Horses get chilly just like humans so you should have a blanket or wrap on hand at all times. Choosing horse blankets and wraps will give you some leverage to help a chilly horse.
When should I put a blanket on my horse?
When choosing horse blankets and wraps, keep in mind that your horse won't need the blanket or wrap at all times. It might not even need it in chilly months. The frequency with which you use a horse blanket really depends on the type of horse you have and the climate you live in.
Show horses will need a blanket when it's chilly out because their hair is kept shorter than ranch or working horses. Also, show horses are judged, in part, on the condition of their coat. Choosing horse blankets and wraps will protect your horse's coat and keep it shiny enough for show standards.
Workhorses might need a blanket in the winter. You'll be able to tell if the horse needs a blanket because it will shiver just like a human does. You should be especially attentive to old or sick horses, as they will need a blanket more frequently than your other horses. When choosing horse blankets or wraps for either type of horse, you need to look for similar features.
What should I look for in a horse blanket?
When choosing horse blankets and wraps, always go for waterproof. There are plenty of heavy and lightweight horse blankets that are waterproof. The waterproof jacket will protect your horse from getting cold and sick.
When choosing horse blankets and wraps, look for styles that won't restrict your horse's movement. Good blankets and wraps will leave just enough room between the blanket and the horse's chest, allowing the horse to move without being chaffed by the material. Good wraps also include front gussets, which are holes for the horse's legs. The front gusset allows the horse to step into the blanket whereas side gussets make it difficult for horses to get into the blanket. Your blanket should also include a sizeable tail flap that's tight enough to protect the horse from the elements, but loose enough that the horse can comfortably move its tail.
Finding the right blanket size
Your efforts in choosing horse blankets and wraps will be futile if you get a blanket or wrap that don't fit your horse correctly. So, before you get a wrap, measure your horse. Get your measuring tape and measure your horse from its chest to its tail. Any odd numbered measurement should be bumped up to the next even number because blanket sizes are marked in even numbers.
When choosing horse blankets and wraps, your measurements have be accurate enough that your horse can move comfortably without too much friction or pinching. If you are not used to choosing horse blankets or wraps, you should ask the storeowner to assist you as different blankets have a different fit.
