How Do You Know When & When Not To Blanket Your Horse?

When the temperature starts to drop at night during early autumn and the time for us to bring our winter clothes out of the trunks, horse owners, too, get into the dilemma of whether or not their horses need a blanket. Well, luckily for them, there are numerous blanketing options available for horses, and different factors play a vital role in making this decision. However, it is quite easy for horse owners to get intimidated while trying to decide which blanket to use and when. But you do not have to worry about a thing because we, at Ride Every Stride, have brought to you this blog to help you make an informed decision as to what type of blanket to use for your horse. If you are certain that you are providing fresh water and hay to your horse, the heat produced by its digestive system and the natural shield of its thick hair coat is most likely to keep it comfortable even in the coldest of weather. Read further to learn more.

Rules You Must Follow

1. Clipped Vs. Unclipped

The blanketing needs of your horse depend on whether or not it has been body-clipped.

● Full-Clipped

A full clip removes the hair of your horse’s body, leaving you with the option of leaving its legs unclipped. Doing this eliminates any natural protection and warmth the horse’s thick hair coat could offer. In such a case, the minimum you can use is a sheet when the temperature dips down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

● Unclipped

Horses who are in good weight, healthy, and have not been clipped during the winter or fall do not need a blanket as they have built insulation. Their hair coat puffs up naturally when it is cold, wrapping up in body heat. However, this rule must not be followed when it is wet outside. A little snow or rain is not something you need to worry about, but when the precipitation starts saturating the hair coat, the hair will no longer fluff up to keep your horse warm. It will also have a hard time staying warm if its coat is dirty, so the key is to groom your horse regularly.

● Trace-Clipped

A trace clip is used for the removal of the hair from the belly, chest, and lower parts of the neck as well as the flank. Trace clipping keeps your horse from excessive sweating while riding, at the same time, leaving some of your horse’s winter hair coat to provide warmth when resting. Whatever part of your horse you clip, you must make sure to put it back on by blanketing.

2. Types Of Blanket/Sheet

The collection of horseware blankets for winter offers a wide range of options, but you can simplify your choices with three essential pieces: horse riding equipment, horseware blankets, or a heavy turnout blanket. A medium turnout blanket is also handy to have on hand. Additionally, using a medium stable sheet and a horse blanket provides similar warmth and coverage, as long as the stable blanket has two belly straps for a secure fit. Keep in mind that turnout blankets and sheets are versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use, while stable blankets lack waterproofing and are best suited for indoor use only — unless topped with a waterproof layer when used outside.

3. Weather Conditions

When you determine how the weather conditions factor into your blanketing needs, you must also consider your horse’s primary living arrangements. For instance, the wind is not something to worry about for stabled horses. Some horse owners even have barn doors that close up snugly, therefore allowing their horse’s body heat to keep the barn cozy and comfortable. In the case of wind, you must know that wind makes weather conditions colder. So, if our horse does not have a shelter in its field, you have to consider the wind chills and blanket it according to the temperature.

In the case of freezing rain or snow, you must consider keeping your horse inside the stable. Apart from being unbearably cold, such weather conditions can make it pretty challenging for horses to stay warm as it can soak their coats.

Bottom Line!

Although horse owners would naturally hate the idea of their horses being cold, it is quite dangerous to over-blanket them. So, you need to stay away from such practices at all costs. Now that we have officially entered the winter season and the temperature is dropping down with each day passing by, you must take a good look at your horse’s blanketing requirements. We, at Ride Every Stride, have introduced a new range of horse blankets as per your needs. You can also shop for top equestrian clothing brands from our online store. Visit our online store today and pick out what’s best for your horse.

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