HORSE BLANKETS

Horses, just like humans, are effected by the weather.  Since horses are warm blooded animals, they need extra protection against harsh weather.  In cold weather, a human can slip on a winter coat; however, horses depend on humans to help pick out and put a blanket on them at the appropriate time.  If a horse gets turned out at night and remains in the harsh elements of the outdoors, it needs adequate protection.  Rain, snow, sleet, and cold temperatures are just a few natural occurrences horses live through.  Blankets are used to protect them against these uncomfortable situations.  With the right blanket, the horse will stay dry and warm in the middle of a cold thunderstorm.  Another reason to use a blanket on your horse is that after a work out or training session, horses tend to sweat and heat up.  If they are turned out in that physical state, they are prone to illnesses.  In order to keep them healthy, it is a good idea to blanket them to keep them warm.  

In order to adequately protect the horse, the blanket needs to stay on the horse.  Many horses canter, trot, roll around, and play with pasture mates while out in the field.  Through all of these situations, the blanket should stay on the horse or else it will provide no protection at all.  While staying on the horse, the blanket should not be strapped so tightly that the horse is not able to move naturally.  To keep a blanket secure, most have one or two straps that go around the barrel of the horse.  Buckles are usually found to anchor the blanket at the chest of the horse. 

The last of the equipment that keeps the blanket on the horse are the leg straps.  These straps are for the hind legs of the horse.  If used properly, these anchor the blanket in the back and keep it from coming loose.  All of these straps and buckles will only be effective if the right size of blanket is used.  If the blanket is too small for the horse, the equipment will not fit right and only part of the horse may be covered and cause discomfort for the horse.  If the blanket is too big, or if the equipment is hanging loose, the horse may catch its’ legs or head in the blanket causing an unsafe situation.  Proper materials, sizes, and equipment are keys to having a comfortable and safe horse in the cold and harsh environments.