Story and photos by Ashley Daily
Many horse owners debate the benefits of blanketing during cold temperatures.
When deciding whether to blanket a horse, an owner has to consider many factors such as the body condition of the horse, whether the horse has access to shelter from wind and rain, and how well he is acclimated to cold weather. Certain breeds might also be more sensitive to cold, such as Thoroughbreds and Arabians.
Natural Protection or Blankets?
A horse’s coat is made to protect him from the elements. During cold weather, a process known as piloerection causes the hairs to stand on end, creating air pockets to help trap warm air against the skin. Shelter from wind and rain and ample forage are often the only things horses need to keep warm.
However, in some circumstances, blanketing a horse might be necessary, such as for a horse who isn’t used to cold temperatures or has been body clipped. Body clipping is done to help sweat dry faster on horses that are regularly ridden and worked during winter, enabling them to cool off more efficiently. But when you remove the horse’s natural protective winter coat, you become responsible for replacing that protection with a blanket.
Some horse owners argue that blanketing a horse flattens the coat, inhibiting his ability to “fluff up,” but no hard evidence proves or disproves that theory.
Blankets are available in numerous styles, and it’s important to pick the correct one for your horse’s particular needs. For example, a stable blanket will not work for a horse on 24/7 turnout because it is not waterproof and is intended for inside use. Instead, a turnout blanket would be the right choice because it is waterproof and is designed to be worn when the horse is outside.
Factors To Consider
When horses reach senior age, they might have difficulty maintaining weight and coping with low temperatures. So once your horse gets older, is blanketing going to become a necessity?
“It depends on the horse,” says Grace Owen, D.V.M., associate veterinarian at Great Plains Veterinary Services in Arcadia. “Horses may, as they age, have less ability to stay warm. It’s just like an older person. We lose muscle tone. Some of the warmth is coming from the ability to shiver. Less muscle means less warmth is produced by shivering. On the whole, as the horse is getting older, it may need more blanketing.”
Owen points out that some senior equines, in good flesh and with good winter coats, might not need blanketing. “But as a general rule, some of the older horses tend to benefit from blanketing.”
Shivering is the most obvious sign that a horse is cold, but Owen adds that when horses are too cold, they might become less active or spend most of their time seeking shelter rather than eating. Another sign that a horse is too cold if it is standing in a hunched-up position.
You have probably heard numerous times to never blanket a wet horse. Owen explains why. “You don’t want to blanket a horse that is wet with a traditional blanket (i.e., a turnout or stable blanket) because those are meant to keep the horse warm on the inside, so the blanket is absorbent. And it’s going to absorb some of that water, and then it’s actually going to make that horse colder.”
Another problem caused by blanketing wet horses, she adds, is the risk of developing skin problems such as rain rot. “Say you’ve got a horse that got stuck in a rainstorm and you still need to blanket it since it’s going to be cold later. What you want to do is put a cooler on that horse and let the horse dry, and then blanket it.” Coolers are light blankets made from wool or polyester fleece designed to wick moisture away from wet hair.
If you have decided to blanket your horse, keep in mind that a blanket shouldn’t be left on until spring arrives. It’s important to remove the blanket to check for any rubs and weight loss or gain.
Another thing to consider is Oklahoma’s fluctuating temperatures. If you blanket your horse on a night that drops down to the low twenties, the blanket should be removed if the temperatures become considerably warmer the next day. A horse that is blanketed unnecessarily is not only hot and uncomfortable, but he can also get chilled if he is still sweaty when temperatures drop again at night.
Find the Right Fit and Weight
A good fit is also important. A blanket that is too large can slip and cause entanglement or become a tripping hazard for your horse. On the other hand, a blanket that is too tight can cause rubs and restrict movement.
To measure a horse for a blanket, take a fabric tape measure, such as the kind found in sewing kits, and place one end on the center of your horse’s chest. Run the tape along his side to the center of his tail. If your horse happens to be between sizes, round up to the nearest inch. For example, if your horse measures 75.5 inches, a size 76 blanket might be suitable.
Blanket weight is also another consideration. Weight is determined by fill, which gives a blanket its warmth. Waterproof turnout sheets have no fill and keep horses dry in wet weather without the risk of becoming too warm. Turnout blankets come in different weights — lightweight, with one to 100 grams of fill; medium weight, 150 to 225 grams; and heavyweight, 250 to 370 grams. Some horses might need a wardrobe with blankets in every weight.
When it comes to blanketing, there are no hard and fast answers. Some owners choose to blanket their horses, and others choose not to. The decision should be based on each horse’s individual needs. Some horses have difficulty handling cold weather, but others excitedly await those snowflakes.
