Old Man Winter Says, "Blanket Your Horse!"

When the weather gets cold and wet, it is time to dust the cobwebs off of the winter blankets and keep your horse warm!

Today, we will dive into the basics of blanketing your horse. It is not easy to decide when to blanket, and when to keep the blankets off, and what kind of blanket to get your horse, but have no fear, I am here to help!

At Madesey Farm, we have horses with thin coats and thick coats, horses that are tall and short, a pudgy Quarter Horse Pony, and an enormous Arabian-Saddlebred cross. My point—you need to know what kind of blanket to buy and how to size your horse!

What size blanket?

Just as horses vary in size, so do blankets! Most blanket-buying websites offer sizing guides so that buyers are sure to fit their horse correctly for a blanket.

Dover Saddlery Size Guide

There are two measurements you need to know when buying your horse a blanket: the side measurement (place measuring tape in the center of your horse’s chest, and pull it across the shoulder towards the dock of the tail) and the height of your horse (in hands).

The side measurement of your horse corresponds to the blanket size you should get for your horse. If your horse is exceptionally tall or short for the breed, then consider going up or down a size to ensure the blanket does not fall too long on your horse’s legs. The blanket should end just at the top of the legs.

How to measure your horse for a blanket

Types of Blankets

Depending on the weather and the thickness of your horse’s natural coat, your horse will need a certain fabric and thickness of blanket. Below is a quick guide for you to follow:

• Durability: if your horse likes to roll in the mud, explore burr bushes, and run wild, go for canvas!
• Weatherproof: On those rainy, snowy, or flat out miserable days, choose a nylon blanket.
• Warmth: In Western Pennsylvania, we have been getting some brutal winters. Quilted and fleece blankets are crucial when keeping your horse warm on those freezing days.

When to blanket

Check the thermometer:

45 degrees and up: No need to blanket

35-45 degrees: light turnout blanket. Use a waterproof blanket, as any precipitation will be rain, rather than snow. Your horse should not get wet when it is cold outside.

25 degrees and below: slinky and heavily-insulated blanket.

If it is below 10 degrees, you should consider keeping your horse in a shelter, if possible. When the ground freezes, it can become a safety hazard. Horses do not have much traction on their hooves, and falling is a possibility.

Additionally, if it is raining and below 45 degrees, you should always have a waterproof blanket on your horse.

The pasture boys enjoying a muddy day in their blankets

Why Blanket

Every horse responds differently to weather, so you need to pay careful attention to your horse while he is in the pasture. Below are some awesome reasons to blanket your horse:

• Your horse is clipped/shows through the winter and you want to keep his coat clean.
• Your horse is very young or very old, and needs extra warmth.
• If your horse does not grow a thick winter coat.
• If your horse is not acclimated to a cooler temperature
• If your horse is sick or dislikes the cold (Lenny HATES the cold!).
• Some blankets are made from coat shining/protecting fabric and can better your horse’s coat.

Blanket Cleanliness

In case your horse has an especially “fun” day outside, you should have an extra clean blanket on hand. If your horse’s blanket gets wet and muddy, make sure to clean and dry it before the net turnout!

So there you have it—you are now a blanket expert! Keep your horse safe and warm this winter!