Horse Blankets
With snow on the ground and cold weather here, many equestrians are turning their animals out with horse blankets on, and many new owners are researching what type of horse blanket to buy for their equine. However, before any owner arbitrarily puts a blanket on their horse, there are a number of factors to consider, as your horse may not need a blanket at all. In fact, in many cases, a blanket can be detrimental to a horse’s own natural ability to insulate itself and stay warm. In general, you may need to use a horse blanket under three conditions:
1.) Your horse is experiencing its first winter or major climactic change- perhaps you moved it from Florida to Montana, for example.
2.) Your horse is clipped and/or has no natural insulating coat.
3.) You live in a very cold region, and your horse has no windbreak or shelter.
Excepting for these three circumstances, a properly nourished and exercised animal will not need a horse blanket, and there are a number of sound reasons to support this. In order to make this determination for yourself, it is important to understand the physiology behind how a horse’s coat maintains its natural insulating properties. Underneath your horse’s coat and skin, there are numerous muscles that contract when the temperature drops. These contractions cause the individual hairs of the coat to stand. This creates an insulating effect where warm air is trapped between the risen hairs. By putting a horse blanket on your equine, the pressure of the blanket flattens these hairs, causing a loss of insulation. It is vital to think of the horse in its natural environment; for millions of years, horses have existed and evolved without the interference of man. This is due to the animal’s natural ability to insulate itself. However, being that it requires energy to cause the muscular contractions, this is why it is important that your horse is well fed and exercised- it must be healthy enough to maintain the energy needed to cause the hairs to stand on end.
Assuming that a horse blanket is used, there is also the fact of variable temperatures throughout different times of day to consider. For instance, if you put a horse blanket on your equine at night, a well-fitting and properly constructed blanket will keep the animal quite warm. When the sun rises however, the animal will immediately begin to overheat, causing the horse to sweat. Even mild sweating during cold temperatures greatly increases the risk of hypothermia and therefore pneumonia when the sweat begins to dry, which will greatly cool the animal. For this reason, it is imperative that a horse blanket is only used during cold times of day or night, and removed when temperatures rise. This requires constant vigilance on an owner’s or handler’s part to know when a horse blanket is safe to use. Additionally, leaving a horse blanket on for extended periods of time causes the fibers of the blanket to eventually rub and create sore spots and loss of hair. Not only does this then lead to loss of insulating properties, but it also leaves the animal susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections, which only further deteriorates its own natural ability to keep itself warm.
Having considered all these factors, responsible horse owners will have no trouble using a horse blanket. It must be fitted correctly in order to function properly, so measurements are required in the same manner that most horse gear calls for. An improperly fitted blanket may tear if too tight, or if too large your horse may become entangled in the blanket. A loose blanket leaves the possibility of the forelegs becoming caught in the chest strap of the blanket, or may result in ensnarement on items around your barn or stable.
To measure for a horse blanket, use a tape measure (preferably cloth) starting at the center point of the horse’s chest, and move horizontally back to the center of the tail, keeping the tape level and always around the widest point of the shoulders and flank. That’s it- it’s that simple! Most horse blankets will use even measurements, such as 72, 74, or 76 inches. If your horse falls in between these sizes, always go a size up rather than a size down. This is a common practice and typically results in a good fit. Ensure that you buy modern horse blankets that utilize synthetic fibers and insulators; there are many good suppliers, so chances are that your favorite equine product manufacturer will have the horse blanket that is right for your animal.
Keep in mind that in addition to the pitfalls one might encounter when using a horse blanket, there are also distinct benefits. By using a blanket, you’ll ensure that your horse’s coat remains clean and free from mud and debris. When used properly, you’ll be providing your animal with insulating warmth during the cold months. Furthermore, it will help to keep show animals’ coats in sleek and glossy condition.
Be sure that you clean your horse blanket as needed, but not generally more than twice per season. This can be done by professional cleaners, in your own machine if the blanket care instructions permit, or by hand washing. Hand washing usually works best. This can be done by brushing out all the mud, hair and debris, followed by a rinse in cold water to limit shrinkage. Then, use a mild soap- especially baby shampoo, and scrub the blanket once more. Rinse with cold water twice more, air dry, and the horse blanket will once again be ready for use. Always remember to dry the blanket thoroughly before times of storage, as mold or fungi may develop. Additionally, it may be wise to have the blanket professionally cleaned and disinfected to eliminate germs and bacteria once at the beginning of each season. By caring for the horse blanket in this manner, and by knowing when it is safe to use a blanket, you’ll be keeping your horse warm and your dollars well spent.
Superior Manufacturers of Horse Blankets:
WeatherBeeta Horse Blankets
Riders International Horse Blankets
Kensington Horse Blankets
Landa Horse Blanket
