Blanketing your horse: Winter time is blanket time?

Why is it important to cover horses?

➡️ Video tip: In this English-language video you will learn everything about covering horses. Emma Ford, stable manager of US Olympic rider Phillip Duttonexplains what types of rugs there are, when to use them and how to care for them properly. Perfect for expanding your knowledge of the correct use of rugs! (Provided by the USEF Networkpowered by ClipMyHorse.TV, presented by Horseware Ireland)

Covering horses can make sense in many situations, but the decision depends heavily on the individual needs of the horse. Factors such as age, state of health, husbandry (e.g. open stable), whether the horse is shorn or not, and the current weather conditions should always be taken into account. In the following, we explain the most important reasons for covering and what you should pay particular attention to.

Protection from the weather

• Cold: Horses are often well protected against the cold by their winter coat. However, extreme temperatures or wet conditions can overwhelm their natural thermoregulation. A blanket is particularly important for horses that are sensitive or have been clipped. The question of when horses should be covered plays a role that must be answered individually.
• Rain: If the coat is soaked by rain, it loses its insulating function. Covering horses in the rain is therefore particularly useful for sensitive or sick animals. However, wet horses should be covered with caution - ideally they should be dried first or wear a breathable blanket.
• Wind: Cold wind in combination with wet conditions increases chilling. Shorn horses in particular benefit from a windproof rug. Here too, choosing the right rug is crucial, and a horse rug chart can provide guidance.

Support with health problems or in old age

• Older horses: As horses get older, their ability to thermoregulate often decreases, making blanketing necessary. Covering old horses can help to protect them from colds or muscle tension. A table for blanketing horses provides information on which blankets are suitable for certain temperatures.
• Diseases: Horses with chronic illnesses such as osteoarthritis or metabolic disorders can benefit from additional warmth from a blanket. It can also be useful to blanket old, thin horses to promote their health. A study on blanketing horses shows that targeted blanketing can increase well-being.

Prevention of colds and muscle tension

• Colds: Horses with a weak immune system or health problems are more susceptible to colds. When a horse should be wrapped up is often an individual decision. A temperature table for wrapping up provides a helpful guide here.
• Muscle tension: Cold can quickly lead to muscle stiffness, especially in clipped horses. Here it is important to choose the right rug. A question such as "Which rug for clipped horses?" can often be answered with a table showing the appropriate number of grams depending on the temperature.

Every horse is individual and it is not always necessary to cover them. The natural thermoregulation of horses is impressive and can be disturbed by incorrect or unnecessary blanketing. It is therefore important to make the decision consciously and to regularly check whether the horse really needs the blanket.

When are horses covered - and when are they not?

Covering horses requires careful consideration. It depends on whether the horse is shorn, what state of health it is in and how it is kept - whether in a box or in an open stable. But when should horses be covered and when not? Our table provides a clear overview of situations in which it makes sense to cover horses and when it is better to avoid it.

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Always think about the individual needs of your horse. Whether it is necessary to cover your horse depends on many factors: Temperature, clipping status, state of health and type of husbandry. Unshorn horses with a thick winter coat often do not need a blanket, while shorn horses need additional protection. Observe your horse regularly, as it will show you through its behavior (e.g. freezing or sweating) whether the choice of blanket needs to be adjusted.

The thermoregulation of the horse

➡️ Video tip: In this video you will learn everything about sweating in horses and why it is an essential part of their thermoregulation. You'll learn how horses regulate their body temperature through sweating, what signs can indicate problems and what you should consider after training to help your horse dry out faster. Perfect for riders who want to better understand their horse's needs!

Thermoregulation in horses is a natural mechanism that enables them to keep their body temperature stable regardless of external conditions. In winter, the thick winter coat, which forms an insulating layer of air by raising the hairs, helps to protect against the cold. In addition, the blood vessels in the skin contract in the cold to minimize heat loss, while they expand in the heat to release excess heat. Horses also use sweating to cool themselves down - sweat evaporates on the skin and lowers the body temperature. When blanketing horses, it is important not to disturb these natural processes. A horse that is covered too warmly can overheat, while insufficient protection can cause shorn or older horses to freeze. Regular checks, such as checking the temperature under the rug, and adapting the choice of rug to the weather conditions are essential to ensure the horse's well-being.

Temperature table for the correct covering of horses

Which rug for my horse at what temperature?

When covering horses, it is particularly important to choose the right horse rug for the respective temperature. Whether to cover a shorn horse or an unshorn horse, the decision depends on several factors, such as the outside temperature, the horse's state of health and the way it is kept. But which horse rug to use at which temperature? Our horse rug temperature table gives you a clear overview of which rug a horse needs at which temperature - whether it's a shorn horse in an open stable or an old horse. It also answers the question of how many grams of blanket are needed for a shorn horse.

With this table, you will know exactly when a horse should be covered, which blanket makes sense for a clipped horse at 10 degrees and why covering a wet horse can be problematic. This way, you are well prepared to provide your horse with optimum protection and promote its health.

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What types of horse rugs are there?

Choosing the right horse rug is crucial for your horse's well-being. Here you will find an overview of the most common types of horse rugs, their functions and important tips on how to use them.

Sweat rugs

• Use: Perfect after training to wick away sweat and protect the horse from draughts.
• Characteristics: Breathable and thin, often a basic feature.

Rain blankets

• Use: Keep the horse dry in the rain and protect it from the wind.
• Features: Waterproof and breathable, ideal for paddock horses.

Winter blankets

• Use: Protection in cold weather, especially for clipped or older horses.
• Features: Lined blankets in various thicknesses, e.g. horse blanket 100g for light warmth up to 400g for extreme temperatures.

Stable blankets

• Use: Keep the horse warm in the box, but are not waterproof.
• Features: Soft materials provide additional comfort in the stable.

Transition blankets

• Use: Ideal for changeable temperatures in spring or fall.
• Features: Lightly lined, provide good protection on cooler nights.

Finding the right blanket size

➡️ Video tip: How do I measure a horse rug correctly? In this video, Emma Ford, stable manager of US Olympic rider Phillip Dutton, explains how to choose the right rug size. correct rug size and how to choose a suitable horse rug for your horse. (Provided by the USEF Networkpowered by ClipMyHorse.TV, presented by Horseware Ireland)

Choosing the right horse rug size is crucial for the comfort and health of your horse. An unsuitable horse rug can lead to chafing, pressure points and restricted freedom of movement. To ensure that the rug fits perfectly, you should follow these steps:

• Measure back length
  Run a tape measure from the highest point of the withers along the spine to the base of the tail. This measurement in centimeters often corresponds to the blanket size. Make sure your horse is standing still to get an accurate result.
• Underlength is taken into account
  Measure from the middle of the chest over the shoulder to the end of the torso. Many manufacturers use this measurement as the basis for their sizes. Always check whether the manufacturer specifies the upper or lower length as the standard.
• Consider individual physique
  Horses differ in stature and proportions. Broad breeds such as cold-blooded horses or horses with pronounced withers may require special horse rugs for cold-blooded horses. Slender horses such as thoroughbreds or young horses may require a smaller size.
• Trying on the blanket
  After measuring, the blanket should always be tried on. Make sure that it:
• • sits well at the withers without exerting pressure,
  • offers sufficient freedom of movement at the shoulder,
  • does not slip or stretch too far back.

Observe your horse in motion to ensure that the horse rug fits correctly and that there are no chafing marks.

This table can help you to get a rough idea of the right size rug for your horse:

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Important tips for choosing the right blanket size

• Manufacturers use different measurement systems such as centimeters, inches or feet. Check the size chart of the respective manufacturer.
• For blankets with a neck section, make sure that it fits well without constricting the neck area.
• Check regularly whether your horse is sweating or freezing under the rug. A thermometer for horse rugs can be helpful here.

These simple steps will help you find the ideal horse rug - whether for a wide cold-blooded horse, a clipped horse or a young pony. A well-fitting rug ensures well-being and protection without restricting freedom of movement.

5 common mistakes when setting the table and how you can avoid them

The following common mistakes can occur when covering horses. Here are five such mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Inappropriate choice of ceiling
   • Problem: A rug of the wrong size or fit can cause chafing or pressure points and restrict the horse's freedom of movement.
   • Solution: Carefully measure the horse and choose a rug that fits well and is made of high-quality, breathable materials.
2. Excessive covering in mild temperatures
   • Problem: Covering horses in mild temperatures can lead to overheating and impair their natural thermoregulation.
   • Solution: Only cover when it is really necessary, taking into account the horse's individual needs and the current weather conditions.
3. Neglect of ceiling maintenance
   • Problem: Dirty or damaged blankets can cause skin irritation and do not provide adequate protection.
   • Solution: Regularly clean and check the ceilings for damage to ensure they are clean and in good working order.
4. Insufficient control of the horse under the blanket
   • Problem: Without regular checks, the horse may sweat or freeze under the blanket, which can lead to health problems.
   • Solution: Check the horse daily to ensure that it is neither overheating nor freezing and adjust or remove the rug if necessary.
5. Ignoring the individual needs of the horse
   • Problem: Not every horse needs a blanket; factors such as age, state of health, breed and type of husbandry play a role.
   • Solution: The decision to cover should be made on an individual basis, based on the specific needs and circumstances of the individual horse.

By paying attention to these points, the horse's well-being can be ensured and potential health problems avoided.

Practical tips for rugging horses

1. Once rugged, always rugged

At least for the year in which the decision to blanket was made! If you have decided to blanket the horse, you should stick to this choice consistently, as the horse's thermoregulation is not trained and the horse can freeze if the blanket is suddenly removed.

2. The right brightness

The amount of daylight influences the horse's coat change. This means that horses get a thick winter coat even in mild fall temperatures if the intensity and duration of daylight changes, regardless of the temperatures. The brightness and duration of daylight also influence the length and density of the coat. Early mating therefore does not necessarily prevent the coat from becoming thicker, but it does make the winter coat grow faster.

3. How thick should the blanket be?

It is advisable to first use a thinner transitional blanket for cool nights. This can also be used during the day if the temperature reaches a maximum of fifteen degrees. A thicker blanket can be considered for daytime temperatures below ten degrees. On nights when it is below five degrees, a blanket with a filling of 300 grams can be used. Shorn horses need a 400 gram filling down to minus ten degrees. Warmer rugs should only be considered for very sensitive horses and extremely cold temperatures. Be careful with unshorn horses, as they sweat easily.

4. Rain is better than sweat

If a horse sweats, be it under its winter coat at work or under a blanket that is too warm, this is more harmful than rain from above. Moisture directly on the skin causes the animal to cool down more quickly and it could possibly freeze. It is therefore important to always allow sufficient time for dry riding and changing sweat rugs.

5. Neck piece - yes or no?

A neck piece is not absolutely necessary for clipped horses, but it can help to keep the neck warm and dry. As the neck is mainly made up of muscles, keeping the neck warm also warms the rest of the body.

Cover your horse: Summarized

Unfortunately, there is no universal solution that applies equally to all horses. The decision as to whether a horse should be rugged depends on various factors that should be carefully considered. Blindly rugging a horse can be more harmful than helpful, as horses naturally have efficient thermoregulation and can adapt well to different outside temperatures.

It is not uncommon for riders to cover their horses in the fall, when it gets a little cooler and people start wearing jackets again. However, the temperature at which horses feel comfortable differs from that of humans. Horses feel most comfortable at outside temperatures between 5°C and 15°C , and at this point a blanket can even be counterproductive. It is therefore crucial to always take an individual approach to blanketing horses. 

Various factors, such as the horse's age, state of health and level of training, play a role in deciding whether and how a horse should be rugged. If the decision is made to blanket, it is important to ensure that the type and filling of the blanket is appropriate for the horse's needs and circumstances. The size and fit of the rug is also very important. An ill-fitting rug can cause chafing and be painful or uncomfortable for the horse.

Finally, the regular cleaning of blankets and the re-treatment of outdoor and rain blankets with impregnation is of great importance. Only then can these blankets offer sufficient protection over a longer period of time.

If you put a blanket on your horse is therefore like many other things - a decision we have to make individually for our horse and respond to its needs.

Covering your horse: The most important questions and answers

Which horse rug for which temperature?

‍Thechoice of horse rug depends on the outside temperature, the clipping status and the attitude of your horse. For example, a shorn horse at +5°C needs a winter rug with approx. 200-300 g filling, while an unshorn horse often does not need a rug. Use a temperature table to help you choose the right thickness of rug.

What is the temperature under the horse rug?

‍Thetemperature under the horse rug should be pleasantly warm, but not too hot. If your horse sweats, the rug is too thick. Use a thermometer for horse rugs to check the temperature.

How do I measure a horse rug correctly?

‍Measurethe length of your horse's back from the highest point of the withers to the base of the tail. Alternatively, you can measure the lower length from the center of the chest over the shoulder to the end of the rump. These measurements will help you to find the right size rug.

Which temperature for which horse rug?

‍Thechoice of ceiling depends on the temperature. Examples:

• Above +15°C: No blanket or at most a light rain blanket.
• 0 to +10°C: Transition blanket or light winter blanket.
• Below 0°C: Lined winter rug with 200-400 g filling, depending on the horse.

How and with what can I impregnate my horse rug?

‍Usea special waterproofing spray for horse rugs that restores the waterproofness. Clean the rug thoroughly before waterproofing and apply the spray evenly.

Where can I wash my horse rug?

‍Manyprofessional cleaning services offer to wash horse rugs. Alternatively, you can clean waterproof rugs in a large washing machine with a special detergent. Make sure that the blanket is air-dried to protect the waterproofing.