Does Your Horse Need a Winter Blanket?

With fall in the air in many parts of the world, now might be the time to check over your horse’s winter wardrobe and make any needed repairs or additions. What does your horse actually need to protect him against the elements?
Depending on your climate, a healthy horse with a thick coat might be perfectly comfortable with access to a run-in shed, overhang, or stall to escape the elements. Older horses or those with a naturally thin or clipped coat might also need an extra layer of waterproof protection. Providing well-fitting waterproof blankets of varying weights can help horse owners keep the horse at a consistent level of protection regardless of the outside temperature.
Be sure to choose a blanket with a waterproof, breathable top layer that fits your horse correctly. Your horse should be able to move and graze naturally, without restriction or chafing from his blanket. The ideal arrangement of surcingles, leg straps, and chest adjustments will vary depending on the horse and his environment.
Whether you blanket or not, monitor your horses throughout the colder months. Heavy blankets and thick hair coats can hide weight loss for weeks. Be sure to remove your horse’s blanket frequently and feel along its back, hindquarters, and ribs to see if you can feel bones more prominently below the surface. A weight tape used regularly can also be a useful tool to monitor changes in condition.