Winter brings unique challenges for horse owners, especially when deciding whether to blanket your horse. With opinions ranging widely, it’s essential to understand your horse’s individual needs and environment to make informed decisions. Below, we combine expert insights and practical advice to help you implement the best blanketing strategies this winter.

How Horses Stay Warm

Horses are naturally equipped to handle winter, thanks to their physiology and ability to acclimate. According to Dr. Karen Waite, a coordinator of the Michigan State University (MSU) Horse Management Program, horses stay warm through several mechanisms:

• Hair Coat Development: As daylight shortens in late summer, horses begin growing a dense winter coat that provides insulation.
• Fluffing Hair Coats: By fluffing their coats, horses trap warm air close to their skin, acting as natural insulation.
• Digestive Heat: Eating forages like hay generates body heat through digestion.

However, these mechanisms depend on horses staying dry. Wet conditions, such as rain or melting snow, reduce a coat’s ability to insulate, making blankets a useful tool in specific situations.

Reasons to Blanket Your Horse

When Blanketing May Be Necessary

While many horses thrive without blankets, others may benefit under certain conditions:

• Older Horses: Aging reduces the ability to regulate body temperature. Senior horses may struggle in colder weather and require blankets to maintain condition.
• Extreme Weather: Abrupt temperature swings or unusually cold weather can warrant blanketing.
• Rain and Wet Conditions: Rain flattens the hair, compromising its insulating properties. A waterproof blanket can keep your horse warm and dry.
• Body Clipping: Clipped horses lose much of their natural insulation and need blanketing to stay warm.
• Weight Management: Thin horses or those struggling to maintain body weight may burn excessive calories trying to stay warm.

Convenience of Blanketing

Blanketing can also simplify grooming by keeping horses cleaner during muddy seasons. A clean coat is easier to maintain, especially if you’re riding regularly during winter.

Understanding Blanket Denier and Fill

Blankets vary widely in material, weight, and durability. Choosing the right one depends on your horse’s needs and environment:

• Denier: Refers to fabric toughness. Higher denier numbers (e.g., 1680d) indicate more durability, ideal for horses prone to tearing blankets.
• Fill: Measures insulation in grams (g). For example, 0g fill is a rain sheet with no insulation, while 200g is a common midweight option for moderate cold. Heavyweight blankets (300g+) suit harsher climates.
• Material: Options like ballistic nylon or polyester affect the durability and weather resistance of the blanket.

Recommended Wardrobe

A versatile blanket collection should include:

• A 150-200g midweight turnout blanket for average winter conditions.
• A 300g+ heavyweight blanket for extreme cold.
• Waterproof sheets or blankets with neck covers for wet climates.

Maintaining the Right Temperature

Blanketing can impact a horse’s ability to regulate body temperature. While blankets keep them warm, they can also flatten the hair coat, reducing its natural insulation. Here are some tips for optimal blanketing:

• Check for Comfort: Feel your horse’s extremities (ears, legs, face) to assess warmth. Cool extremities may indicate the need for additional insulation.
• Avoid Overheating: Err on the side of lighter blankets if unsure. Overheating can lead to dehydration or discomfort.
• Daily Monitoring: Remove and inspect blankets daily for proper fit, signs of sweat, or rubbing.

Ensuring Healthy Blanketing

Improper blanketing can lead to health issues such as sores, rain rot, or hypothermia. Follow these guidelines to maintain your horse’s health:

• Keep Blankets Dry: A wet blanket should be removed promptly to prevent hypothermia.
• Check Fit: Ensure the blanket doesn’t rub or restrict movement. Key areas to monitor include the withers, shoulders, and hips.
• Groom Regularly: Daily grooming prevents skin irritation and allows you to check for pressure points or sores.

Safe Blanketing Practices

Blanketing safely requires attention to detail:

1. Securing the Blanket: Attach straps in this order—chest, belly, and leg straps—to avoid mishaps if the horse spooks.
2. Unfastening: Reverse the order when removing the blanket, ensuring leg straps are not left dangling.
3. Training: Introduce blankets slowly to unaccustomed horses, using a helper if needed.

Achieving the Perfect Fit

A properly fitted blanket allows free movement without slipping. Follow these steps:

• Measure your horse accurately from chest to tail.
• Choose a size that covers the horse without excessive overhang.
• Check for tightness or looseness daily, as weight fluctuations can affect fit.

Managing Blanketing at Home vs. Boarding Barns

Blanketing practices may vary depending on the environment:

• At Home: Regular checks and adjustments are easier to manage.
• Boarding Barns: Communicate with staff to ensure blankets are monitored and changed as needed.

Key Takeaway

Blanketing can enhance your horse’s comfort and health during winter, but it requires a tailored approach. By understanding your horse’s individual needs, monitoring weather conditions, and maintaining consistent care, you can ensure a safe and comfortable winter season for your equine companion.