Horses have a hair coat that is designed to withstand the elements. As long as they have plenty of fresh water, lots of roughage and a good shelter there is very little reason to blanket a horse.
Most breeds have skins that are fairly tough which combined with their hair coat means their thermoregulatory mechanisms keep them warm. Their hair is designed to fluff and catch pockets of air, once the air is caught in the hair it is warmed with the horses body heat. A healthy horse with a good hair coat will stay warm, wrapped in their air pocket throughout the winter. The only time the average horse has a real problem with staying warm is if they have gotten wet, or if their hair has been flattened by mud.
While the average horse does not necessarily need a blanket in the winter doesn't mean that they all don't. Several breeds, including Arabians and Thoroughbreds, have thin skin that is easily chilled. Older horses can also have a difficult time staying warm along with horses that have had an injury or illness that caused them to loose hair. Horses that are underweight are another group of horses that should be watched carefully to make sure they don't develop a chill.
In the summer there are three main reasons a horse owner might choose to blanket their horse. Some horses, especially light colour ones are prone to sunburn, wearing a light weight blanket allows these horses to be outside without burning. Some horses are highly susceptible to bug bites where a turnout fly sheet prevents bugs from biting their sensitive skin. Horse owners who spend a great deal of time on the show circuit will use a light weigh sheet to prevent the sun from bleaching their show horses coat.
Using a horse blanket is a personal choice that is dependent on both the breed of your horse and their environment. If you are unsure about whether to use a horse blanket then seek the advice of a knowledgeable horse person in your area.
Are Horse Blankets Necessary?
8 www.petlife.co.nz/June, 2016