Walking On Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2020

Back to Basics Thoughts on Blanketing One of the eternal questions in the horse world is whether or you should blanket a horse during the winter. As with most things horse-related, opinions are plentiful and strong regarding this topic. With that said, here is some basic information that might help you make the decision that’s right for your horse. First, horses are built to withstand cold and wind, provided they have access to a shelter or windbreak at all time and provided they have access to good quality, season appropriate feed and nutrition. Feed and nutrition are factors to consider in your blanketing decision because a horse generates body heat via digestion. They must have adequate calories to sur- vive and thrive in cold weather. Most importantly, you must provide sufficient forage, typically in the form of hay. When digesting forage a horse’s gut activity warms its body. This, along with a good insulating winter haircoat, and protection from the wind, will ensure that your horse is comfortable in cold weather, provided you don’t live in an extremely cold environment (routinely colder than 10 degrees F) and that your horse is in over- all good health. There are pros and cons to blanketing your horse. Pros: • Blanketing helps maintain a shorter coat, decreasing the amount a horse sweats when working and decreasing the need to body clip when show season starts. • Blankets keep your outside horse clean and dry in icy, snowy, and muddy condi- tions. • Blankets provide added warmth when protective shelter is not available. • Blanketing can help acclimate a horse that has moved from a warmer climate to a colder climate. 12 • Walking On Cons: • Blankets tend to compress a coat’s layers, which compromises their insulating properties. • Because they can lessen the amount of hair your horse grows, once you blanket, you must stick with it through the season. • Multiple blankets of different weights may be needed to keep your horse comfortable as the weather fluctuates. • Blankets require maintenance. A blanket that slips or has loose hardware can cause your horse to spook and may lead to injury. If you do decide to blanket your horse, here are few tips worth following: • Make sure your horse is clean and dry. • Remove the blanket and brush your horse regularly. • If your horse will be out in the elements, use a waterproof blanket. • Use the most appropriate blanket weight for your horse’s needs and the weather conditions.

Walking On Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2020 | Page 12