Some horses need a little extra warmth in cold temperatures, and some don’t. How do you know if your horse is too cold or too warm?
Firstly, your horse should be warm to the touch, and not only just around his chest. Feel his nose, face, ears and legs. If they seem remarkably colder than the rest of his body, he’s too cold. As the horse becomes chilly, you’ll see him clam up, with his tail tucked between his legs and he’ll stop moving around the pasture as much as usual. Often, they look stiff and depressed as they try to conserve their body temperature. Upon closer inspection, they will be shivering. Shivering in horses produces a whole lot of body heat, far more than what we produce when we shiver, but when they shiver they also burn a lot of calories – something that some horses don’t have a lot in reserve. If you’re seeing these signs, it’s time to go blanket shopping.
Some horses get too warm with a blanket that is too thick. If your horse feels tacky/sticky from a little sweat when you run a hand under the chest/neck part of your horse’s blanket, he’s too warm and at risk for getting sick.
Stable blankets are designed for in the stable, and turnout blankets are designed for turnout (as the names imply). Turnout blankets are generally made of tougher material, are wind and waterproof, and allow for extra maneuverability as the horse romps around in the pasture. The amount of warmth provided by the blanket is based on the type and amount of fill, which is measured in grams. For turnout purposes, waterproof is a must. A blanket that gets soaked with rain or melting snow and ice could make a horse extremely cold and very sick. I personally prefer blankets that extend high up on the neck (as pictured) for a little extra warmth and protection from the elements. Additionally, I find that it doesn’t rub away at my horses’ manes. Blankets that are lined with nylon as oppossed to cotton or wool also rub less, especially on the shoulders where horses are prone to getting some hair loss from rubs. Nylon-lined blankets are also easier to clean, and stay cleaner for longer.
–Jennifer Collman