Horse Blankets
Learn about blanketing horses
Horse blankets are an essential part of your horse's care. They keep your horse dry and distribute body temperature evenly, keeping it comfortable and promoting horse health. Each horse should have its own blanket to prevent the spread of skin problems such as girth itch, ringworm and other fungal infections.
You can use a horse blanket pattern to sew your own blanket, or you can choose from a wide range of manufacturers' horse blanket patterns that will complement your horse's individual coloring and style.
Winter Horse Blanket
Winter horse blankets are especially useful during the cold-weather months when a horse has been clipped, when it's regularly outdoors without a windbreak, when it's older and has a thin coat or when it has recently moved to a colder climate. Otherwise, a horse's hair is naturally insulating and usually provides enough protection.
Make sure to be aware of the changing temperature. Often what is cold enough that the horse needs a blanket can change to warm enough that the horse starts to sweat under the blanket within a matter of hours. Remove the blanket as the temperature rises to decrease the risk of pneumonia or other respiratory infections.
All Season Horse Blanket
When looking for an all-season horse blanket, synthetic materials are best. Wool and cotton blankets are heavy and can flatten the horse's coat, making it colder. Newer horse blankets have a synthetic outer layer, usually nylon, that is resistant to both wind and rain, and an insulating center to make sure the horse stays protected without the bulk of old-fashioned blankets.
If your horse is going to be outdoors without shelter, a horse turnout blanket can make sure it is protected from the elements, including rain, wind and sun. Most turnout blankets are versatile and can handle multiple weather conditions. When looking for a turnout blanket, make sure it's both waterproof and breathable.
As with winter blankets, continue to check on your horse's temperature, especially if the weather gets very warm or if your horse has a moderate bit of exercise — sweating under a blanket will lead to ill health for your horse.
Fitting the Blanket
Making sure a blanket fits the horse properly is easy, and it's an important step in taking care of your horse. Fit is especially important in the case of a miniature horse blanket.
If the blanket is too tight, it can lead to the horse's discomfort, but if the blanket is too big, it's likely to slip off. Putting the blanket on properly can ensure the horse remains comfortable and protected under the blanket.
To put a blanket on your horse, drape the blanket around its body, with the front of the blanket over the horse's neck. Then, pull the blanket back so it smoothes the horse's hair in the natural direction.
