Covering a wet horse with a blanket can have serious health consequences such as chills, skin infections, and discomfort. When moisture is trapped under a blanket covering a wet horse the body’s temperature will drop and the moisture will increase the growth of bacteria and fungus as well as skin irritations such as rain rot which can lead to skin infections.
To ensure your horse’s overall health, it is important to ensure the horse is completely dry prior to blanketing. A great way to dry the horse out is by throwing on a moisture wicking cooler or an anti-sweat sheet, so they can dry out in a safe blanketing environment. The moisture wicking/anti-sweat sheet will wick moisture from underneath, which will enable you to blanketing safely after the coat is dry.
Before You Blanket a Wet Horse
For one thing, the golden rule is not to overdo it. Regularly, numerous horse owners put blankets on their horses throughout the year. Yet, during the wrong seasons, some types of blankets can cause horses to overheat.
Blanketing a horse becomes a routine (and is also trendy). So, you can see horses covered in every place and during any time of the year. Even in summer, with light, waterproof, and personalized blankets. With different models of rugs and blankets on the market, you can find products for any situation and weather condition. Including when it rains.
In many cases, blankets can certainly be useful in protecting horses. In fact, they not only help evaporate rainwater but protect the animal from insect bites. From a scientific point of view, however, research on the subject offers few insights. So, it is good to inquire with the seller about the effect of different types of blankets on a horse’s body temperature.
Do’s and Don’ts of Blanketing Horses
After a shower, a horse that spends most of its time in the paddock does not need to be dried. The reason is that the hair is its natural protection. Of course, in this example, I am referring to a horse that is not shorn. Besides, this line of thinking implies that the horse can reach a shelter.
It is good to dry your horse as soon as the work or race ends. Also, whenever you see the formation of sweat. But before removing the saddle, it would be even better to do a cool-down phase. That is, you let the horse walk on a long rein. Perhaps, you could loosen up the girth a little.
After all this, you can put a blanket on the horse. Remember to pick one that is not too heavy. If you don’t, you risk making the horse sweat even more. And that is a big no. Next, walk with him or her for a moment to see how the horse reacts.
Here is a pro tip. You can rub vigorously some straw on the horse’s hair before blanketing. In addition to being a terrific absorbent, dry straw ensures an excellent horse massage.
If the horse is shorn, things get more complicated. Especially when it is raining and the humidity level is high. The ideal would be to let the horse go for a nice roll in a sandy or dusty place whenever possible. Then, you can use a light blanket and stroll in the drizzle. Once dry, I assure you that just a swipe is enough to remove all the dust or sand.
Problems Concerning Dehydration
When it snows or rains, and you are warm at home, it is normal to worry about your horse. Maybe, your first thought is to go and cover the animal with an extra blanket. Sure, a shorn or debilitated horse needs a heavy winter blanket, both in the box and in the paddock. But excessive blanketing can lead to dehydration. It’s always best to talk to your vet on a case-by-case basis if you’re concerned about your horse’s comfort during winter.
Breathable, high-quality blankets for running are quite rare. On balance, test your new purchased blankets every single time. Mostly, horses tend to destroy blankets they do not like. Namely, blankets that make them sweat or itch. Also, grooming can affect how the horse reacts to new blankets greatly.
Lastly, coupled with overheating, dehydration can lead to serious health problems. First off, monitor the water intake. But also that your blanketed, wet horse is not sweating profusely. In fact, excessive stress can easily lead to respiratory problems.
Can You Blanket a Horse That Is Wet? Conclusion
Although you can use a blanket on a wet horse, you still need to take some precautions. When deciding on blanketing a wet horse, you need to figure out your next goal. If you need to reach a close destination, go on, and put a suitable blanket on your horse. Above all, avoid using untested blankets for an inappropriate amount of time. Then, monitor the presence of sweat. Finally, make your horse drink fresh water and rest to avoid overheating.