A horse wears a blanket primarily for protection from the weather and to help manage its body temperature. Horse blanket purpose is multifaceted, extending beyond simple warmth to include keeping the horse clean, dry, and comfortable in various conditions.
Deciphering the Need: Why We Blanket Our Horses
Horses are naturally tough animals. They have evolved to handle many types of weather. However, modern horse keeping often changes their natural defenses. This means owners must step in to help their horses stay safe and comfortable. Knowing the reasons for blanketing horses is key to good horse care.
The Science of Horse Temperature Regulation and Blankets
Horses keep warm through several methods. They grow a thick winter coat. They also shiver to make heat. Their bodies try hard to keep a stable inner temperature. This is called horse temperature regulation and blankets.
When we change a horse’s environment, we change how it handles heat. If a horse is kept in a warm barn, its winter coat may not grow fully. Then, if it goes outside on a cold day, it can get chilled easily. Blankets step in to act like that missing coat.
Environmental Factors Driving the Need for Blankets
Many outside forces make blanketing a good idea. These factors often combine to put stress on a horse’s natural systems.
- Cold Temperatures: This is the most common reason. Very cold air pulls heat away from the horse quickly. A blanket traps a layer of warm air next to the skin.
- Wind Chill: Wind is a major factor. Even if the air is not freezing, strong wind can make a horse feel much colder. Wind strips away the insulating air layer trapped by the horse’s coat.
- Rain and Wetness: A wet coat loses most of its insulating power. Water soaks down to the skin, rapidly pulling heat away. A waterproof blanket keeps the horse dry and warm.
- Snow and Ice: Snow sticking to the coat can melt slowly, chilling the horse. A turnout blanket sheds snow easily.
When to Blanket a Horse: Making the Right Call
Knowing when to blanket a horse is more art than exact science. It depends on the horse, its living situation, and the forecast. There is no single magic temperature for every horse.
Assessing Your Horse’s Needs
You must look closely at your own horse. Older horses need more help staying warm. Sick horses cannot regulate heat well. Very thin horses lack natural insulation.
- Age: Very young foals and older seniors often need blankets sooner than healthy adults.
- Body Condition Score (BCS): A horse with a low BCS (thin) will get cold faster than a horse with a good BCS.
- Health Status: A horse recovering from illness or one with Cushing’s disease might struggle to grow a proper coat.
- Clipping Status: This is a huge factor. If you clip a horse, you remove its natural defense. It must be blanketed.
The Role of Horse Coat Clipping and Blanketing
Many performance horses get their coats clipped. This is done so they cool down faster after hard work in winter. A clipped horse cannot handle the cold without help.
If you choose horse coat clipping and blanketing, you take on a commitment. You must manage the blankets day and night. The blanket must match the amount of hair removed. A horse clipped fully for competition needs much more warmth than one with just a small patch clipped off.
Benefits of Using a Horse Blanket
The advantages of using the right gear go beyond just keeping the horse warm. The benefits of using a horse blanket support overall health and management goals.
Keeping Them Warm and Dry
The primary goal is preventing the horse from losing too much body heat. This stops stress on the horse’s system. It also means the horse uses less energy just trying to stay warm. This saved energy can go toward good health and weight maintenance.
Maintaining a Clean Coat
A good turnout blanket keeps mud, manure, and debris off the horse’s body. This is vital for show horses. It saves many hours of grooming time before a show. A clean coat also works better as insulation.
Aiding in Recovery and Comfort
Blankets help horses heal. They keep dressings clean and dry. They also provide a calm, steady warmth that can help ease stiff joints or muscle soreness in cold weather.
Preventing Shivering and Stress
When a horse is cold, it may start horse shivering and blankets become an immediate necessity. Shivering burns a lot of energy. If you see your horse shivering, it is already too cold. A blanket applied promptly will stop this energy drain and bring comfort.
Types of Horse Blankets: Selecting the Right Gear
Not all blankets are the same. Choosing the correct gear is crucial. You need to match the blanket to the weather and the job it needs to do. Here is a look at horse blanket types.
Turnout Blankets vs. Stable Blankets
These two are the main categories.
- Turnout Blankets: These are built tough for outside wear. They must be waterproof and windproof. They usually have strong straps and durable outer shells.
- Stable Blankets: These are designed for inside the barn. They are warmer but usually not waterproof. They are great for keeping a stalled horse cozy or used under a turnout sheet on very wet days.
The Importance of Weight (Fill)
The “weight” of a blanket refers to the amount of insulating material (fill) inside it. This is vital for selecting the right horse blanket weight.
| Blanket Weight (Fill) | Typical Temperature Range | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| No Fill (Sheet) | Above 55°F (13°C) | Light rain protection, dust cover, or show prep. |
| Lightweight (50–100g) | 40°F to 55°F (4°C to 13°C) | Mild cold, drizzle, or for clipped horses needing a little boost. |
| Medium Weight (150–200g) | 25°F to 40°F (-4°C to 4°C) | Standard winter use for most horses in moderate climates. |
| Heavy Weight (250g+) | Below 25°F (-4°C) | Extreme cold, or for horses that are sensitive, elderly, or fully clipped. |
Note: These temperature ranges are guidelines. Always check your horse first!
Specialized Blankets
Beyond the basics, other specialty items exist:
- Waterproof Sheets: These are thin, no-fill blankets used mainly to keep a dry horse clean or keep a damp horse from getting rained on.
- Rugs/Coolers: Used after a hard workout or bath to wick away sweat slowly while preventing a chill. They are usually made of fleece or wool.
- Insulated Liners: These snap into certain outer blankets, allowing you to change the total warmth level without buying several full blankets.
Comprehending Fit and Functionality
A blanket that fits poorly can cause rubs, sores, and allow cold air inside. Proper fit is as important as the right weight.
Key Areas for a Good Fit
When putting on a blanket, check these spots:
- Chest: The blanket should close snugly but not pull tight. There should be no gap that lets wind blast under it.
- Shoulder: The shoulder gussets (the extra fabric cut around the front leg area) must allow the horse to move freely without the blanket sliding back.
- Belly/Surcingles: The belly straps should be snug enough that the blanket stays put, but loose enough that you can slide a flat hand between the strap and the horse’s belly.
- Leg Straps (Hind Cinch): These keep the blanket from swinging around in the wind or when the horse runs. They should be adjusted so they cross correctly behind the tail, keeping the blanket centered.
Examining Blanket Materials
The outer shell fabric is rated in Denier (D). Higher Denier means thicker, tougher material, which resists tears better.
- 1200D or Higher: Excellent for horses that roll a lot or live in rough pastures.
- 600D: Standard durability for most daily use.
- Nylon/Polyester Shells: Waterproof coatings are applied to these shells to ensure the horse blanket purpose of keeping the horse dry is met.
Fathoming Horse Care During Cold Weather
Blanketing is just one part of horse care during cold weather. You must also address internal needs.
Water Intake
Cold weather often causes horses to drink less. Dehydration can lead to impaction colic. Always ensure water is accessible and, if necessary, warmed slightly so it doesn’t freeze.
Feed Requirements
Horses need more calories in the cold. Digestion creates internal heat, which is nature’s furnace. Increase the amount of hay slightly when temperatures drop below freezing. This helps fuel their natural heat production.
Shelter vs. Blanket
It is important to note that blankets do not replace shelter. A dry place to stand out of the worst wind and rain is always best, even for a blanketed horse.
Monitoring the Horse Under the Blanket
Never assume the blanket is the perfect temperature setting. You must check your horse daily, especially when the weather changes rapidly.
How to Check the Horse’s Temperature Under the Blanket
To check for overheating or if the horse is still cold, use your hand (not the back of your hand, use your palm).
- Place your hand flat on the horse’s side, right behind the shoulder.
- If the skin feels warm, almost hot, the blanket is too heavy for the current temperature. Remove or swap for a lighter one.
- If the horse feels cool to the touch, or if you see moisture condensing under the blanket, the blanket may be doing its job, but the horse might need a heavier layer next time.
- If the horse is shivering, it is too cold, regardless of the blanket’s weight.
Interpreting When Blanketing Becomes Unnecessary
Just as it is important to know when to put a blanket on, knowing when to take a blanket off is crucial for health. Leaving a heavy blanket on during a warm spring day can cause the horse to overheat quickly. This leads to excessive sweating, which can then cause the horse to catch a chill when the temperature drops again.
Once spring arrives and daytime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C), you can usually begin removing the heaviest layers. Watch the weather forecast. If a cold snap is predicted, keep the blanket on. If the weather stabilizes into a warming trend, gradually remove the layers.
FAQ Section: Addressing Common Horse Blanketing Questions
Q: Can I blanket a horse that hasn’t been groomed?
A: Yes, but it is generally not recommended for long-term use. If you must blanket a dirty horse for emergency warmth, use a sheet or a blanket that is easy to clean. Dirt and mud packed under a blanket can cause skin irritation, rubs, and block air circulation.
Q: How often should I remove the blanket to check the horse?
A: At minimum, check the fit and the horse’s condition daily. If the weather is changing a lot, check every time you visit the horse. If the horse is turned out 24/7, try to remove the blanket once a week to check the skin underneath for rubs or sores, especially around the shoulders and chest.
Q: What if my horse is sweating heavily under its blanket?
A: Heavy sweating means the horse is too hot. This is a sign that the blanket is too warm for the current conditions or the horse has been working too hard under it. Remove the blanket immediately. Let the horse dry completely in a sheltered area before putting on a lighter blanket or letting it stand naked in the sun (if temperatures allow).
Q: Do blankets prevent horses from growing a winter coat?
A: No, blankets do not stop the natural process of coat growth. The hormones that trigger coat growth are based on daylight hours, not temperature. However, if a horse is kept consistently very warm indoors (like in a heated barn), its coat might come in thinner because the body doesn’t need to prepare for severe cold. Blanketing a clipped horse simply replaces the insulation that was artificially removed.
Q: Should I use a sheet if it’s raining but not cold?
A: Yes. If heavy rain is soaking the horse, a waterproof, no-fill sheet serves the horse blanket purpose of keeping the coat dry. A wet coat loses its ability to insulate, so keeping the outer layer dry helps maintain the horse’s core temperature, even if the air temperature is mild.