Horse Blanketing 101
Horse blanketing can seem complicated, but a simple guide focuses on the "why" & "what."
Why Blanket a Horse?
The decision to blanket a horse depends on a few key factors: their coat, their health, and the weather.
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Provide Warmth
To provide warmth for horses that are body-clipped (removing their natural winter coat), are older, thin, or ill, or have been moved from a warmer climate. -
Keep a Horse Dry
To keep a horse dry and protected from rain, wind, or snow, especially if they don't have adequate shelter. (A wet coat loses its insulating ability.) -
Maintain a Sleek Coat
To maintain a sleek coat for show purposes. -
Cool Horse
To help cool a horse down safely after a hard workout (using a specific cooler sheet).
When to Blanket?
This is a general guide and can vary by breed, individual horse, and if there is wind/rain (which makes it feel colder). Always check your horse to ensure they are not sweating or shivering.
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Sheet/No-Fill (0g):
Offers no insulation; used primarily for keeping a horse dry (turnout sheet) or clean. -
Lightweight (100g fill)
Minimal insulation for cool weather. -
Mediumweight (150-250g fill)
Moderate insulation for cold weather. -
Heavyweight (300g+ fill):
Maximum insulation for freezing temperatures.
Types of Horse Blankets
This is a general guide and can vary by breed, individual horse, and if there is wind/rain (which makes it feel colder). Always check your horse to ensure they are not sweating or shivering.
-
Sheet/No-Fill (0g):
Offers no insulation; used primarily for keeping a horse dry (turnout sheet) or clean. -
Lightweight (100g fill)
Minimal insulation for cool weather. -
Mediumweight (150-250g fill)
Moderate insulation for cold weather. -
Heavyweight (300g+ fill):
Maximum insulation for freezing temperatures.
