A proper horseback ride on a cold winter's day can offer an exhilarating experience, with the fluffy snow energizing your horse and the sunshine taking your mind off of the chilly air. But now, as the sun sets and winter’s cold returns, your horse is steaming with sweat, and it’s time to think about cooling down.

Blanketing your horse in winter might seem straightforward — just throw on a cover when the temperature drops and you’re done. In reality, it’s a far more nuanced decision. From choosing the right type of blanket to understanding when and how to use it, there’s a balance between keeping your horse comfortable, preventing health issues, and avoiding unnecessary wear or overheating. Add in the swirl of advice from seasoned barn hands, online forums, and long-held myths, and it’s no wonder many horse owners find themselves second-guessing their choices. This guide will cut through the confusion, explore the facts, and help you develop a practical blanketing routine tailored to your horse’s needs and your local climate.

Mud fever—also called greasy heel, scratches, or pastern dermatitis—is a skin disorder that commonly affects the lower legs of horses, especially around the heels and pasterns. It occurs most often in the wet seasons of fall, winter, and early spring, when horses spend long hours in muddy conditions that allow bacteria and fungi to multiply.

Take an inside look into the latest the scientific studies at the University of Saskatchewan's veterinary college, with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's semi-annual newsletter: Horse Health Lines.