Have you noticed how the days are getting cooler? Just when we were getting into the swing of summer, we find ourselves facing yet another winter. How does this happen to nice people like us? Time to hunt around for those insulated muck boots, wool hats, and silk underwear. After all, we know that the key to surviving a Northern winter is in the layers. On the other hoof, have you noticed that your horse doesn’t seem to mind the cold days at all? If anything, he feels a bit livelier now that the hazy, hot, and humid weather has passed. If only we could feel so comfortable against the elements.

Your horse is well adapted to live outdoors in almost any sort of weather providing he has access to a sturdy three-sided shelter. Snow, moderate wind, and truly frigid temperatures won’t stress the healthy horse. Cold rain is a real problem for most horses as it flattens the hair shaft (removing his natural ability to self-insulate) and cold rain will soak the skin, lowering his body temperature.

If you choose not to blanket, your horse will grow a substantial coat right around the time the days begin getting shorter. This new winter coat is a bit coarser than his sleek summer coat. When the north wind blows, this coarser hair stands up straight, trapping warm air close to the body. He’s toasty warm while you’re freezing your bum off. Still, keep in mind that it pays to be a conscientious horse owner and provide him with protection from the elements when he needs it.

Our horses keep warm in other ways as well. Grazing helps his digestive system perform like the world’s most efficient furnace, maintaining a cozy body temperature even on the most frigid of winter days. That’s why it’s important to keep hay in front of him for as much of the day as you can. In groups, you may see horses spontaneously galloping through the snow. This is another strategy horses use to get the blood flowing again. Or you’ll catch them standing in close-knit groups sharing body heat and using the outside horses as windbreaks.

Still, with domestication comes some added responsibility. Most of us like to ride all year long, especially if we have access to an indoor arena. Horses that are ridden long enough or hard enough to break a sweat in the winter will need to be clipped. Without that natural protection from the cold, they may need a man-made layer or two to keep warm. Senior horses and horses with health issues often need a little extra help as well.

Blanket Savvy

Fit is the most important ingredient to buying a blanket. Measure from the center of your horse’s chest, around his barrel, to the tail. If you get an odd number, round up. Be aware that blanket manufacturers differ a bit in overall size. While one 72 inch blanket may fit your Arabian perfectly, the same blanket on a Fjord horse can make him look as though he’s wearing a mini-skirt. If you have a warmblood, draft cross, or similar sturdy type, consider blankets that are made with extra room in the shoulder area. These blankets will have ample gussets and open fronts for easy adjustment. Blankets that don’t fit properly can lead to painful rubs. If your horse’s blanket seems to rub him no matter how well it fits, consider adding horse underwear to keep him comfortable.

When fitting the blanket to your horse, it’s very important to adjust all of the blanket straps correctly. Loose straps can catch a hoof or allow the blanket to twist, possibly causing injury. Leave about a flat hand’s width between your horse’s belly and strap when tightening the surcingle. This will allow your horse to move around comfortably without the danger of getting a hoof caught in the strap. Loop hind leg straps around each other and clip back to the same leg to avoid painful rubs. Front closures should be snug, but not painfully tight. You should be able to get a hand underneath the buckle, but it should never be hanging loose.

Choose the appropriate blanket for the job. Never buy a stable blanket and leave it on your horse while he’s outside. A stable blanket generally does not have rear leg straps (a hazard outdoors) nor are they built to withstand the elements. You can use a turnout blanket inside, but it’s best not to as these are generally made for much colder temps than you find in the average stable. Too much warmth will make your horse uncomfortable.

When choosing fabrics, think lightweight. You want breathable fabric to prevent over-heating during sudden warm spells and allow moisture to dissipate. Make sure turnout blankets are waterproof and avoid back seams for the same reason. Most blankets are made with a rip-stop factor, meaning if the blanket does get a small tear the cross grain will prevent it from becoming a hole the size of the Grand Canyon. You can expect to pay more for the higher tech blankets, but they almost always outlast the traditional.            

If you have blankets that are in reasonable condition left over from last year, give them a thorough inspection before using. Check for holes, tears, loose buckles, and missing straps. Most of us have horses that can be pretty tough on blankets. You can restore the waterproofing in your blanket with special waterproofing blanket washes available in tack supply catalogues or directly through your blanket manufacturer.

To wash blankets, always use a commercial front loader. Top loading agitators can rip a horse blanket to shreds. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially when washing waterproof blankets. If you don’t want to go through the bother (and it is a bother, isn’t it?) get in touch with a local blanket wash/repair service. It’s very economical and some will come to your barn to pick the blanket up.

In the meantime, get out and ride before the snow flies. After all, we still have several weeks of good weather left!