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Horse Blankets and Their Use

© Caryn A. Tate

I'm assuming that many people debate over whether or not they should use a horse blanket during the cold and/or wet winter months. The reason I'm assuming this is because I used to debate over it, too, sometimes feeling cruel when it was cold and I'd look out the window and see my horse out there in the midst of it; other times I felt that perhaps I was pampering my horse too much and she was so much tougher than I gave her credit for.

But what is the correct procedure for putting a blanket on your horse or not? Well, it's not always black and white, but here's my view on blankets and their use.

Basically it depends on what you want from your horse and what you use him for. If he's a show horse, you most definitely want to use blankets in the winter (or even at cooler times throughout the rest of the year). This is because if you plan on showing your horse, no matter what types of classes you're going to have him in, he has to have that show horse look-and that includes gloss. Show horses should always have their short "summer" hair.

If, however, your horse is a cow horse, the use of a blanket is somewhat more dependent on your horse himself. Is he in poor health? Is he older? The use of a critical eye is also key here; take a good look at your horse and see how he acts in colder weather. Usually you can tell fairly obviously if a horse is cold; they tend to shiver, just like people, and of course seek out shelter. But if you're still not sure, err on the side of caution and get a nice wool-lined blanket for your horse. It can never hurt.

Also take into consideration whether or not it is wet outside. If it is, there are plenty of good waterproof blankets out there, and in the summer, there are good waterproof or -resistant liners or sheets. Liners and sheets are lighter than a typical blanket, and it makes them good for summer months. If you're on a tight budget or simply want an all-inclusive sort of blanket or sheet, again I recommend you err on the side of caution and get a waterproof blanket. That way if it does happen to rain or snow, you know your horse won't feel it.

The copyright of the article Horse Blankets and Their Use in Horse Training is owned by Caryn A. Tate. Permission to republish Horse Blankets and Their Use in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.