Home  ·  Product Search  ·  Checkout  ·  Site Map  ·  OGM Horse Articles  ·  Lets Talk Horses
Simple facts to remember when blanketing your horse
Simple facts to remember when blanketing your horse
Little Patrick and Cowgirl Fever Blanket

In my last article, Not All Horses Need To Dress In Winter Horse Blankets, I gave a few reasons for not using horse blankets as well as reasons for using them. Ultimately, it comes down to the horse itself, whether he is body clipped, showing, turned out, exercised routinely and other reasons. 

In this short summary, I touch on a few of the most important facts to remember about horses and their blankets.

  • A horse’s dense winter coat gives him natural protection in cold and even frigid temperatures. It is winter’s wet cold, chills and drafts that should be avoided.

  • Using just one blanket may not be enough cover for warmth. Instead, that single blanket layer may actually interrupt the horse’s natural protection by “smushing” down the coat, preventing hair from maintaining its fluffy loft, permitting air pockets and forming a warm barrier. Therefore, remember that one blanket or even several sheets may make the horse colder.

  • Today’s horse blankets and turnouts are now made out of synthetic fabrics that are windproof, water repellent or waterproof. Most have insulation layers, ripstop outer shells and coat polishing, anti-chafing liners. This state-of-the-art improvement in horse blankets means less bulk and weight while providing better durability, warmth and comfort.

  • Fit the blanket on the horse properly. Be sure it is not too small or tight. Likewise, make certain the blanket is not too large. Either extreme will irritate the skin and the horse. The too-large blanket can slip back or tilt to one side. Always check and adjust horse blankets daily.

  • Read The Old Gray Mare’s article “Tips to Fold a Horse Blanket” to learn an easy way to fold, put on or store horse blankets. 

  • Certainly there is no reason to over-blanket your horses or even to unnecessarily blanket them.

  • Provide each horse his or her own clothing. It is never advisable to share horse blankets since that is an easy way to spread skin problems and fungal infections.

  • If you are in a temperate region where sun rays and insects may be a problem, you might consider using protective fly sheets and face masks. 

  • Avoid dry cleaning your horse clothing since chemical solvents remove the waterproofing. Heat during the dry cleaning process also wreaks havoc on the bindings. If you can use a blanket cleaning service, that’s my recommendation. In most cases, your blankets come back near new with any rips and tears mended. If you like to maintain your horse garments yourself, simply wash in a commercial-size washing machine using cold water.

All things considered, there are right and wrong uses for horse blankets. Considering this short list will make it easier to decide whether to dress your horse – or not.
Horse Articles, The Old Gray MareThe Old Gray Mare writes and publishes knowledgeable articles on horse blankets, care, riding, training and the general well being of horses. Articles range from horse grooming to non-horse articles and recipes. A wide range of topics is discussed but primary focus is horse health care and pros and cons of horse blankets.