How to Choose the Right Blanket for Your Horse

Horses are remarkably adaptable creatures and quite resilient to weather changes. In colder climates, they grow thick coats that provide insulation and repel moisture. An adequate layer of fat on the body also serves as protection against the cold. However, even the thickest, heaviest coat may not be enough for horses who live in particularly chilly locations.

Blankets are often recommended for horses that need help regulating their body temperature in the cold, wind, or rain. Choosing the right blanket for a horse can make all the difference in its effectiveness and longevity. Let’s look at the different types of horse blankets available and how to choose a blanket that’s appropriate for the animal’s size, health, and environment.

Should I Blanket My Horse?

Not all horses need a blanket to remain healthy and comfortable. There are several factors to consider when deciding if you should invest in a horse blanket, including:

• Age: Older horses often have more difficulty maintaining body temperature. Their immunity and digestion may also decline with age. An effective way to help senior horses stay warm in cold weather is by using a blanket.
• Hair Coat: Horses typically grow longer hair when daylight starts to dwindle heading into the winter months. When it gets cold, their hair stands on end to help insulate the body by trapping in heat. While some horses with winter coats don’t need a blanket, those with clipped coats may require the extra warmth.
• Body Condition: In horses, body condition refers to the amount of fat on the body, which affects how well the animal can retain heat. Horses with plenty of body fat may not need a blanket to keep warm, while naturally thin horses often require the warmth that a blanket offers.
• Environment: Horses that live in cold climates often rely on shelter to keep warm in the winter, such as stalls or other permanent shelters. If your horse is unable to fully escape from the elements, a blanket is a must-have.

Types of Horse Blankets

A typical horse blanket consists of a lining, fill, and shell. The interior fill determines how much the blanket weighs, while the exterior shell suggests its durability and water resilience. The most common types of blankets for horses include:

1. Stable Blankets

As the name suggests, a stable blanket provides warmth for horses in stalls or while traveling in trailers. They are not waterproof and come in a variety of weights, depending on your horse’s needs.

2. Stable Sheets

Stable sheets are lightweight blankets that do not contain fill. They are designed to provide your horse with a light layer of warmth while indoors and can be useful for keeping dirt and dust off their coat.

3. Turnout Blankets

Turnout blankets are used for protection from the wind, rain, and cold. They often have a waterproof shell and can hold up under more rugged conditions.

4. Turnout Sheets

Similar to turnout blankets, a turnout sheet serves as a barrier from wind and rain. However, they lack the insulation of a turnout blanket.

5. Quarter Sheets

A quarter sheet is generally made of wool or fleece and is designed to provide a layer of warmth on your horse’s hindquarters while cold-weather riding.

6. Scrim Sheets

Very lightweight, scrim sheets are often used in competitions and shows to keep your horse clean while ringside. This type of blanket is not sufficient for weather protection, as it does not provide much warmth.

7. Cooler Blankets

Coolers are a type of lightweight sheet that can help wick away moisture from the skin, while helping to regulate the horse’s body temperature after an exercise session. They can be found in both square and fitted designs.

How to Measure for a Horse Blanket

Getting the right size blanket for your horse is essential to ensure it provides adequate warmth without being too small or too large. The measuring process generally requires two people.

To measure for a horse blanket, have one person place a fabric tape measure at the center of the chest. Have the second person wrap the measuring tape around to the widest part of the shoulder and then angle it up to the buttock. The measurement should end in the middle of the tail. Use this measurement to get a horse blanket. If your measurement is between two sizes, always round up.

Many manufacturers offer sizing charts to make this process fast and simple. Remember, a horse blanket should cover the entire flank and barrel, ending right below the stifle and elbow. The blanket shouldn’t be too tight, allowing enough room to place a hand between the blanket and the withers.

Finding the Right Blanket for Your Horse

Blanket season can be a difficult time for horse owners who want to ensure that their animals are being well cared for but are not sure which to choose. Fortunately, there are many quality blankets on the market, available in a variety of types, weights, and sizes to accommodate horses in all types of environments. Be sure to prepare for blanket season in advance so that you’re prepared when cold weather arrives.