Blankets are relatively new to the equestrian world. When we review the history of horse keeping, we can see that horse sheets and blankets were not very common until about the 19th century, at least in the United States. Horse blankets and sheets were more common in England and across Europe before horse owners in the United States learned about them from Native American people such as the Navajo, who are known for their excellent horsemanship. Across the pond in England, horse blankets are known as horse rugs, and they follow the legacy of cavalry officers who used to dress their animals not only for battle but also for stable life.
We know that North American wild horses get around just fine without blankets even when temperatures drop very drastically in the dead of winter, but we should not forget that equine life in the wild revolves around herd behavior. Herds start out as couples and can grow to include more than 20 horses, and they may split into smaller herds that consist of young colts growing up as bachelors away from the stallion. Like all other herd animals, horses will rely on each other when it comes to staying warm during the winter. There are other natural instincts horses can activate in order to stay warm, but these are only facilitated in their natural habitats.
Equestrian disciplines do not keep horses in herds because it would be nearly impossible to tame them simultaneously. Once horses become separated from their herds, they no longer have others to cuddle against when temperatures drop. As horse owners, we have already denied animals from their natural herd lifestyle; therefore, it is our responsibility to keep them warm and dry with sheets and blankets.
When Horses Need Blankets
Even when they are not part of a herd, horses still have the benefit of a natural winter coat, at least until we take it away from them by means of clipping. Studies conducted by veterinarians have determined that horses can withstand below-zero temperatures as long as their winter coat is fully developed; keep this in mind when selecting sheets and blankets for horses that have not been clipped in the months preceding winter.
Here’s something interesting about the history of horse blanketing in the U.S.: In the mid-19th century, municipal councils around New England enacted ordinances that penalized horse owners who did not blanket their horses in the winter. These laws were promoted by activists who supported and promoted the humane treatment of animals, and they were largely inspired by observing the horse-keeping customs of Navajo and Comanche people.
In essence, horses will need blankets in the following situations:
- Whenever the weather turns cold enough for humans to start wearing jackets, but only if the horse has been clipped.
- If a husbandry expert or a veterinarian has determined that your horse is underweight, it should be blanketed.
- The above also applies to colts that have not yet grown out of their winter coats.
- If the stall, stable, or barn where horses are kept do not provide adequate protection against the elements during harsh winters, blankets should be provided.
- When horses look like they are freezing and developing respiratory conditions, blankets are in order.
Horses will appreciate blankets when they are cold, but keepers should keep in mind that there are other uses for sheets and blankets. Turnout blankets, for example, will be appreciated by horses and can be used inside the barn too. When horses have been ridden and are wet and muddy, fleece coolers that wick away moisture can be used to warm and dry them. Leg straps keep the blankets stable from weather conditions and when horses are laying down or rolling when outside, but they also are ideal for keeping them warm and comfortable when they are in the barn.
Things to Remember About Horse Blanketing
As previously mentioned, it does not really make sense to blanket healthy horses that have been able to grow their winter coat; however, it makes sense to keep a blanket in case they need it when frigid temperatures dip way below zero. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
- Blankets that are too heavy will make horses perspire excessively, thus negating the warming effect.
- Once you establish the need for blanketing, you have to make a commitment to keep them dry and clean.
- Not all horse blankets are the same. Decorative blankets woven into the Navajo design, for example, are only meant to be hung on the walls of your home.
- Do not underestimate the importance of measuring your horse for blankets and sheets. Improper fitting can result in issues such as limited range of motion and entanglement.
When choosing blankets, there are several features to consider. First, the higher the denier of the blanket, the stronger it is. The heavier the grams of fill, the warmer the blanket will be. Blankets with leg straps will stay over your horse’s back and stay stable when they are moving about, laying down, or rolling. Blankets with cross surcingles are the most common, but belly wrap blankets add even more stability and extra warmth and protection to your horse’s underbelly region. High neck blankets take pressure off the wither area and offer some extended protection. Combo neck blankets have an integrated (non-removable) neckpiece for more complete coverage starting at the top of the neck and Detach-A-Neck blankets allow you to add or remove the neckpiece based on your weather conditions.
Measuring Your Horse for Blankets and Sheets
Just like you need to measure your horse for a saddle, you will need to take a few measurements in order to find the right size blanket for your animal. Horse blankets are manufactured to fit a range of sizes, and they are based on three measurements: Withers, shoulders, and length.
To get started with the measurements, stand in front of the horse and look for the midpoint of his or her chest. You will need to use a flexible measuring tape; if you do not have one, you can use a rope that can be measured against a ruler. The measurement should run from the chest down the side and over the widest part of the left or right shoulder. The end of the measurement should be the middle of the chest to the middle of the tail. This is the only measurement you will need to start searching for blankets and sheets; in equestrian terms, this is the true size of the horse.
By measuring from the chest down to the shoulders, following the belly, and ending up at the buttocks, you will be taking into account the horse’s weight and muscle build. Speaking of weight, you can count on the animal losing quite a few pounds if the blanket stays on for several weeks.
What if your horse’s measurements fall between two sizes, which blanket do you choose? The accepted practice is to choose the next size up from your horse’s measurements when the blankets are in 2” increments. However, if they are in 3” increments, choose the size that is closer to your horse’s measurements.
There is more than just true size to look for when evaluating blankets. If you plan on riding during extremely cold weather, it will make sense to keep the blanket on, but only if it does not cause friction or hinder freedom of movement. Some blankets feature a cutback slit on the wither; this will minimize rubbing from the saddle and pad. If your horse has short legs, you will not want a blanket that drops too low because this will restrict movement. A heavier and muscular horse will need a blanket or sheet with a broader fit so that it does not spend the entire winter in discomfort.
You will rarely see modern horse blankets made with natural fibers; the exception here would be Native American versions, but you really want nylon and polyester combinations for their waterproof properties. Something else to look for is the denier rating, which refers to the strength and durability of the sheet or blanket. If you have winter trail riding in mind, you will want a heavier denier; the same can be said about horses that are fussy and hyperactive. Denier rating does not affect the warmth that the blanket can provide, but it does add more weight. Older horses that are no longer taken out on long rides do not need heavy blankets with high denier ratings.
Finally, when the time comes to fit your horse with the blanket, you will want to check how the neckline sits atop the shoulders; if you notice pulling, you will need a larger size, if it bunches up a little, you are all set. Unless the horse will only be blanketed in a stall where it will not move around, you will want to have about an inch of wither clearance; the problem with an overly taut blanket pulling across the wither is that it can create friction points. With regard to length, you do not want to go more than two inches below the barrel.