01/30/2024
Blanketing Q & A and Helpful Tips
Q: Can blanketing my horse cause harm?
A: If done appropriately, no.
Long Answer: The key to blanketing is choosing the right weight blanket for the weather conditions and individual need of the animal.
Tip: Get to know how much fill, on average, is in a lightweight, medium weight, and heavyweight blanket and refer to a temperature guide as a starting point to determine your horse's needs.
Q: How do I know if my horse is warm?
A: Simply place your hand underneath their blanket and take note of their temperature and level of dryness. They should not be sweating or feel cold to the touch. If they are anything but warm and dry, make adjustments according to what you've observed.
Q: Should I remove the blanket if my horse is sweating?
A: In frigid temperatures, we would not recommend just removing a blanket, especially if the sweating is due to a high level of activity. Instead, swap out for a fleece/cooler base layer to wick away moisture and an outer layer that has less fill. A wet horse left in frigid temperatures with no protection at all could lead to hypothermia or colic.
Q: Should I wait for my horse to shiver before I blanket?
A: No. Alaska is unique in that we have some of the most frigid temperatures on Earth. Even in the spring and fall, when temperatures are considered mild, the addition of rain and sleet can really wreck your horse's ability to regulate their body temperature. By the time a horse shivers, they are moving towards hypothermia, and most owners will have no idea how long their horse has been cold. In our experience, it's much better to be proactive. Many times, when horses get cold, they stop drinking, which could lead to colic.
Tip: If you are warm mashing in frigid temperatures, it's much safer to have them blanketed as many horses do not have sufficient insulation to keep them warm after having a hot meal. It can actually make them colder if they don't have that extra layer of protection that a blanket provides.
Tip: Even if the temperature is mild, consider a blanket with the presence of rain, sleet, or high wind.
Q: Wild horses don't wear blankets. Isn't natural better?
A: Wild horses also don't have farriers or dentists or vets and many face a very painful demise without intervention. It is up to us as owners to care for our pets and give them a good quality of life. Not only will your horse be happier, but you can avoid those expensive vet bills by staying proactive and vigilant.
Tip: Dress them in layers! Having an assortment of base layers and turnouts in varying weights can really help optimize your ability to customize your horse's individual needs. The base layer can help wick away moisture and stop your outer blanket from icing up, and you'll have more choices if you are able pair different weights together to achieve a desired level of warmth. This becomes very handy if say, you're headed for a cold snap and your horse has destroyed its only heavy weighted blanket. Options!
Do you know a needy horse who may need a blanket? Contact us!
907-841-6184
