BLANKETING BASICS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLANKETING YOUR PONY...

Winter is definitely coming, and keeping our ponies warm is always important at this time of year. If you blanket incorrectly, however, you can do more harm than good. Luckily, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to blanketing this winter, so you can ensure you’re doing it properly and that your pony is warm enough (but not too warm!) as the nights get colder.

WHEN SHOULD YOU BLANKET A PONY?

Your pony’s natural coat protects him from the cold. The longer hairs create a layer of insulation, so although you might be freezing, your pony is probably quite comfortable. In some cases, because of this super effective winter coat, there is no need to blanket at all, even in the depths of the South African winter. People tend to over-blanket horses, not under-blanket them in this country, risking them overheating. Overheating your pony with a too-thick or unnecessary blanket can make him very uncomfortable and lead to him losing electrolytes through sweat! However, blanketing is more likely to be necessary if your pony is clipped or has a shorter coat. Similarly, if your pony sleeps in a stable overnight, he can’t move around as much and warm his body the same way, so he might need a blanket for that reason.

DID YOU KNOW?

It’s a common misconception that blanketing your pony will make him grow less of a winter coat. In fact, horses and ponies start growing their winter coats when the days get shorter, sort of like an internal clock that lets them know what season it is.

TYPES OF BLANKETS

There are many types of blankets, all with different uses. Chances are your pony won’t need them all, but there are some common blanket types you should know about, including the following:

Daysheet: A light cotton sheet often used on warmer winter days or in the horse box on the way to shows.

Rain sheet: A waterproof version of the daysheet. Keeping your pony dry prevents his body from losing heat in winter rains.

Sweat rug: An unclipped pony who works up a sweat quickly loses body heat in winter. A sweat rug has a thick weave, so enough air can get in to dry him off but keep him warm in the meantime.

Fleeces: A light fleece blanket does the trick for colder days and warmer nights. Swap the light fleece for a heavier one as things get colder.

Duvet: These heavy-duty blankets are usually waterproof on the outside and thick and soft on the inside. You can pull your duvet out when it gets really cold. If temperatures are lower than normal, you can even put a fleece underneath the duvet for extra warmth. NOTE: Remember that ponies do not feel the cold like we do! Just because we feel cold does NOT mean our ponies feel the same.

Hoods: A hood attaches to a blanket to keep your pony’s neck warm. It can be important for clipped or older ponies who need extra help to keep their temperature up.

HOW TO PUT A BLANKET ON A PONY

Putting a blanket on can be challenging if you’ve never done it before. If it’s your first time, it’s best to find a more experienced rider or groom in your yard to help you. It is also important that you practice on a calm pony in case you make a mistake.

There is generally a seam running down the centre of a blanket. An easy way to start is to ensure the seam is running down your pony’s spine. Most blankets have adjustable straps at the front and clips or a strap at the back to go between the pony’s legs or under the tail. You can check you’ve got your blanket the right way round by keeping the adjustable straps at the front.

KEEP THE FOLLOWING STEPS IN MIND WHEN YOU’RE BLANKETING A PONY:

1. Make sure you’re holding your blanket the right way before you start.

2. Put your blanket over the top of your pony’s back so that the seam lines up with his spine. You’ll start on the left, the same as you would when you tack up. Walk around to the right to make sure there are no folds.

3. Do the straps up in the front, ensuring they’re not too tight on your pony’s shoulders or wither.

4. Many blankets have one or two long straps that go around your pony’s stomach. Clip them in, and check they’re not twisted.

5. Carefully move to your pony’s hindquarters and put your hand on his rump so he knows where you are. If your blanket has straps for his legs, cross them over so the one on the right clips to the left clip and vice versa. It helps to keep the blanket from moving too much.

6. Stand to the side of your pony and put his tail through the tail loop.

7. You’re all set.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CORRECT BLANKETING

A blanket can help keep your pony warm, but it can also be dangerous. Keep these tips in mind, so you can be sure the blanket is making your pony’s life more enjoyable:

Find a good fit: You might have to try different types of blankets to find a good fit for your pony. A well-fitting blanket should not put pressure on his chest, shoulders or wither. It shouldn’t be too big, or your pony could slip out and get tangled in the straps.

Check for rubbing: Many horses get rub marks on their shoulders, especially if they’re clipped. If you notice any, you can put a lycra hood underneath the blanket to prevent more rubbing, as rubbing can cause sores.

Remove the blanket often: Don’t keep your pony in the same blanket for long periods. Take it off to check for rub marks and ensure it’s still dry inside.

Be careful when you remove a blanket: Don’t pull a blanket off too quickly. Firstly, you can frighten the horse by making a sudden movement, and secondly, static often builds up under a blanket, so be careful when you remove it to avoid giving your horse a static shock.

Keep your blankets clean: Blankets get dirty quickly. Keep yours as clean as possible by hanging them up and brushing off dirt and grime. Hang them in the sun to kill germs and remove some of the smell. Get all your blankets washed and repaired at the end of winter, so they’ll be clean and fresh when you need them again.