Layering Blankets

[LSM1212]

When layering turnout blankets, what order do you do it? Do you put the mid-weight on first and then the lite-weight over top? Or vice versa? And I'm talking about layering t/o's... not a fleece or other kind of "liner" underneath.

Like everyone else, I'm trying to get ready for the cold snap later this week (teens as a high and 0 to single digits as a low) which aren't usual around here.

Thanks!

[Simkie]

For me, it does depend on which layer is larger. I will put the larger (larger as in fit, not weight) layer on top.

If both blankets fit the same, I put the heavier layer on the horse and the lighter layer on top of that.

It probably doesn't matter warmth-wise, but if you have your lighter extra layer on top, you can just pull off that when it begins to warm up, instead of stripping the horse to remove your extra layer.

[BuddyRoo]

Main thing is that whatever is waterproof/resistant is what goes on the outside.

Personally, I would layer the lighter weight under the heavier.

My preference is to use varying weights of stable blanket with a waterproof sheet on top...

But in lieu of that, I'd layer whatever is most water/wind proof on the outside.

[LSM1212]

Thanks... fit are the same so no "bigger" blanket. ;) Both are waterproof turnouts, same brand, etc. One has minimal fill (think sheet like) the other has more (mid-weight).

[vxf111]

If there's a chance of rain/snow, I put the lightweight sheet on the outside. That way, when the horses come in, I can take that off and dry it a bit, but the horses still have the bulk of their protection on to keep them warm. Also, if something is going to get ripped/torn/shredded/bitten-- I'd rather it be the more inexpensive sheet. I have more extra sheets than blankets and they're cheaper to replace.

[jetandmegs4]

Ok quick question. My barn i board at is heated (stays about 30) but they go out during the day all day (7-4). It's suppossed to be VERY cold. Should I layer? right now they just wear medium weight blankets.

[merrygoround]

Main thing is that whatever is waterproof/resistant is what goes on the outside.

Personally, I would layer the lighter weight under the heavier.

My preference is to use varying weights of stable blanket with a waterproof sheet on top...

But in lieu of that, I'd layer whatever is most water/wind proof on the outside.

That's about what I would do! :yes:

[Jleegriffith]

For me, it does depend on which layer is larger. I will put the larger (larger as in fit, not weight) layer on top.

If both blankets fit the same, I put the heavier layer on the horse and the lighter layer on top of that.

It probably doesn't matter warmth-wise, but if you have your lighter extra layer on top, you can just pull off that when it begins to warm up, instead of stripping the horse to remove your extra layer.

Same here- nothing like changing 8 blankets so much easier to just take off one top layer and be done with it. I will be layering light weight sheets with hoods on top of med weight blankets.

[JB]

When I layer, which is maybe 1-2 times a year, and always due to prolonged rain, I put the turnout sheet on top of the med weight turnout blanket.

Both are waterproof and breathable. But when we get a few days in a row of cold (30's) drenching rain, the blanket, no matter how well waterproofed, does start to "leak". The sheet on top gives about a day's worth of protection against that.

Putting the sheet on the bottom would work, but the heavier blanket on top squishes it down enough to remove some of the properties I like, which is to have at least parts of the jammies "floating" over the horse, not smashed down like seran wrap :lol: Light over heavy allows both do to their jobs.

[Jaegermonster]

All mine are waterproof turnouts too.
I put whatever is the lightest layer on the bottom, and the heaviest on top. That way in the morning if they need sheets during the day I can pull off the heavy blanket and they still have a sheet on. This way it saves me a step in the morning before work, plus they don't get cold during the switch or have to have a cold blankie put on them in the morning.

[LSM1212]

Okay... thanks. It seems people do both!!!! *hrmph*

Just as an FYI - it will only be for a few days (end of this week to first part of the weekend). Around 20 and above he's fine in his mid-weight. But the low teens as a high and single digits to 0 as a low? Don't think so. :D

My barn doesn't change out blankets so it's me doing it. So no pulling one off in the AM or adding one in the PM. I only add or subtract in the PM when I'm there (5 days a week) so I just watch the weather for the next few days and go from there. So if the low temps hold like they are predicting, it will be put the extra layer on and leave it on until we hit 20's again. ;)

I was thinking light-weight over mid-weight. So the heavier was on the bottom. But wasn't sure if that was best. Hence why I asked.

Maybe this new information will help.

[FoxChaser]

I hadn't thought too much about it- layering that is. My boys aren't clipped, so haven't been blanketed at all unless it's been in the teens (Rambo midweights) or raining (rain sheets). I don't want to bring them in when it's super cold since I worry more about water buckets freezing, so they'll stay out. Not to hijack the thread, but does anyone think unclipped horses would need multiple layers of blankets in single digit weather? We are in kind of a hollow (lots of wind breaks) if that's any help.

[yellowbritches]

Usually, whatever way I pull them off the blanket bar. ;) However, when we were in Aiken last year and they would stay out at night, we'd do lightweight under their their heavier turnout. That just made it easier on us the next morning as the temp rose and all the needed was the light weight (if anything).

My two guys both have their heavys on under their lightweights, but that is because they went on a rampage and put holes in both of the heavys. I don't feel like rushing them to the blanket lady, so I just keep the lightweights on all the time. They don't see to care.