Winter Care Essentials: A Blanketing Guide for Horses

12/06/2024

Winter can be a challenging season for horse owners, particularly in the colder regions. Choosing the right winter horse blankets ensures that your horse stays warm, comfortable, and healthy through the harshest months. This guide provides a step-by-step analysis of horse blankets, breaking down their technical information, features, benefits, fabrics, and sizing, to help you make informed decisions.

Why Do Horses Need Blankets in Winter?

A common question horse owners ask is, "Do horses need blankets?" While horses are naturally equipped with thick winter coats, there are circumstances where blanketing becomes essential:

  • Extreme Cold: Subfreezing temperatures and wind chills can make it hard for horses to maintain their body temperature.

  • Wet Weather: Rain or snow can saturate a horse's coat, diminishing its insulating properties.

  • Clipped Horses: Shaving a horse’s winter coat for riding removes their natural insulation.

  • Health Needs: Senior, ill, or underweight horses may struggle to stay warm without extra help.


If your horse is exposed to such conditions, blanketing can make a significant difference in their comfort and overall health.

Types of Horse Blankets

Understanding the types of horse blankets helps you choose the right one for your horse’s needs:

Turnout Blankets

Designed for outdoor use, turnout blankets protect horses from the elements while offering durability and waterproofing.

Stable Blankets

Stable blankets are made for indoor use, focusing on warmth rather than waterproofing.

  • Equinavia Luksus Premium Stable Blanket

    • Key Features: Diamond-quilted 600D poly-nylon outer and ultra-soft brushed moleskin lining.

    • Why It's Great: Offers a snug, contoured fit and can be layered under turnout blankets for extreme cold.

Understanding Key Blanket Features

When shopping for horse blankets, consider these important technical details:

1. Durability (Denier Rating)

2. Waterproofing and Breathability

  • Importance: Keeps your horse dry while allowing sweat to evaporate.

  • What to Look For: Waterproof membranes or coatings with breathable fabrics, such as those featured in both Equinavia turnout blankets.

3. Insulation Weight

  • Lightweight (100-200g): For mild winters or as a layering option.

  • Medium Weight (200-300g): Suitable for most winter conditions, like both the Thunder and Norse turnout blankets.

4. Additional Features

When to Blanket a Horse

Knowing when to blanket a horse is just as important as selecting the right blanket. While each horse is unique, here are some general guidelines based on temperature:

  • Above 50°F: Most horses, especially those with natural coats, do not need a blanket.

  • 40-50°F: Consider a lightweight blanket for clipped or sensitive horses.

  • 30-40°F: Use a medium-weight blanket for added warmth.

  • Below 30°F: A heavyweight blanket is typically necessary, particularly for horses that are clipped or thin.

Monitoring your horse’s body condition and the local weather forecast can help you decide when blanketing is necessary.

How to Measure a Horse for a Blanket

A common concern among horse owners is, "How do I measure a horse for a blanket?" Understanding blanket sizing for horses ensures a comfortable and secure fit, preventing discomfort or injury.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Measure the Chest: Start at the center of the chest with a flexible tape measure.

  2. Run Along the Side: Extend the tape along the widest part of the shoulder to the hindquarters.

  3. Record the Length: Stop at the point where the blanket should end, near the tail.

  4. Choose the Size: Round up to the nearest size if your measurement falls between two sizes.

A properly fitted horse blanket will sit snugly but not tightly, fully covering your horse’s body while allowing freedom of movement.

How to Put a Blanket on a Horse

Placing a blanket on your horse can seem tricky, especially for new horse owners. Here’s a quick guide:

  1. Position the Blanket: Stand on the horse’s left side and place the blanket over the withers, ensuring it is centered.

  2. Secure the Front Closures: Start with the chest buckles to keep the blanket in place. If your blanket has snaps on the front closure, make sure they are facing inward, toward the horse, to prevent any risk of snagging.

  3. Attach Belly Surcingles: Fasten the straps under the belly, ensuring they cross each other.

  4. Secure the Leg Straps: Loop the straps around each hind leg and attach them securely.

Double-check that the blanket is evenly positioned and does not restrict your horse’s movement.

Horse Blanket Accessories

Accessories can improve your horse's comfort and help maintain the blanket’s fit and condition:

Care and Maintenance Tips for Horse Blankets

To maximize the lifespan of your horse blankets, follow these care guidelines:

Cleaning Tips

  • Spot-clean minor stains with mild soap and water.

  • For machine-washable blankets, use cold water and avoid fabric softeners.

  • Air-dry blankets thoroughly to prevent mildew.

Storage Tips

  • Store blankets in a cool, dry place after cleaning.

  • Use breathable storage bags or bins to prevent pest or moisture damage.

Choosing a Blanket for Your Climate

The climate in your area will significantly influence your blanket choice:

Conclusion

Winter blanketing is more than just an accessory—it’s an essential part of horse care for those living in cold climates. By answering questions like, "When to blanket a horse?", "How to measure for a blanket?", and "How to put a blanket on a horse?", this guide provides the tools you need to make informed choices. 

With the right blanket, your horse will stay warm, healthy, and comfortable all winter long. Explore Equinavia’s premium selection of horse blankets to find the perfect option for your equine partner today.