Blanketing in the winter is a tricky subject in the blacksmithing community. There are lots of theories, thoughts and opinions on the subject. I’m not an authority (who knows more than a horse?) but I’ve written in depth about this topic –in a friendly and informative tone:Should You Blanket A Horse In Winter
Should you blanket a horse in winter? That depends. Blanket or sheets are designed to protect your horse during the cold months, but they may or may not be necessary on an individual horse. If a horse’s body temperature drops low enough, it could die and this means that whether you should blanket is a serious question.
Whether you should blanket a horse in winter is a question that’s been debated for years, and there are plenty of opinions on both sides. Here’s the thing: it’s not necessary to blanket a horse in winter.
But… if you’re going to do it anyway, here are some things to keep in mind:
-The main reason you would want to blanket your horse is because it helps protect his skin from the cold. Blanketing can also help prevent rain and snow from getting into your horse’s coat and causing him to get wet and chilled.
-If you’re going to blanket your horse regularly, it’s best if he has enough room in his stall that he can lie down comfortably without being too bunched up under blankets—otherwise they might start rubbing on him and cause irritation or injury. This means that if you have a small space for your horse, you may need to buy larger blankets so they will fit properly over his body without being too tight or restricting movement (which could cause injuries).
-It’s important not to leave horses out overnight without blankets because they could freeze—especially if they’re outside during windy conditions! If possible, bring them inside
If you’re looking for a way to keep your horse warm during the winter, you might be considering a blanket. But is it safe?
There are many reasons to blanket a horse in the winter: to protect against cold temperatures, to keep them dry, and even to help keep their muscles warm so that they can move freely. However, there are also many reasons not to do this. Blanketing your horse may cause them harm if you don’t get the right kind of blanket and use it properly.
You’ll want to talk with your veterinarian about whether or not you should blanket your horse in the winter before doing so. They will be able to give you advice on what type of blanket would be best for your specific situation and if there are any potential health risks involved with blanketing your horse.
If you do decide that blanketing is right for your horse, then make sure that you follow these tips for proper use and care:
1) Always use a waterproof layer on top of any other layers before putting on an outer layer because moisture can get trapped between layers and cause discomfort or even hypothermia if not properly cared for!
Should You Blanket A Horse In Winter
The temperature is dipping, and you’re wondering if you should put a warm winter blanket or “turn-out rug” on your horse. You certainly feel like you need to wear a sweater or jacket, but does your horse need an extra layer? Chances are if the weather is “wintery” but not windy nor wet, your horse probably doesn’t need a blanket. As long as your horse has access to good quality hay and fresh water, the heat generated by its digestive system, and the natural protection of its thick winter hair coat will probably keep it comfortable in weather that would send you running for a warm jacket.
Several studies seem to show that horses do fine without a blanket. If they have to choose between being outdoors, in a heated shelter, or an unheated shelter, they most often choose to be outdoors. So it looks like horses aren’t as bothered by the cold as we are.
When Blanketing Might Be Wise
Although some maintain that you should never blanket a horse, there are some situations where it may be a good idea. Older horses or horses that may have trouble keeping weight on in good weather will burn a lot of calories to keep warm. These horses will benefit from extra feed and the extra protection of a wind and waterproof horse blanket. All horses will benefit if there is some sort of windbreak or run-in shelter available to escape the direct brunt of the wind, rain or snow.
If the weather is very wet, the natural loft of your horse’s hair coat will be lost, and just like a wet goose down jacket, will not keep the cold out. If it is very windy, body heat is blown away. Horses can be left un-blanketed in very still, cold weather down to -4F (-20C), and they may be fine. However, add wind-chill or rain into the mix, and you can quickly have a shivering horse.
Blanket Hazards
There are hazards to blanketing that horse owners need to be wary of.
Blanket Biting
Within a group of horses, one often makes a game of “destroy the blanket.” That’s frustrating for you, especially if you’ve just saved up to buy that extra-special blanket for your horse and after the first day, it has big teeth marks in it. It’s also a hazard because a ripped blanket is easier for a horse to be tangled in.
Getting Tangled
Horses can be caught in hanging belly or leg straps too. Coolers, sheets, and stable blankets aren’t suitable for outdoor turn-out. They often lack the straps and fasteners that prevent outdoor blankets from shifting. So straps have to be in good repair and adjusted properly.
Some Fabrics Cause Chafing and Poor Breathability
Poorly fitting winter blankets can severely chafe or cut a horse’s skin. If winter blankets aren’t made of breathable fabrics, the horse can sweat underneath and become uncomfortably wet. Likewise, horses left blanketed when the weather turns mild will be uncomfortable. Some blankets are made with layers that can be used separately. These are convenient but could be a problem if the layers shift.
Keep Horse Blankets Dry at All Times
If you often deal with wet weather, it might be handy to have two blankets. If one blanket becomes saturated, you’ll have an extra for your horse while the other dries out. Wearing a wet blanket is as bad, or worse than wearing no blanket at all.
Use your best judgment when deciding whether or not to put a winter blanket on your horse. If your horse seems cold, it probably is. Not all horses will react to the cold weather the same way. Young horses, senior horses, or thin-coated horses will probably feel the cold more than thickly coated horses, ponies, and mature healthy horses. Watch your horses. If they are shivering, or standing hunched and uncomfortable looking it may be time for a blanket. If they are hard to keep in good condition during cold weather, a blanket in addition to extra food might help.