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Horse Blanket Sizing - Pick the Right Solution to Fit Your Horse's Needs
As a horse owner, one of the most important things you can do to ensure your horse's comfort is to provide them with a properly sized blanket. A well-fitting blanket will not only keep your horse warm and dry in cold or wet weather, but it will also prevent rubbing and other discomforts that can occur when a blanket is too loose or too tight.
Measuring Your Horse
Before you start shopping for a blanket, you'll need to measure your horse to determine what size to get. Use a soft measuring tape, like Coburn Company Height and Weight Tape, to measure from the center of the horse's chest, over the widest part of their shoulder, along the side of their body, and ending at the point of their buttock. This will give you their "blanket size."
Consider your Horse's Build: Different breeds and individual horses may have different body types that can affect the fit of a blanket. For example, a stocky Quarter Horse may require a wider blanket than a tall, lean Thoroughbred. Look for blankets that are specifically designed for your horse's build.
Choose the Right Weight: Blankets come in different weights, from lightweight sheets to heavy-duty winter blankets. Consider the climate in your area and your horse's needs to determine what weight of blanket to get. If your horse is going to be turned out in cold, wet weather, a heavier blanket will be needed to keep them warm and dry.
Check the Fit: Once you've chosen a blanket, try it on your horse to make sure it fits properly. The blanket should fit snugly without being too tight or too loose. You should be able to slide your hand between the blanket and your horse's body, but there should not be any large gaps. Check for rubbing or other signs of discomfort after your horse has worn the blanket for a few hours.
Consider Additional Features: Some blankets come with additional features, such as neck covers (hoods) or belly bands, that can provide extra warmth and protection. Consider whether these features would be helpful for your horse and their specific needs.
Choosing the right size blanket for your horse is important for their comfort and well-being. By measuring your horse, considering their build, choosing the right weight, checking the fit, and considering additional features, you can find the perfect blanket for your equine companion.
Types of Horse Blankets
There are two primary types of horse blankets: stable and turnout. They look similar, but each has a specific purpose, and they are not interchangeable.
Stable Blankets are woven coverings meant to be worn inside a barn or other shelter. They tend to be more fitted.
Turnout Blankets are made of tougher, waterproof materials and intended for outdoor use. They are also designed to allow free movement to accommodate the horse's higher activity level when turned out.
Horse Sheets are another lightweight type of horse outerwear and are primarily intended to keep the animal clean or protect them from biting insects.
How To Choose a Blanket for Your Horse
Blankets come in various weights and deniers. The weight refers to the amount of polyfill within the blanket. The heavier the fill the warmer the blanket. Denier refers to the strength of the fabric of the outer shell of the blanket. The higher the denier the tougher the blanket.
- 0 - 100 grams of fill - Sheets or Light Weight Blankets
- 150 - 250 grams of fill - Medium Weight Blankets
- 300+ grams of fill - Heavy Weight Blankets
When To Blanket a Horse
Are you wondering, "When should I blanket my horse?" Here are some recommendations based on the horse's coat.
| Blanket Weight | Clipped | Unclipped |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet/Lightweight | 40-50 degrees | 30-40 degrees |
| Medium weight | 30 - 40 degrees | 20-30 degrees |
| Heavyweight | 20-30 degrees | 10-20 degrees |
Other Considerations When Blanketing Horses
While horse blanketing guidelines are based on outdoor temperatures, there are circumstances when the typical blanketing guide for horses needs to be adjusted.
- Body Type - Naturally thin horses have a harder time staying warm and are more likely to need a blanket.
- Access to Shelter - Horses with no access to shelter will need additional protection during inclement weather, especially in winter.
- Age - Older horses cannot regulate their body temperature as well as younger horses.
- Coat - If the horse has a full winter coat, keeping the horse warm may require a lighter weight blanket. But if the horse is clipped or has a show coat, they are more likely to need a warmer blanket.
Horses moved from a warmer climate to a colder climate will need the extra help a blanket provides at higher temperatures than a horse acclimated to the cold.
How To Put on a Horse Blanket
Now that you've answered the question, "should I blanket my horse?" let's discuss how to put on a horse blanket. Follow these horse blanketing guidelines so your horse will be properly protected and the blanket will stay in place.
- The blanket should always be put on from front to back when blanketing horses.
- Fold the back third of the blanket toward the middle and then the front third toward the middle.
- Lay the blanket on the middle of the horse's back.
- Unfold it and smooth it along the horse's body.
- Secure the blanket's buckles in this order:
- Chest
- Belly
- Leg straps
- Cross the rear leg straps to help keep the blanket centered on the horse's back as he moves.
You should be able to slide your hand between the blanket and your horse's withers. Avoid making the straps too tight to ensure that they don't bind the horse. Conversely, make sure they aren't too loose, so the horse doesn't get their foot stuck if they lie down.
When it's time to remove the blanket, take it off from back to front.
Other Horse Blanketing Guidelines
Proper fit is essential when blanketing horses. If the size is too small, it will inhibit the horse's natural ability to stay warm. If it's too large, it will allow too much cold air underneath. It's important to remove the blanket regularly to ensure that the horse doesn't develop sores or rain rot.
The fit at the horse's withers is critical for comfort when blanketing horses. Make sure the blanket rests comfortably over the withers and shoulders so it doesn't rub when the horse moves or grazes or feeds.
If you need assistance with sizing or horse blanketing guidelines, contact us, and one of our customer service representatives will gladly help.
