Rachel Jessop
A well debated topic among horse owners is whether or not to blanket our horses during colder months or at all. It may seem like a simple decision, there are lots of factors to consider as they can affect your horse's comfort and health.
The Natural Design of a Horse's Coat
Horses can withstand cold temperatures without the need for blankets. Their coats are designed to spread out and create a natural layer of insulation by trapping warm air close to their bodies. Allowing our horses to regulate their body temperature, even in freezing conditions. When left unblanketed, horses can fluff up their coats, creating a protective barrier against the cold.
So, just don't blanket then? Well, this is where the debate starts, a horse's natural insulation may not be enough to keep them warm, and this is where blanketing can come into play.
When Blanketing May Be Beneficial
While horses are naturally equipped to handle cold weather, certain conditions might make blanketing necessary, such as:
Limited Movement: If a horse is confined to a stall or small paddock where movement is restricted, they may struggle to generate enough body heat to stay warm. So, a blanket can provide an additional layer of warmth.
Older, Younger, or Underweight Horses: Horses that are elderly, young, or have difficulty maintaining weight may benefit from the extra warmth a blanket provides.
Clipped Horses: If a horse has been body clipped for performance reasons, they lose their natural insulation and may require a blanket to compensate.
Extreme Weather Conditions: In harsh winter storms with rain and wind, a waterproof blanket can help protect a horse from the elements.
Rain Protection: A waterproof blanket can provide excellent rain protection, keeping horses dry and preventing the chilling effects of cold, wet conditions.
Maintaining a Prettier and Cleaner Coat: Regular blanketing can help keep a horse’s coat sleek and free of dirt, which is particularly nice for show horses or those kept in muddy environments.
Fly Protection: During warmer months, a lightweight fly sheet can provide protection against insects, helping to prevent irritation and potential skin issues.
Potential Downsides of Blanketing
While blanketing can help in the above situations, it's not without its drawbacks. Some things to keep in mind include:
Overheating, Horses generate a lot of body heat, and wearing a blanket can cause overheating, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
If snow accumulates on the blanket, melts, and refreezes, it can turn into an ice pack that will be freezing on the horses back and make them colder than if they were left unblanketed. (Yes, this has happened to me.)
Skin Issues, use of blankets can sometimes lead to skin irritation or rub marks.
Once your start, you really have to keep going (in the winter.) Kind of not fair when you interfere with the horse's natural ability to adjust to temperature fluctuations.
Finding the Right Balance
Ultimately, the decision to blanket or not to blanket will depend on your horse's individual needs and living conditions. We need to think about:
The horse's health, age, and weight
Living environment (stall vs. pasture)
Climate and weather conditions
Activity level and movement opportunities
If you do choose to blanket your horse, it's important to check under the blanket regularly to make sure it is doing what you need.
Blanket Maintenance:
Cleaning our blankets At least yearly underneath as well as on top.
Waterproofing blankets, when in wet climates.
Checking/replacing clips and straps so they are working properly.
Conclusion
The jury is still out on whether blanketing is the right choice for every horse, it truly depends on individual circumstances. Some horses are fine without a blanket, while others really need the extra protection a blanket provides.
We each have to make our own decision to help our horses to be warm, healthy and/or look beautiful. But whether you choose to blanket or not, the most important thing is to be prepared to change things up when you need.
Thanks for reading. Rachel
With Mastery Horsemanship
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