Blankets and Blanketing Explained

Blankets and Blanketing Explained In honor of the great winter weather we have been having and the current blanket  sales going on I have decided to write about blankets and blanketing today. Question 1: Do I need to blanket my horse?  Answer: Unless your horse is body clipped he should be able to do fine without a blanket.  Some breeds are less tolerant to cold such as the Arabian and Thoroughbreds.  Some horses don’t put on a thick winter coat and might need a little help. Mares as with woman have more body fat and are generally more tolerant to the cold than geldings and stallions.  Young and older horses are at greater risk and may require blanketing.  Every horse is unique. Question 2: Do you blanket your horses, if so when?  Answer: Yes I do blanket my horses’, they each have two blankets (turnout sheet and midweight turnout).  When it is dry I blanket when it will be in the 30s or lower for an extended period of time.  When it is wet and above 50 degrees I do not blanket.  When it is wet and it below 50s I blanket according to the horses’ needs.  My gelding Charlie always needs his blanket before my mare Pie.  When it is raining and 40s or below I always  blanket. Question 3: Can I blanket my horses wet?  Answer: Yes, if the blanket is breathable and waterproof (can only be breathable if you horse will stalled or otherwise removed from the rain).  DO NOT blanket your horse in wet weather if your blanket is not waterproof, think about the last time you got soaked to the bone and was not able to change clothes, your horse can’t take off the blanket without your help.  Note: over time your waterproof coating can wear away so it is important that you check blankets regularly, and wash them using a product made for horse blankets to further preserve the waterproofing. Question 4: Can I just leave my blanket on throughout the winter?  Answer: No, especially in a climate like Texas where it can be 80s one day and 20s the next.  Most horses already put on a fair amount of winter coat, and do not need a blanket 24/7.  You also need to check your blankets for fit, waterproofing, and the horse’s skin for any problems on a regular basis.  Covering any part of the body for an extended time can result in skin  issues, and sunlight/air is a great preventative for most minor skin problems. If you have ever worn a cast before, you can probably remember how it felt the day you got it removed and how your skin looked in comparison. Question 5: What is the difference between a turnout and a stable blanket?  Answer: A turnout blanket is generally waterproof, more durable, and made to be worn in the elements.  A stable blanket is not waterproof or as durable as a turnout. Question 6: What is 240D, 600D, 1200D?  Answer: D= Denier or how durable a blanket will be (this also depends on the horse who will be wearing it and the other horses around). 420D- Light Durability- recommended for spring/fall when grass is available and horse does not test blanket. 600D- Standard Durability- Recommended for horses easy on blankets.  Occasional or monitored turnout. 1200D Polyester or Ripstop Nylon- Superior Durability- Recommended to withstand the demands of turnout. 1680D Ballistic Nylon/1800D Polyester- Exceptional Durability- Recommended for horses that are hard on blankets or turned out with other horses who may bite or pull a blanket. Question 7: What weight blanket do I need?  Answer: It depends on your horse’s coat, cold tolerance, and your average winter temperatures.  Living in Texas my horses both have a midweight blanket and a waterproof sheet, in extreme weather I can use the sheet to layer with for more protection. Warmth of Blanket Short Coat/Clipped Medium/Full Coat Extra Heavyweight Subzero - 15F Heavyweight 15F – 30F Subzero – 15F Midweight 30F – 50F 15F – 30F Sheet 50F + 30F + Question 8: What if I only want to buy one blanket?  Answer: Buy a waterproof turnout blanket/sheet based on average temperatures in your area.  Turnout blankets can always be worn in the barn but stable blankets should never be worn in the pasture.  Buy 1200D or higher. Question 9: How do I measure for a blanket?  Answer: Most of the time you measure from the center of the chest to the center of the tail.  Not all blankets are measured the same so do your research on the brand that you are looking to buy as with clothes; one brand’s 6 is another brand’s 8.  Your blanket should fit your horse properly and not be too big or too small both of which are uncomfortable.  A blanket that is too big or very ill fitting can be dangerous as the horse may get tangled up. Now is a great time to buy blankets if you are in the market for one.  My favorite places to find blankets are: www.horse.com www.sstack.com www.smithbrothers.com www.valleyvet.com