Choosing the right horse blanket is not as easy as picking out a new hoof pick! Many things need consideration when selecting the correct blanket for your horse. What size is your horse? What climate do you live in? Is your horse tough on blankets? Will your horse need an indoor or outdoor blanket? The list goes on. Here we will tackle this question and hopefully make finding the right horse blanket easier.
Why Do Horses Need Blankets
Not everyone agrees that horses need blankets. However, don’t feel pressure to follow this theory. Instead, assess your horse and circumstances to make your decisions. Factors to consider when deciding on what blanket to get your horse include:
● His body condition
● Age
● Health
● Local temperature
● Living situation
● The temperature at which he can no longer keep himself warm
● Is he clipped or not
There are several reasons a horse needs a blanket. If your horse is used to staying in a stable during the winter or bad weather, it will get cold when these living conditions change. Your horse will need time to adapt to keep themselves warm in a more exposed environment.
If you live in a wet climate, especially one that gets lots of rain in tandem with cold temperatures, your horse will need a blanket. When your horse gets wet, its coat loses some ability to trap warm air against its body. Constant exposure to rain can lead to rain scald (rain rot).
Rain scald is a type of dermatitis and is the same thing as scratches, but instead of developing on the horse’s legs, it forms on the body. It can cause soreness, damage the skin and cause the coat to go patchy. It is important to note that a blanket should only be put on a thoroughly dry horse, as this too causes rain rot.
A clipped horse needs a blanket. Clipping a horse prevents excessive sweating during exercise when it has a winter coat. This keeps the horse warmer, as it prevents chills due to the long drying times of thick coats in cold weather.
However, a clipped horse no longer has its natural blanket. If you clip your horse, even with a partial clip, he needs a blanket to compensate for this. Studies also found that when temperatures drop below 59F, it is harder for the animal to stay warm when wet or if it has a summer coat.
The health and age of the horse also affect its need for a blanket. An older or very young horse will find it harder to stay warm in cold weather. A horse that has trouble maintaining a good weight also does better with a blanket. The blanket helps this type of horse stay warm without burning extra calories to do it naturally.
Types Of Blankets
Blankets come in several weights, fits, and materials. You will need to choose one to suit a particular purpose. It is common for a horse to have multiple blankets for different situations. Blankets come in sheets, light-weight, medium-weight, and heavy-weight. These weights come in stable and outdoor blankets. Depending on how your horse feels the cold, you will want to choose a suitable weight or even layer blankets.
● A sheet has no filling
● A light-weight blanket has 100 to 150 grams of fill
● A medium-weight blanket has 150 to 250 grams of fill
● A heavy-weight blanket has 300 or more grams of fill
Stable blankets are designed for indoor use. These blankets have better breathability than outdoor ones, but they are not waterproof. A stable sheet is the lightest blanket option. It is suitable for chilly evenings or keeping dust off your horse before a show. As the weight goes up, the filling increases, meaning it is a warmer blanket.
If your horse goes outside, always use an outdoor blanket. Outdoor blankets have a waterproof and more durable outer fabric than stable blankets. These blankets keep your horse dry from the rain or wet ground. A wet blanket will make your horse colder. While a stable blanket is for indoor use only, you can use an outdoor blanket in both environments.
Finally, blankets come with different neck styles. A standard neck sits at the base of the neck. A full neck has an extra piece that covers the horse up to behind the ears. The neck is either permanently attached to the blanket body or removable. If you want additional coverage in particularly cold or bad weather, a full neck is worth considering.
Blanket Denier and Fabric Terms
The fabric used to make horse blankets have a denier rating. Denier refers to how strong the fabric is. The higher the denier, the tougher the outer fabric is. For example, a blanket with 1200D is more durable than one with 600D.
Many blanks use ripstop fabric. This fabric is woven in a checkerboard pattern. The pattern prevents any tears from spreading, allowing for easy repair and an increase in longevity.
Another term you will come across is ballistic. Ballistic nylon was originally used for bulletproof vests. This type of fabric is super strong and can withstand a lot of abuse.
All blankets have a lining. This fabric will be soft and smooth to aid in your horse’s comfort. To make things more confusing, you have to consider the outer fabric and the lining. Soft nylon lining helps keep the coat shiny and prevents rubs. It also prevents hair from sticking to it, making it easier to wash. Some blankets have a mesh lining that helps airflow, while others have absorbent cotton or fleece.
Choosing The Correct Fit
Just like people, horses wear blankets in specific sizes. The first step to choosing the correct fit is measuring your horse. Using a soft measuring tape and a helper, place one end at the center of the chest. Keeping the tape straight, run it over the point of the shoulder and along the side of the horse. Finish at the furthest point of the buttocks where it meets the tail.
This measurement is your horse’s blanket size. For example, if you measure 6-feet 3-inches or 75.6-inches, choose a blanket marked with that size. Note in that example this is a half size. If the sizes are labeled as inches, round up to 76-inches for the correct size.
Here is a great video from SmartPak on how to get your horse blanketing measurement right.
A wider horse may need a specific style or one size bigger than you measure.
Blankets come in different styles. Look for ones with darts in the shoulder area. These blankets allow for more freedom of movement and less restriction. Always check the fit over the withers. You should be able to fit your hand between the blanket and the neck comfortably.
The length from the top of the back towards the leg also needs consideration. The blanket’s bottom edge should fully cover the horse’s barrel, ending slightly past the stifle and elbow.
Certain body types require specific blanket styles. A broad-bodied quarter horse might find a standard blanket too tight across the chest. Some brands make blankets for particular body shapes, so keep an eye out for those.
Narrow horses or those with high withers do well in blankets with extra wither padding and a higher cut neck. For horses that give their blankets a good beating, look for blankets with ripstop and a high denier.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a blanket for your horse is easier when you ask yourself the right questions. Your local weather will impact your decision. If you live in a cold climate, you will need heavier blankets. If your horse lives outside, even with access to shelter, it will need an outdoor blanket. Free access to hay also influences the weight of the blanket your horse might need. Eating helps the horse generate its own body heat.
A good fit is essential for your horse’s comfort. Try different styles, and don’t be afraid to ask the brand or retailer for advice regarding your horse. Finally, don’t be scared to blanket your horse. Each horse is an individual. If you feel your horse would be happier with a blanket, get him one. Taking into account local weather, where the horse is kept, and any other things you think are relevant.