Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
perature increase. If a horse sweats and then chills in winter temperatures, it could set the
stage for illness.
Winter turnout blankets usually require a very large front-load washing machine to clean.
If you don't have one, you could field-wash the blanket, or you might find a self-service
laundry that allows horse blankets, but many do not. In areas with large horse populations,
you might be able to locate a horse blanket washing and repair service.
Hoods are sometimes used with turnout blankets.
BLANKETING TIPS
Proper blanket fit is paramount. Blankets that are too small or of the wrong cut can cause
rub marks and sore spots on the withers, shoulder, chest, and hips. Too-large blankets have
the reputation of slipping and twisting, possibly upside down, which can cause the horse to
become dangerously tangled. Measure your horse from the center of his chest to the center
of his tail to determine blanket size. To get an idea of what size blanket your horse will
Blankets must be kept clean or they will cause discomfort to and possibly disease in your
horse. A dirty blanket can cause a horse to rub and roll in an attempt to relieve an itch.
Manure and mud on blankets fatigue the material and cause them to tear and disintegrate.
Have any damaged blankets repaired and keep all leather straps and fittings well oiled.
Overheating can be a real problem with blanketed horses. Horses are often turned out to
exercise in the same blanket that they wore all night. What is appropriate for low nighttime
temperatures in a barn is not necessarily desirable for a sunny paddock, even though snow
is on the ground. An unblanketed dark horse has the capacity to absorb much of the sun's
energy and can actually feel hot to the touch on a cold, still, sunny day.
Waterproof blankets that are not breathable do not allow heat and moisture from normal
body respiration to escape. Too many layers can cause the horse to sweat, then chill, which
lowers the horse's resistance by sapping his energy. This is an open invitation for res-
piratory infections. Check for overheating by slipping a hand under the blanket from the
shoulder toward the heart girth area. The horse should feel dry and cool to warm but never
hot or damp.
Horses that have been body-clipped or trace-clipped must be blanketed. Clipping a
horse's coat allows him to be more easily worked, cooled out, and groomed in the winter
months. The first clip may occur in October and may need to be repeated several times
throughout the winter and early spring, depending on the horse's work, blanketing, and
housing. If you want to clip your horse's head and neck as well, you might want to use a
hood made out of the same material as your blanket. Be sure the eyeholes and ear holes fit
your horse properly, or it may cause him to rub. Your tack repair shop can modify hoods.
