Can my horse stay warm without a blanket?
Yes, if:
◆ The horse has good body condition and is healthy overall;
◆ Is adapted to the local climate;
◆ Has a good winter coat; and
◆ Has access to shelter.
While temperature cut-offs may be region-specific, the general premise is the same. If any of those conditions are missing, then a blanket may be needed.
◆ Performance and show horses that have sleek coats from clipping or lights;
◆ Senior horses with reduced ability to thermoregulate;
◆ In cold, wet conditions
◆ Turnout Blankets: As the name implies, are meant to be used outside. They are waterproof and made of heavy-duty fabric, indicated by a denier number (the higher it is, the more sturdy).
◆ Stable Blankets: Meant to be worn inside, are not waterproof and are usually a lower denier.
◆ Lightweight Blankets: Without fill are often called sheets.
◆ Neck Covers: May be attached or removed from the blanket depending on whether they’re needed.
◆ Quarter Sheets: Used for warm-up and cool-down when working, keep the muscles of the hindquarters warm.
◆ Fleece or Wool Coolers: Wick moisture and prevent chills while cooling out or drying.
The “fill” of the blanket refers to grams or amount of fiber that is used to insulate the blanket, usually listed as light, medium or heavy weight. The colder the weather, the heavier the amount of fill needed. Fill weights for each category vary by manufacturer.
◆ Remove the blanket and check your horses regularly. Wounds and other issues, like weight loss, can be missed without routine inspection.
◆ Regularly make sure blankets are clean, dry, damage-free, and adjusted comfortably.
Sources: Carolyn (Carrie) Hammer, DVM, Ph. D., is the Director of Equine Science of North Dakota State University. Danielle Smarsh, Ph.D., is an Equine Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor of Equine Science at Pennsylvania State University.
This article about horse blanketing at a glance, along with an article on blanket fit for any horse, originally appeared in the November 2019 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!
For the horse laboring to breathe while at rest, athletic endeavors are impossible. Respiratory disease threatens quality of life for…
Many equestrian sports trace their origins to horses’ practical uses. The need for fast horses as transportation led to racing.…
We’ve all seen—and laughed at—the equestrians memes that poke fun at our lack of money. Our horse goes to the…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Working a horse at liberty is one of the most fun and rewarding ways to train them. When a horse…
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 33, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…