Is Your Horse a Nudist?

Every barn has one - that horse that refuses to keep their blanket on, even in the coldest weather imaginable. Maybe your horse is a roller and blankets get destroyed before you even turn around, or perhaps your horse prefers wearing it like a cape. While some may call this ‘destructive’ behavior, it might be that your horse is simply… a nudist.

How do you know whether your horse should be naked or bundled up? And when to blanket your horse. Let’s break it down. 

The Case for Going Naked

Horses are built for weather - in the wild, they don’t get tucked in at night with nice warm blankets. Their coats grow thick with the changing weather, their metabolism adjusts, and they use body heat and herding instincts to stay warm. 

Your horse might thrive without a blanket this winter season if:

• They have a naturally thick winter coat

• They have access to shelter from any extreme weather conditions

• They’re healthy, well-fed, and in good medical condition

• The weather is mild or they’ve been acclimated to cooler temperatures

In fact, overblanketing can sometimes cause more problems than underblanketing. Horses are more likely to overheat than get too cold, and trapped sweat can lead to skin issues or rubs. If you notice your horse beginning to feel warm or damp under their blanket - or if you find yourself constantly guessing which layer to add next - it might be time to let them embrace their inner nudist. 

When a Blanket Makes Sense

Not every horse can go ‘au naturel’ - some need extra warmth or protection from the cold. You’ll want to make sure to blanket your horse if they’re currently body clipped, have a thinner coat or lower body fat percentage, are older or recovering from illness, cannot be protected from weather conditions, or if they need to stay clean before a show. 

Blanketing isn’t just about comfort - it can help your horse conserve energy, maintain a healthy body condition, and prevent chills after exercise. 

A Happy Medium: Layers

If the weather where your horse lives shifts more than you can keep up with, try liners and layering blankets. This is an easy way to add or remove warmth without changing your whole blanketing setup. 

And, if your horse does prefer a blanket, make sure it fits correctly - a blanket that’s too snug can cause rubbing while it being too loose can cause twisting making it easier for your horse to tear it off.

The Bottom Line

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to blanketing. Some horses are happy hanging out in their ‘birthday suit’ while others love being wrapped up in layers. What matters most is figuring out what works best for your individual horse to keep them comfortable. 

If you do in fact own a blanket wearer, check out our Ultimate Blanketing Guide to determine what blanket to use when for your horse and when to blanket your horse.

Whether your horse is a proud nudist or cozies up in the latest turnout fashion, you can shop confidently knowing Corro has everything you need to keep them comfortable - dressed or undressed.