That dreaded season we all love to hate is just around the corner. Take the guess work out of blanketing your horse with help from this timely article, courtesy of our newest advertiser - Equus Now. You can shop their on-line tack store at www.equusnow.com for all your winter blanket needs. They've got a great selection of quality blankets, tack and clothing for horse and rider!
Winter Blanketing
The answer to all your questions on choosing the best blanket for your horse:
With hundreds of styles to choose from - picking out the best winter blanket for your horse can be an overwhelming experience. In the past 10 years – there have been major technological advancements in blanket manufacturing. Each year, blanket makers are coming out with tougher materials & high tech features that had never been introduced to this industry. Manufacturers are finally listening to the needs of horse owners and making blankets that not only hold up to “abuse” but keep your horse happy as well as comfortable through all weather conditions. To determine which blanket is best suited for YOUR horse – Ask yourself the following questions…
How tough is your horse on his clothes?
This will help you determine how strong of a blanket you need to purchase. Make sure you ask the DENIER Count of the blanket you are considering. The higher the DENIER Count – the stronger the blanket. A 600 Denier turnout blanket may be perfectly suitable for a horse turned out in a pasture by himself. However if your horse is out in a pasture with some rough buddies – the blanket you purchase should have at least a 1200 Denier thread count. As a rule of thumb, always go for the very best quality you can afford.
Will you be Body Clipping your horse?
This will help you determine how heavy of a blanket you will need. Generally speaking – most un-clipped horses in Central Ohio can get away with a MEDIUM weight blanket all winter long. It’s always a safer bet to purchase a MEDIUM blanket along with a Blanket Liner – as opposed to investing in one heavy weight blanket. When determining the weight of a blanket – Ask about the polyfill count. An average Medium weight blanket has between 180 – 220 grams of polyfill. Heavy Weight blankets usually have 300 – 400 grams of polyfill.
Will your horse be turned out in damp weather conditions?
If so – Make sure the blanket you purchase is 100% waterproof & breathable. When waterproof blankets were first introduced – the waterproof coating did not allow air to ventilate thru the blanket & horses were getting sick from the dampness (sweat) against their skin. Nowadays – most waterproof blankets are Teflon coated which keeps the water out but allows air circulation.
Newly introduced HIGH NECK blankets have a slightly higher cut neck line & eliminate water leakage thru the neck. These blankets are ideal for horses kept outside in less than ideal weather conditions. Blankets advertised as Stable blankets – are NOT Water proof & they are designed for indoor use only.
Temperature guide…
55 degrees
Outside: Waterproof Turnout Sheet
Inside: Cotton Stable Sheet
45 degrees
Outside: Waterproof Turnout Sheet with or
Without a Polar Fleece Liner Underneath
Inside: Cotton Stable Sheet with or Without a Polar Fleece Liner Underneath
35 degrees
Outside: Medium Weight Turnout Blanket
Inside: Medium Weight Stable Blanket
25 degrees
Outside: Medium Weight Turnout Blanket with or Without a Liner Underneath
Inside: Medium Weight Stable Blanket
With or Without a Linder Underneath
15 degrees
Outside: Heavy Weight Turnout Blanket
Or Medium Weight T/O with Liner
Inside: Medium Weight Stable Blanket
with Liner
5 degrees
Outside: Heavy Weight Turnout Blanket
With or Without a Liner
Inside: Heavy Weight Stable Blanket
Below 0 degrees
Outside: Heavy Weight Turnout Blanket with Liner
Inside: Heavy Weight Stable Blanket
With or Without Liner
