Horse Blanket Buying Guide

Introduction

As a horse owner, one of the essential items you'll need for your equine friend is a horse blanket. Horse blankets are necessary for various reasons, such as keeping your horse warm during cold weather, protecting them from sunburn during summer, and preventing them from getting wet in the rain. Whether you're looking for a turnout blanket or a stable blanket, there are several factors you need to consider before making a purchase. This horse blanket buying guide will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right blanket for your horse.

Types of Horse Blankets

There are two primary types of horse blankets, which are stable blankets and turnout blankets.

• Stable blankets: As the name suggests, stable blankets are designed to keep your horse warm in a stable or barn. They are made of breathable materials and usually come with no fill or light fill, making them perfect for indoor use.
• Turnout blankets: Turnout blankets are designed to protect your horse from harsh weather conditions when they're turned out into a field. They are made of waterproof or water-resistant materials and come in varying degrees of fill to keep your horse warm in cold weather.

Fabric

Another essential factor to consider when buying a horse blanket is the type of fabric used. Ideally, you want a fabric that's durable, comfortable, and easy to clean. Here are some common types of fabrics used in horse blankets:

• Cotton: Cotton horse blankets are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. They are perfect for mild weather and can be easily cleaned in a washing machine. The downside of cotton blankets is that they are not waterproof and not suitable for wet weather conditions.
• Wool: Wool blankets are warm, soft, and breathable, making them perfect for cold weather. They are also water-resistant and can keep your horse dry in light rain. However, wool blankets are harder to clean and require more maintenance than other fabrics.
• Polyester: Polyester horse blankets are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. They come in different degrees of fill and are perfect for all weather conditions, including wet weather. However, polyester blankets can be prone to static and may cause friction with your horse's coat.
• Nylon: Nylon horse blankets are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. They are also water-resistant and can keep your horse dry in light rain. However, nylon blankets are not breathable and may cause your horse to sweat excessively in mild weather conditions.

Fill

The fill of a horse blanket refers to how much insulation the blanket has. Horse blankets come in different degrees of fill, ranging from no-fill to heavy-fill.

• No fill: No-fill horse blankets are lightweight and perfect for mild weather. They provide little to no insulation and are designed to keep your horse clean in the stable or barn.
• Light fill: Light-fill horse blankets have a little bit of insulation and are perfect for cool weather. They keep your horse warm without adding too much weight to the blanket.
• Medium fill: Medium-fill horse blankets provide more insulation than light-fill blankets and are perfect for colder weather. They keep your horse warm and comfortable without adding too much weight or bulk to the blanket.
• Heavy fill: Heavy-fill horse blankets are designed for extremely cold weather and provide maximum insulation. They are heavier and bulkier than other blankets but are essential for keeping your horse warm in harsh winter conditions.

Size

One of the most crucial factors to consider before buying a horse blanket is the size. A poorly fitting blanket can cause discomfort, rubbing, and even injury to your horse. Here are some tips on how to measure your horse for a blanket:

• Measure from the center of your horse's chest to the center of their tail to get the length.
• Measure from the withers (the highest point of the horse's back) to the ground to get the height.
• Choose a blanket size based on your horse's measurements and the manufacturer's size chart.

Fastenings

The fastenings on a horse blanket are essential for keeping the blanket in place and preventing it from slipping or shifting. Here are some of the most common fastenings you'll find on a horse blanket:

• Surcingles: Surcingles are straps that go around your horse's belly and keep the blanket in place. They should be adjusted so that they're snug but not too tight.
• Leg straps: Leg straps go under your horse's hind legs and help to keep the blanket from sliding or shifting. They should be adjusted to be snug but not too tight.
• Shoulder gussets: Shoulder gussets are extra pieces of fabric that allow your horse to move their legs freely without the blanket chafing or rubbing their shoulders.
• Tail flap: A tail flap is a piece of fabric that covers your horse's tail to protect it from the elements. It should be long enough to cover your horse's tail completely.

Conclusion

Buying the right horse blanket for your horse is essential for their comfort, health, and well-being. Whether you're looking for a stable blanket or a turnout blanket, make sure to consider the fabric, fill, size, and fastenings before making a purchase. With the right horse blanket, your equine friend will be happy, healthy, and comfortable in all kinds of weather conditions.