especially during unseasonably warm days.
Tip: Insert your hand under the blanket at the horse’s shoulder to feel if they are too warm or sweaty. If they are, consider removing the blanket entirely or opting for a lighter blanket.
3. Use Breathable, Waterproof Materials
Opt for breathable materials, especially if your horse will be blanketed for extended periods. Waterproof blankets are crucial for horses spending time outdoors in wet conditions. Waterproof blankets with breathable liners allow moisture to escape while keeping your horse dry and comfortable.
4. Remove and Adjust Blankets Regularly
Horses may not need to be blanketed all day, every day, even in colder months. Monitor the weather and adjust accordingly, removing the blanket on milder days to let their coat breathe and prevent moisture buildup. Regularly removing the blanket also lets you check for any signs of rubbing, sores, or chafing. Make sure to keep your grooming routine consistent too.
5. Avoid Blanketing Wet Horses
Blanketing a wet horse can trap moisture close to the skin, which may lead to skin conditions such as rain rot or even hypothermia. Make sure your horse is dry before blanketing. If your horse is wet after exercise, use a moisture-wicking cooler or fleece until they are dry, then switch to a heavier winter blanket if necessary.
6. Regularly Inspect for Wear and Tear
Blankets can rip, break, or develop loose straps, creating hazards for your horse. Inspect blankets regularly and make necessary repairs to avoid injuries from broken straps or torn material. Quality blankets often come with reinforced stitching and adjustable straps, which help maintain the fit and longevity of the blanket.
7. Know When to Remove the Blanket
Blanketing should be a dynamic process, with blankets removed or changed according to weather patterns. If you notice your horse is consistently too warm or uncomfortable, consider reducing blanketing. Horses are hardy animals with natural thermoregulation abilities, and in many cases, less is more.
Monitor the weather and make blanketing changes – it is your responsibility as a horse owner to ensure their comfort by not over-blanketing or under-blanketing. Each horse and each environment is different and will require an individual approach. Most healthy, non-clipped horses with shelter access likely do not require blanketing at all except in conditions where it is cold, windy AND wet.
