Different types of horse blankets are available for different uses, such as turnout blankets for outdoor use and stable blankets for indoor use. It’s important to choose the right weight and fit, and consider additional features such as hoods and tail pieces. Monogramming is recommended for identification purposes.
A horse is a horse, of course, as they say, but a horse blanket is a completely different creature. There are different styles of horse blanket, designed for a variety of uses, and it’s important to choose the right blanket to ensure a horse stays healthy and comfortable. Most clothing stores carry a range of blankets for you to choose from, and their staff are usually happy to help people who might be struggling with the selection.
Turnout blankets are designed to be used on a horse when it is uncovered in its paddock. These rugs are typically waterproof and breathable so the horse can perspire freely. They protect the horse’s coat and keep the horse warm in cold weather, and they come in a variety of weights. Stable blankets are worn in the stall or stable and are designed to keep the horse clean and warm. They should not be worn outdoors, as they are usually heavier and not waterproof.
Mosquito nets are horse blankets that keep flies out. They can be used as turnout or stable blankets in the summer months to keep a horse comfortable in hot weather. Cooling sheets are lightweight blankets worn after exercise to help a horse cool down safely so the animal doesn’t strain a muscle, while show sheets keep a horse sparkling for a horse show, but not they offer a lot in the way of insulation.
A horse blanket usually comes in light, heavy, or medium weights. Light blankets are good for spring and summer, while medium blankets are suitable for autumn and winter in temperate climates, and heavy blankets should be used in cold regions. Horse blankets prevent a horse from getting too cold as they wick away perspiration in all cases and also encourage a horse to keep up its summer coat. Without a winter blanket, a horse tends to become shaggy and the results can be unsightly. Clipped horses also need blankets to stay warm in the winter months.
Once you have determined the type of blanket you need, it is important to measure your horse to ensure a blanket will fit. A lengthwise measurement with a flexible measuring tape should be taken to determine the basic fit. Most blankets are also designed for a specific body type, which is when it helps to ask a staff member at a tack shop, as they’ll be familiar with the brands and types of horses they fit. A Norwegian Fjord horse, for example, will need a very different style of horse blanket than an Arabian.
After fitting, there are some additional considerations when selecting a horse blanket. Some people look for hoods and tail pieces, which offer additional protection, and it’s possible to find blankets with hoods and tail pieces that attach, so the blanket can be configured as needed. Leg and tail straps help keep a blanket in place when a horse rolls and plays outside, as do wide belly bands rather than belly straps. Finally, owners may want to think about color if coordinating horse accessories is important to them, and monogram options, which can be used to identify a blanket that belongs to a particular horse or owner. Monograming is strongly recommended for people boarding their horses, so blanket mix-ups don’t happen.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
