I personally feel that with a healthy horse with no physical setbacks, plenty of shelter and water, there is no need to blanket. BUT... there are times that warrant blanketing. I have a 22 year old mare with physical limitations, she grows a thick winter coat and is otherwise healthy, but she gets cold, so I blanket her. In fact from time to time in the winter all my horses get a medium weight turnout blanket for added warmth and protection from the wind and elements. Cold and wet don't go together very well. I have a large lean-to and they all get inside comfortably but that wind still can whip in there or they come in contact with rain, sleet, or snow. Is it for my peace of mind? Maybe but I know my horses look for those blankets when it is windy and snowing. I take the blankets off as much as possible and all my horses have a think winter coat despite wearing a blanket part of the time.
I feel that blankets can really decrease the ability of the horse to keep him warm naturally by compressing the hair coat. The air within the hair coat provides a warm barrier from the external elements. Compressing the coat will ruin that "air blanket" that warms them naturally. In the summer my horses don't wear fly sheets unless the bugs are relentless and my horses are visibly upset about getting bit yet again.
I do feel that if you are going to blanket care MUST be taken to ensure proper fit. Putting on an ill-fitting blanket would feel like torture to me. Blankets can really affect how a horse maneuvers. They can restrict the shoulders a lot. Having a blanket that sits up higher on the neck can greatly reduce rubs and restrictions on the shoulders and withers. Leg straps can irritate the legs and restrict leg movement; especially if a blanket has a tendency to shift to one side. Blankets that slide off to one side or the other can signify a postural imbalance too. You can consult with a chiropractor or massage therapist to help your horse. Blankets that are too small can be very restrictive and cause pain or posture problems and blankets that are too big pose safety risks (legs getting hung up in straps, horses getting partially out of blankets, etc.) and are cumbersome to wear.
*This website is for informational use only. It is in no way intended to diagnose, treat, or cure and is not to replace traditional veterinary care. The information described is from my experiences and observations.
