Can I put a blanket on my horse? Yes, you absolutely can and often should put a blanket on your horse when the weather changes or if they need extra warmth or protection. Putting a blanket on a horse, often called applying a horse rug, is a simple skill every horse owner should master. It keeps your horse comfortable and healthy. This guide makes the process easy to learn.
Why Blanket Your Horse?
Horses are tough animals. They can handle cold well. But sometimes they need help. Blanketing protects them from harsh weather. It also helps manage their coat, especially if you clip them.
Reasons for Using Horse Blankets
- Cold Weather Protection: Very cold winds or freezing rain can chill a horse. Blankets add a necessary layer.
- Keeping a Clipped Coat Warm: If you clip your horse’s winter coat for work, they lose natural insulation. Blankets replace this warmth.
- Keeping Clean: Blankets help keep show horses clean before an event.
- Rain and Snow: Waterproof blankets keep the horse dry. Wet coats lose heat fast.
- Insect Control: Light sheets keep flies away during warmer months.
Getting the Right Fit: Horse Blanket Sizing
The most common mistake is using the wrong size. A poorly fitting blanket causes rubs, sores, or lets cold air in. Horse blanket sizing is key to comfort.
Measuring Your Horse
You need a soft measuring tape. Measure from the center of the horse’s chest (where the shoulder meets the neck) all the way to the point of the tail. This measurement in inches is usually the blanket size.
Table 1: General Sizing Guidelines (Inches)
| Horse Size | Typical Range (Inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Pony | 48 – 54 | Check the height too. |
| Large Pony | 55 – 66 | Ponies vary a lot in build. |
| Small Horse/Cob | 69 – 75 | Often need deeper cuts. |
| Average Horse | 76 – 81 | Most common size range. |
| Large Horse/Warmblood | 82 – 87+ | Look for extra length in the body. |
Key Fit Points to Check
Always check these areas after measuring:
- Shoulders: The blanket should not pull tight here. It must allow full movement.
- Chest: It should be snug but not tight across the chest bone.
- Withers: There must be enough room above the withers to prevent rubbing. Some blankets have special padding here.
- Belly/Girth: Straps must keep the blanket centered without rubbing the skin.
- Leg Arches: The blanket should cover the horse well without restricting the hindquarters when moving.
Types of Horse Blankets
There are many types of horse blankets made for different needs. Choosing the right kind is important.
Common Blanket Categories
- Turnout Blankets/Rugs: Made for outdoor use. They must be waterproof and breathable. They come in many weights.
- Stable Blankets/Rugs: Used inside the barn. They are usually not waterproof. They offer warmth but keep the horse clean.
- Cooler Rugs: Used after exercise or bathing. They wick moisture away from the horse’s skin to dry them slowly. They prevent a chill.
- Fly Sheets: Very light blankets made of mesh material. They protect against sun and insects.
Different Horse Blanket Weights
Different horse blanket weights refer to the amount of insulation material (fill) inside the blanket. This is measured in grams (g).
Table 2: Blanket Weights and Uses
| Weight (Fill) | Temperature Range (Approx.) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0g (Unlined/Sheet) | Above 50°F (10°C) | Rain protection, fly control. |
| 100g – 150g (Light) | 40°F – 50°F (4°C – 10°C) | Mild cold, light frost, or over a clipped coat. |
| 200g – 250g (Medium) | 25°F – 40°F (-4°C – 4°C) | Typical winter warmth for most horses. |
| 300g+ (Heavy) | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Severe cold, very thin-skinned horses. |
Important Note: Always check the forecast. A horse living outside with a full winter coat needs less weight than a recently clipped horse.
Preparing the Horse for Blanketing
Before you try applying a horse rug, the horse needs to be ready. Rushing this step can scare the horse or cause injury.
Step 1: Cleaning the Horse
A dirty horse under a blanket will get sores. Dirt traps moisture and causes friction.
- Brush the horse thoroughly. Remove all mud, loose hair, and dirt, especially on the back and shoulders.
- If the horse is very wet from rain or sweat, use a cooler first. Never put a heavy blanket directly on a very sweaty horse. They will overheat underneath.
Step 2: Checking the Environment
Is it windy? Is it raining? If it is a warm, sunny day, maybe skip the blanket or use just a fly sheet. Ensure you have enough space in the wash stall or cross-ties to work safely.
How To Put A Blanket On A Horse: Step-by-Step Guide
Fitting a horse blanket correctly requires patience. Always approach your horse calmly from the side.
Step 1: Unfolding and Orienting the Blanket
- Pick up the blanket. Look for the neck opening and the liner side (the side that touches the horse).
- Lay the blanket over the horse’s back. Drape it from front to back, starting at the withers. Make sure the front edge sits evenly across the shoulders.
Step 2: Adjusting the Neck Opening
- Move to the front of the horse. Grab the front edge of the blanket.
- Pull the blanket forward slightly so that the wither area has a bit of slack. It should not press down on the withers.
- Fasten the front clips or buckles. Do not tighten them fully yet. They should be loose enough that you can easily slip two or three fingers between the strap and the horse’s chest.
Step 3: Securing the Surcingles (Belly Straps)
- Move under the horse’s belly. Locate the cross surcingles (the straps that cross underneath).
- Bring the left strap across to the right clip, and the right strap across to the left clip.
- Tighten these straps. Securing horse blankets here is crucial for keeping them in place. They should be snug enough that they do not shift, but you should still be able to fit your hand comfortably between the strap and the horse’s belly. If they are too tight, they can restrict breathing or cause sores.
Step 4: Attaching Leg Straps (If Applicable)
Some blankets have straps that go around the hind legs (tail straps or leg gussets).
- Thread the strap from one side through the ring on the other side.
- Adjust the length. The strap should run low on the hind leg, near the stifle (where the back leg bends).
- It must be tight enough to stop the blanket from rolling up when the horse rolls or moves. Again, check for a hand’s width of room.
Step 5: Fastening the Tail Cord (If Applicable)
If the blanket has a cord that goes under the tail, thread it underneath. This keeps the back edge of the blanket down and stops wind from blowing the back end up. It should be snug but not so tight it pulls on the tail bone.
Step 6: Final Check and Walk Test
This is the most important part of fitting a horse blanket correctly.
- Check all fastenings: Chest, belly, and leg straps. Everything should be secure but not restrictive.
- Walk the horse a few steps. Watch how the blanket moves. Does it shift? Does the shoulder area bunch up?
- Have a helper watch the horse walk and turn its head. If the blanket pinches the chest or rides up the shoulder, readjust the front clips.
Horse Blanket Underlayers
Sometimes one blanket is not enough. Horse blanket underlayers help regulate temperature better than just one thick blanket.
Using Liners or Underlays
A liner is a thin blanket that attaches to the main turnout blanket, usually with loops or clips at the shoulders.
- Benefits: You can change the insulation level easily without removing the whole heavy blanket. If the day warms up, you just remove the liner. If it gets colder overnight, you add it back.
- Safety: Always ensure the liner fastens securely to the outer blanket. A loose liner can bunch up and trap the horse, causing panic or injury.
Combining Layers
If you are using separate layers (like a stable sheet under a turnout), you must adjust the outer straps. The inner layer adds bulk. Make sure the belly straps on the outer blanket are looser than normal to account for the extra layer underneath.
Maintaining Your Horse’s Comfort and Preventing Rubs
Rubs are painful and can lead to infections. They happen when the blanket moves too much or the material is irritating.
Common Rub Spots
- Shoulders (most common)
- Withers
- Chest (where buckles are)
- Tops of the hips
Preventing Rubs
- Use Shoulder Guards or Liners: These specialized pads go over the sensitive shoulder area and absorb the friction instead of the horse’s skin.
- Fleece Rolls: Adding fleece tubes or rolls around the front buckles or the top of the wither pad can stop hard plastic or metal from digging in.
- Washing Regularly: Keep the blanket clean. Dirt acts like sandpaper under the fabric.
- Check Daily: Make a habit of slipping your hand under the blanket daily to feel for any tight spots or new bumps. If you spot pink skin, address the fit immediately.
Troubleshooting Ill-Fitting Horse Blankets
Sometimes, even with careful measuring, you will find problems. Here is how to fix common issues when troubleshooting ill-fitting horse blankets.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Simple Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blanket slides sideways. | Belly straps too loose or uneven. | Tighten belly straps evenly. Check leg straps if present. |
| Blanket pulls tight across the chest. | Not enough room at the front closure. | Use a blanket with a shoulder gusset or adjust the front clip higher up (if the design allows). |
| Blanket rides up near the tail. | Tail cord/strap too loose or missing. | Secure the tail cord snugly underneath the tail bone. |
| Rubbing at the withers. | Blanket lying too flat over the bone. | Add a fleece wither pad or switch to a blanket with a high neck or disc closure system. |
| Blanket bunches behind the shoulder. | Blanket is too short in the body length. | Get the next size up in length (e.g., move from 78 to 81 inches). |
Horse Blanket Maintenance
Good care extends the life of your blanket and keeps your horse safe. Horse blanket maintenance is simple upkeep.
Cleaning Turnouts
Turnout blankets need specialized cleaning. They have a waterproof coating that standard washing can ruin.
- Hose Off: Always hose off heavy mud and manure first.
- Use Gentle Soap: Use a blanket wash product or mild, non-detergent soap.
- Use a Large Washer: If you use a machine, use a large-capacity, front-loading washer. Top-loaders can damage straps. Many dry cleaners offer professional blanket washing services.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Soap residue can irritate the horse’s skin. Rinse multiple times.
Restoring Waterproofing
After several seasons, the outer fabric may stop beading water. You can buy waterproof sprays or washes specifically made for horse blankets to restore the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.
Storage
When the season ends, clean the blankets thoroughly. Store them in a dry, ventilated area. Avoid storing them in plastic bags where moisture can cause mildew. Use breathable storage bags if possible. Check all buckles and straps before putting them away for the season so they are ready for next year.
Deep Dive into Advanced Blanketing Concepts
Comprehending the nuances of when and how to blanket goes beyond just fitting the straps. It involves knowing your horse’s environment and physiology.
When to Remove a Blanket
It is just as important to remove a blanket as it is to put one on.
- Sunny Days: If the sun comes out strong, even on a chilly day, the horse can quickly overheat under a heavy blanket. Check the temperature frequently.
- Exercise: Always remove heavy blankets before riding. A sweaty horse under a blanket is a recipe for chilling once the exercise stops.
- Inside Warm Barns: If you bring a heavily blanketed horse into a warm, heated barn, remove the outer layer immediately.
The Importance of Breathability
When you select types of horse blankets, prioritize breathability, especially for turnout rugs. A blanket that is waterproof but not breathable traps sweat underneath. This moisture cools quickly when the horse stops moving, making the horse colder than if it wore nothing at all. Look for ratings or descriptions that mention “breathable mesh” or “wicking properties.”
Dealing with Extreme Cold
In very severe cold (well below freezing), some owners choose to add a layer of protection over the entire body, including the head.
- Neck Covers: Many blankets come with detachable neck covers. Ensure these are fitted correctly; they should never restrict the throat or fall over the face.
- Hoods: Use hoods sparingly. They can restrict hearing and vision slightly. They are best used for horses that are very old, ill, or have just been clipped severely.
Final Thoughts on Safety and Routine
Developing a good routine makes applying a horse rug quick and safe. Always use two hands when fastening straps—one to hold the strap and one to adjust the buckle or clip. Never try to work around a horse’s head when they are fidgety. Wait until they are calm.
Consistency in horse blanket sizing and checking the fit ensures your horse remains comfortable, warm, and free from annoying rubs all season long. Remember that every horse is an individual; what works for one may need small tweaks for another.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I check the fit of my horse’s blanket?
A: You should check the fit and all straps at least once daily. If your horse is rolling frequently, rolling in thick mud, or if the weather has changed dramatically, check it more often.
Q: Can I use a regular clothes washing machine for my horse blankets?
A: You can, but only if you have a very large, heavy-duty front-loading machine. Avoid standard top-loaders with agitators, as the straps can get tangled and break the machine or ruin the blanket hardware. Professional washing is often safer for heavy-duty blankets.
Q: What if my horse rips a hole in the turnout blanket?
A: Small tears should be repaired quickly using specialized repair kits available from tack stores. If you leave a small tear, the horse’s kicking or rolling will turn it into a large, unrepairable rip. Waterproofing spray may be needed after the patch is applied.
Q: Do horses need blankets when it’s just raining?
A: If your horse has a healthy, long winter coat, they usually do not need a blanket just for light rain, as their coat sheds water naturally. However, if it is cold and raining, or if your horse is clipped, a waterproof, unlined sheet (0g) is necessary to prevent them from getting soaked and chilled.
Q: What is a shoulder gusset on a horse blanket?
A: A shoulder gusset is an extra piece of fabric or a specialized seam cut into the blanket design around the shoulder area. It allows the horse to move its front legs forward and backward more freely without pulling the blanket tight across the chest or causing rubs.