Blanketing when there’s a bite to the air or winter chill is approaching doesn’t mean you need to blanket your horse. However, throwing in some rain is a completely different blanketing approach.
Why Blanketing When It’s Raining is Important
While horses in general are designed to get wet (in fact, breeds like the Shetland have evolved coats that repel water in the rain), shorter-haired and finer-bred horses, as well as very young and senior horses, are not prepared for the rain. In addition, horses that stay wet for a long time have an increased chance of staying wet, causing illness and health problems
When a horse gets wet, the outer coat bunches flat together like a channel to protect the inner coat layer from getting wet. As this happens, less air is trapped in the inner coat layer, increasing heat loss. When the rain stops, the moisture acts like sweat, evaporating and taking more heat. Add in the cooler weather, and you have a very cold and uncomfortable horse. Cold horses use extra energy to stay warm, which can also result in weight loss, a battle no one wants to fight in the winter! Rain also increases the chances of your horse getting skin infections like rain rot, which results in hair loss, scabs, and lesions.
When Should You Blanket Your Horse in the Rain?
You should blanket your horse with a waterproof blanket if there is rain with cold temperatures, prolonged rain showers, windy and wet conditions, or if your horse is ill or a senior.
Rain with Cold Temperatures
A horse's coat acts as insulation by trapping air during the cooler months, but when their coat is fighting against the rain, it closes off the space needed between the inner and outer coat for that insulation. If the rain soaks into the skin, it can increase your horse’s chances of getting hypothermia, which can be life-threatening. At the same time, a midweight coated horse can be blanketed around 50F to 40F, if the forecast calls for rain, blanket at the upper end of the temperature range for added warmth.
Prolonged Rain Showers
A quick rain shower is nothing to worry about: as soon as it’s over, the sun and dry air will naturally dry your horse’s coat quickly. But when the forecast calls for a day of rain or heavy prolonged periods of rain, your horse’s coat has to work twice as hard to dry out, expending energy and contributing to heat loss. On top of that, the longer your horse is exposed to wet conditions and muddy fields, the greater their chances are of getting rain rot, thrush, or mud fever. With a blanket, your horse will stay comfortable in the pasture and protected from bacteria and fungus that thrive in wet conditions.
Windy and Wet Conditions
Horses can stay out in the rain for up to six hours if the conditions are mild, but throw in some wind, and trouble could be brewing. Hopefully, your horse has some shelter in the pasture from the elements, such as large trees or a run-in, but wind can make it so your horse cannot find any relief from the wet. In addition, wind makes horses spookier, which can lead to accidents in the pasture. Giving your horse the security of a blanket in the pasture means that no matter the wind, it can’t sneak the rain through the blanket to soak your horse. The cozy comfort of the blanket could also have a calming effect on your horse.
Healthy vs. Underweight or Senior Horses
Wet weather affects underweight and seniors more than healthy and younger horses. Senior horses can have thinner coats, which means they might get wet faster. Because of their lowered immune systems, skin infections are a consistent worry in a wet, muddy pasture.
Both senior and underweight horses struggle with maintaining and gaining weight, especially during cold and wet seasons. To dry off, your horse’s body has to expel energy, which can lead to heat and weight loss. Weight loss is the enemy of the senior and underweight horse, as it can lead to serious illnesses. It's time to blanket your underweight and senior horses when the weather calls for rain.
Choosing the Right Blanket for Rainy Conditions
Choosing the right turnout blanket for rainy days depends on a few factors:
Waterproof. When choosing the right blanket for rainy conditions, waterproof should be number one on your list. Choose a turnout blanket with high waterproof ratings to ensure protection. In addition, you want to get a turnout blanket that doesn’t just keep moisture blocked from the outside. You need a turnout blanket with a high level of breathability. A great turnout blanket allows sweat to escape your horse’s body so they stay dry and cool and don’t overheat.
Rain sheet vs. turnout blanket:When you look for rain protection for your horse, rain sheets may appear in your search. While these are an excellent tool for keeping your horse dry, remember that rain sheets for horses are meant to keep your horse warm or as a replacement for a horse blanket. Light rainy days in the spring are perfect for a rain sheet, but a waterproof turnout blanket is the right choice for the colder months for warmth and rain protection.
Add a neck cover. Some turnout blankets include neck covers, which can be included with your turnout blanket purchase or sold separately. To keep your horse extra protected from the rain, neck covers are a great added layer of protection to keep your horse’s neck and withers dry. This is especially beneficial for your senior horses who need the extra protection.
Sizing for Comfort and Movement
Keeping your horse warm, dry, and safe means properly fitting their turnout blanket. Ensure the blanket does not pressure your horse’s withers, chest, or shoulders. Also, ensure that the turnout blanket isn’t so tight that it restricts your horse’s natural movement or so loose that they can get tangled in dragging straps or the blanket slips to one side. For horses with high withers, finding a wither relief turnout blanket will ensure they don’t get rub marks. You must also ensure the blanket fits comfortably around the neck so that rain doesn’t slip inside, yet your horse can graze comfortably.
How to Care for Your Horse’s Blanket in Rainy Weather
Checking for Leaks or Dampness
Regularly check your horse’s turnout blanket for leaks or dampness. Check for loose threads, missing or broken hardware, or worn-out straps. Signs your horse’s turnout blanket might have leaks include:
- The turnout blanket gets heavy in the rain instead of repelling the water.
- The inside of the blanket is damp after the rain.
- Tears or other weakness in the inner and/or outer layers of the blanket.
If your horse’s blanket has tears, a great way to fix it is with Schneiders® horse blanket repair tape.
Drying the Blanket Between Uses
Keeping your horse’s turnout blanket dry between uses is crucial, as it prevents mold and mildew from setting in and keeps the turnout blanket in shape for the next use. Never put waterproof blankets in a dryer; it will ruin the waterproofing. Hang horse blankets up on a rack, line-dry them indoors, or hang them outside on a clothesline.
Reproofing Your Horse Blanket
If the rain isn’t beading up and rolling off the blanket as it should, reproofing your horse blanket is a great way to extend the blanket's life. There are two ways to reproof: spray or wash-in.
Spray method:
- Use the blanket waterproofing spray in a well-ventilated area.
- Spray the blanket all over the outside. Make sure you get every part of the horse blanket.
- Leave the blanket to dry for 24 hours.
- For the most effective re-waterproofing, it's recommended to apply multiple coats. If possible, repeat the spraying and 24-hour drying multiple times.
Wash-in method:
- Hand Washing: sponge the re-waterproofing solution evenly onto your freshly washed blanket. You may need a few coats.
- Washing Machine: After washing your blanket, start a new cycle, this time on a warm wash cycle/synthetic setting. Pour the solution in and press start. You may need to do a rinse cycle as well. Then, hang up your blanket to dry.
Once you finish all the coats, test the waterproof effectiveness by pouring water on the horse blanket while it is laid out flat. Your blanket is ready if the water beads up and stays there for a few minutes. Otherwise, do another coat of the spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a horse dry off under a blanket in the rain?
No. Turnout blankets are not made to dry a horse off and can increase their chances of overheating (in warm weather), hypothermia (in cold weather), or skin infections. Dry your horse thoroughly BEFORE blanketing them and sending them off in the rain.
What temperature should I start blanketing my horse in the rain?
The golden rules for blanketing, in general are as follows:
- Below 60F for clipped horses
- Below 40F for moderate coats
- Below 30F for heavy coats
- Below 50F for old, very young, or sick horses
However, blanketing in the rain should start at the top end of the temperatures for each category.
How do I know if my horse’s blanket is still waterproof?
The main signs your horse’s blanket is not waterproof are:
- Water isn’t beading up and rolling off the blanket.
- The turnout blanket gets heavy in the rain instead of repelling the water.
- The inside of the blanket is damp after the rain.
- Tears or other weakness in the blanket's inner and/or outer layers.
Should I remove the blanket if it stops raining but is still cold?
The short answer is to follow the blanketing temperature guidelines below:
- Below 60F for clipped horses
- Below 40F for moderate coats
- Below 30F for heavy coats
- Below 50F for old, very young, or sick horses
If your horse's outside temperature falls in the categories above, you should continue to blanket it.
While horses can handle rain showers easily, downpours, wind, cold, and prolonged rain exposure can lead to several ailments. Not only that, but it causes unnecessary stress for your horse. Keep your horse warm, cozy, and dry even in the wettest weather with waterproof and breathable turnout blankets.
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