Horse Blankets

Horses are beautiful, elegant animals. If you own a horse of your own, you would know first-hand that these animals need to be properly cared for. A healthy, well-taken cared horse will surely perform well in various duties and activities – be it work-related or leisure ones.

No matter what season, make sure that your horse is properly shielded from the cold elements by purchasing horse blankets. You might assume that since horses are used to the outdoors, they don't need a protection of sorts. Horse have natural body hairs that allow them to be less susceptible to the cold compared to other domestic animals but since they are intentionally positioned to harsh elements by their owners, they need to be covered.

Generally, horse blankets cover the horse’s body from the chest to the tail. Horse blankets are available in different styles and sizes so don’t get overwhelmed as to what to pick out. All you need to do is find out precisely what size your horses are since horse blankets need to be snug yet comfortable to allow the animals to move freely.

To begin measuring, take a measuring tape from the center of the horse’s chest, the widest part of their shoulders, the biggest part of their barrel and up to the middle of the tail. Take note of that size since that’s how large you want your horse’s blanket to be. If the measurement happens to be an odd number like 79 and go up to the higher even number, let’s say 80-82, since horse blankets are sold at even numbered sizes.

Most horse owners agree that their animals look better when their hairs are clipped. Indeed, horse shows and competitions often have prescribed grooming and clipping standards. Apart from aesthetic purposes, there are also practical reasons. Grooming is easier with shorter hair. For the horses, short hair keeps them from overheating while working and quickens cooling down.

Shorn of their hairs, however, clipped horses are deprived of the means to protect themselves from the cold. It is for this reason that they need blankets to keep them safe and warm.

Horse blankets fit around their bodies covering the chest, back, and flanks, down to the rump. They are held by straps that cross the horse's belly. Some also have straps with a buckle at the front, while others include straps that loop around the hind legs. There is also a closed front design that must be slipped over the head of the horse.

Earlier blankets were often made of wool, but newer models are now mostly made of synthetic materials, with an outer surface that is water resistant and an inner lining that is smoother than wool. To keep the horse warm and to protect it from illnesses, an insulating fiber is sandwiched between them.

Horse blankets are not just for keeping them warm. There is also a cooler blanket that is used after a workout when the horse is hot and sweaty. The blanket is breathable allowing the sweat to wick while at the same time keeping the horse from chills and drafts. They can also be used while the horse is drying after a bath.

Another blanket, often called a "sheet" or "fly sheet", is intended to protect the horse from flies and gnats. This is a lightweight blanket that is often worn during the summer months when there are plenty of insects in the air. Often, they are made of nylon or some other synthetic fiber making them light and airy.

Measure your horse before setting out to buy a horse blanket. If it is too tight, its skin can get irritated and may develop ugly abrasions and sores. If it is too loose, it can fall off.