Equine Guelph has partnered with blanket manufacturer Bucas of Ireland and is launching the ThermoRegulator Healthcare Tool.
The new interactive online tool explores thermoregulation in all seasons to help horse owners avoid over-heating and dehydration along with a variety of sicknesses caused as a result of chilling and other preventable health concerns.
Nature has provided horses with a coat for all seasons but there is much more to thermoregulation than the length of hair.
“There are health factors to consider when deciding whether to blanket or not, including a horse’s age, health and body condition score,” said Equine Guelph director Gayle Ecker.
Exercise will also be a consideration if the horse is asked to perform higher level athletics in a cold climate. Once a horse is clipped, you are committed to making blanketing choices, officials say.
The ThermoRegulator Tool will lead horse owners through an interactive body condition score module. A horse classified as thin will have a hard time staying warm in winter. Turnout environment will also play a role in deciding if you should blanket. Take into consideration how windy or cold the forecast is and if there is access to shelter or windbreaks.
Frequently asked questions are addressed such as: how to measure for a blanket, choosing the right type of blanket, routine maintenance, preventing rub marks and fitting the challenging horse with prominent withers or large shoulders.
For more information visit equineguelph.ca/Tools/thermoregulator.php.
