26/10/2021
That time of year is fast approaching...to blanket or not to blanket!
TO BLANKET OR NOT TO BLANKET?
As temperatures are cooling, many horse owners may be wondering when it's time to start blanketing their horses, or if blanketing should be done at all. The short answer to this age-old debate is, "it depends."
While it is true that horses are naturally designed to keep warm without a blanket, the decision to blanket or not should be based on your horse's unique needs — which are determined by age and overall health, condition, shelter situation, tolerance to cold, and activity schedule (e.g., if you horse has a sleek "show coat,” has trouble keeping weight on or is an older animal, it will probably benefit from having a blanket on its back).
The catch is, once one starts blanketing, blankets must continue throughout the season. And while they are useful, blankets should be applied responsibly:
• During seasonal transitions, like from summer to fall, several blanket changes may be needed on the same day in response to day/night temperature changes.
• Always replace or remove a soaked blanket immediately — wet blankets will keep in the wetness, creating an even colder horse. This could potentially create a skin fungus problem, or even worse could cause hypothermia-induced colic. (The reverse is also true: don't put a blanket on a wet horse.)
• Finally, don’t just blanket a horse and forget about it. There can be changes happening under the blanket, like weight loss/gain, skin fungus or bacterial infections, blanket rubs, etc. Be sure to remove the blanket at least once a week for a good grooming and to check for any problems.
Consult your horse doctor today about what is best for your horse when it comes to blanketing. While there are apps out there that can help you understand what blankets to use and when, nothing can replace your veterinarian's expertise!
