Posts Tagged ‘horse blanket’

My gelding is a biggish quarter horse–not exactly sure of his height but how do you measure a horse for a blanket?

Horse blankets are pretty handy to have around a stable, but not essential for every horse owner. A standard horse blanket is used to keep a horse warm and or protected from wind and other elements.

A horse blanket fits around the horse’s body from chest to rump, straps cross underneath the belly and fasten the blanket securely. Most blankets have buckles in the front, today there are blankets that can be slipped over the horses head. Some blankets also have small straps that loop around the horse’s hind legs which. This helps the blanket from slipping sideways.

Horse blankets are designed according to there use. You can buy a single horse blanket and be content with that, or you could have several and use all of them in a single day. Before buying a horse blanket consider its purpose. I strongly suggest you take into consideration who exactly is going to be responsible for putting on and taking off the blanket.

I can not recount how many dollars and pounds I have seen wasted in a stable yard on horse blankets. I have worked in the USA and UK with horses and I still shake my head in disbelief at the countless times a day I would have to change a blanket on a single horse – to suit the owner. Have you ever stopped to consider how your horse feels?

A horse blanket should be versatile enough that it keeps your horse protected in cold weather. If your horse lives out in a pasture and is not stabled, you ought to buy a blanket that is well insulated to keep him warm. The blanket should also be waterproof, that way you or grooms do not have to run out at the first drop of rain to change blankets.

If your horse is stabled, a single warm blanket will suffice. If you buy a light blanket, he may get too cold and his natural response is to grow thick fluffy hair and look like a teddy bear. Most horse owners prefer to deter this response and blanket their horse. If you buy a thick warm blanket you need to monitor its use.

Temperatures drop at night; if you blanket your horse with a horse blanket for severe cold temperatures in the early evening, you are going to have an uncomfortable horse. Your horse most likely will be too hot and start to sweat. When the temperatures drop, he stops sweating, but has cold sweat to deal with and a wet blanket. If anything the blanket in this case is useless.

However if your horse has been clipped, in cold or even cool weather he is going to need more than a simple warm blanket to provide insulation that his hair coat would have done.

Besides protecting your horse from weather elements, there are blankets to protect from flies and gnats which are useful. A cooler or a sweat sheet is another blanket that is highly recommended for a horse owner. This blanket allows your horse to cool down and dry after being washed or exercised, but protects from draughts or chills.

Horse blankets have various designs and uses. You can buy several or you can buy one, only make sure that the blanket best suits your horses needs. You can then choose any color to your liking, provided they are made in that color.

Horse Guide.

Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Buying Horse Blankets. Learn about your horses anatomy.

Author: Benjamin Wise
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A horse blanket is for protecting your horse from the elements.
To keep your horse warm, protected from the rain, wind, heat
and sun. They are tailored to fit around your horse’s body with
straps crossing underneath, allowing your horse to move about
freely without dislodging the blanket.

The traditional horse blanket is a woven blanket, usually made
of wool. Modern blankets are much warmer and resistant to
weather than traditional wool blankets, using inner and outer
shells with an insulating fiber between. Outer shells are
usually made of synthetics which are water repellent and
windproof, while the inner lining is smoother than wool so
it won’t chafe against your horse’s skin. The filling between
them provides warmth with much less bulk than older blankets.
This means the overall blanket is light enough not to flatten
your horse’s coat, and is more durable than their wool or cotton
predecessors.

Another type of horse blanket, the Cooler blanket is a square
blanket with ties that is draped over your horse if it is hot
and sweaty after a workout, or has just been bathed and is wet
all over. It is kept on while your horse is being cooled down as
it allows enough air circulation for your horse to dry, and
prevents chills and drafts.

Horse blankets are sometimes used to keep your horse’s hair
short. Blankets also protect horses that are kept with a short
coat for show purposes.

In summer a lightweight blanket may be used to help your horse
ward off flies and to prevent the hair coat from bleaching out.
These blankets are usually referred to as a “sheet” or a
“fly sheet”. Usually they are made of nylon or strong synthetic
fiber with the capacity to “breathe” so that your horse can
remain cool.

If your horse is given a full body clip, or even a partial clip,
it is recommended a blanket be kept on at all times if the
weather is cool because your horse no longer has the natural
insulation of a longer hair coat. If a blanket is put on your
horse at the beginning of winter in order to suppress the growth
of a winter coat, or if your horse is kept clipped in cold
weather, the blanket must stay on until warmer weather arrives.
If your horse is subjected to cold weather without either a
horse blanket or a natural hair coat to keep it warm, it is far
more vulnerable to sickness and ill health.

It is important to choose a blanket that is appropriate to how
much extra protection from the weather that your horse genuinely
needs.

Make sure that the blanket fits your horse properly, regardless
of the blanket type. A blanket that is too tight will irritate
the skin and put your horse at risk of developing abrasions and
sores, while a blanket that is too large can slip down under
your horse’s belly. Not only will that result in the loss of
almost all the blanket’s insulating ability, if your horse gets
its legs tangled in the blanket’s straps, it can be seriously
injured. Putting the blanket on properly also helps to ensure
a good fit.

It is best for each horse to have its own blanket. Sharing
blankets can lead to the spread of skin problems such as girth
itch, ringworm, and other fungal infections. Even if no horses
in the stable have known skin problems, fungal spores can cling
to the blankets and be spread to other horses.

Does your horse need a blanket?
Check out the horse blanket information and resources provided by
Bryan Thorby at http://www.pet-lovers-info.com
Your Horse may love you for it. Also links to other fine equestrian products, books and magazines.

Author: Bryan Thorby
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Blankets are designed to cover majority of the horses body to protect the horse from the winter elements; winter weight blankets are generally used. A winter weight turnout horse blanket is also used when trailering a horse to prevent the fluctuating temperature from giving the horse a chill.

Blankets are design to fit around a horses body from chest to rump, attaching with straps under the horse in order to prevent shifting of the horse blanket. This allows the horse to still move about freely. Horse blankets normally have buckles at the front as well to prevent movement. Some blankets require you to slip them over the horses head which can be challenging with a winter turnout blanket due to the overall weight. Horse blankets can also come with removable straps that are designed to loop lightly around the horse’s hind legs in order to prevent the blanket from shifting sideways while the horse is in the stall.

Turnout blankets are commonly used when a horse is on pasture, in a stall or being trailered. Turnout blankets are manufactured for all weather conditions. Heavy weight turnout blankets are normally made with a thick canvas type material and lined with a flannel material, normally they will be water resistant but not necessarily water proof. Light weight winter turnout horse blankets are made with a rayon canvas material with no liner and are also water resistant but not necessarily water proof. Spring or fall turnout horse blankets are normally water proof made with a water proof type material.

Turnout horse blankets are also used to keep a horse from growing a winter coat, by blanketing in the autumn, while the seasonal change occurs a light turnout horse blanket is required. Turnout horse blankets will need to be applied at all times if the horse has been blanketed in the autumn.

For the summer months a flysheet turnout horse blanket can be applied to ward off mosquitoes, horse, deer, bot and house flies. This type of turnout horse blanket is commonly referred to as a flysheet. This turnout horse blanket is normally made of a nylon based material, it is very light weight and breathable. Fly sheets are becoming more popular due to the high number of insects.

Blankets can also come with neck covers or a full hood. Neck covers are normally attached directly to the turnout horse blanket, hoods are a separate piece all together and can be purchased individually. A full horse blanket is used before a show to keep the horse clean and or to protect the horse from insects.

A well know brand to look for when purchasing a turnout blanket is Rambo blankets. They also carry a wide range of saddle blankets for individuals looking to keep the horse dry or warm while under extreme exercising conditions.

In colder parts of the country winter turnout blankets can come in handy; especially the winter fleece horse blanket. This all purpose blanket can be used for ponies, companion horses and show horses.

Various types of horse blankets available for different temperature zones are Rug turnout sheets, fly sheets, light weight waterproof, fleece blanket, light weight winter and heavy weight winter.

turnouthorseblanket

Author: Christina Jefferson
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Winter is on its way and our horses can get sick or even injured if they are allowed to get overly wet and chilled. While horses have evolved to handle certain amounts of cold weather, we have altered their ability to fight the cold by keeping them indoors and by clipping them. As a result, our beloved horses will need a little extra protection from the elements to avoid getting chilled and experiencing joint stiffness. This is especially true after a good workout. As athletes, horses work up a sweat while they exercise as a means of stabilizing their body temperature. This stabilization is important, but getting sweaty on a cold day can lead to illness.

The horse clothing and horse blankets available on the market today provide the perfect solution to this dilemma. Just as riders must wear layers and protective clothing in the colder months, horses also need protection from the elements to remain fit and healthy. You can protect your horse from chilly winter weather using turnout blankets, turnout sheets, and dress sheets. The breathable, water resistant, and durable rip stop fabrics used to make horse blankets and other types of horse clothing will keep your horse cleaner, warmer, and healthier throughout the winter.

Turnout Blankets Offer Tough Protection

Turnout blankets provide the ultimate in winter protection for horses that spends most or all of their time outside. Winter turnout blankets feature fleece linings that provide horses with comfort and warmth on even the snowiest days. Many turnout blankets are waterproof, making them highly useful in areas that get a lot of cold, chilling rain. If your region is especially cold or wet, you can invest in a horse blanket that features an integrated neck. This article of horse clothing will help to keep your horse warmer with the extra coverage. It also keeps your horse dry by preventing rain from getting under your regular horse blanket.

For state of the art protection, there is nothing better than the Tuffrider 600D Stretch Manager Thermolined Turnout Blanket. Made from waterproof, breathable stretch fabric, this blanket is made from 94% rip stop polyester and 6% Lycra, allowing your horse the freedom of movement unavailable from any other horse blanket. Well insulated and nicely fitting, this horse blanket is unparalleled with its quick-snap double front closure and stretch webbing. Your horse is sure to be warm, dry, and comfortable in this particular horse blanket, regardless of the weather.

If your region is especially wet, you may want to consider the durable rip stop polyester fabric used to create the Tuffrider 600D Turnout Blanket. This horse blanket is both waterproof and breathable for those wet, rainy days in the pasture. It also provides warmth and protection from the cold with its polyfill insulating layer. The fabric wicks away moisture, keeping your horse at an optimal temperature on even the coldest rainy days. This horse blanket also offers protection from hunters with its bright orange color.

If you prefer something lighter, the Tuffrider 600D Plaid Medium Weight Turnout blanket is an excellent choice for providing moderate warmth while remaining waterproof and breathable. The polyfill is somewhat lighter, keeping your horse from sweating in the cold and risking a chill. The nylon shoulder lining prevents chafing and the high gusset of this blanket offers your horse the freedom of movement they need. The removable leg straps are an added convenience.

If your weather varies, the new Tuffrider Closed Front Nylon Blanket Liner is a great way to supplement your existing horse blanket with a convenient insulating layer. You can use it on colder days and remove it as the weather warms. This horse blanket liner features low cross surcingles, double front closures, stainless steel hardware, and a removable tail flap.

Enjoy Moderate Protection from Turnout Sheets

Turnout sheets provide lightweight warmth and stretchable comfort for your horse on chilly mornings or after being clipped for the next show. For the latest in turnout sheets, look at the innovative Tuffrider 1200D Stretch Manager Plus Turnout Sheet. This article of horse clothing features rip stop, 4-way stretch fabric that provides the ultimate in lightweight comfort. This breathable fabric is then laminated, making it both breathable and waterproof, ensuring the comfort and protection of your horse’s winter health. This elegant article of horse clothing uses strategically placed panels to attain an aesthetically pleasing fit without the use of shoulder gussets.

Another useful turnout sheet is the 600D Plaid Fleece Lined Turnout Sheet. This fleece-lined turnout sheet is waterproof and breathable, providing nearly weightless comfort and protection. The taped seams keep out moisture and the nylon lining at the shoulders and across the bottom help to keep your horse comfortable, clean and dry on even the muddiest days. Removable leg straps offer an extra measure of convenience.

Stabilize Body Temperature with Dress Sheets

While severe weather won’t require the use of a dress sheet, this article of horse clothing works much like a windbreaker. Dress sheets can help to stabilize your horse’s body temperature after a strenuous workout if the weather is moderately chilly. The Classic Fleece Dress Sheet offers the added benefit of wicking away moisture, preventing aching joints.

Choosing the right horse clothing and horse blankets depends largely upon where you live and the type of weather your horse normally faces. If your horse spends most of their time outside, they will require better protection from the elements. Providing your horse with the comfort and protection of horse blankets and horse clothing is yet another way that you can ensure their good health, their comfort and your own peace of mind.

Author: Anne Coyle
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Owning a horse is really quite a luxury. it is obvious to say that owning a horse isn’t cheap what with the stables, equipment and food all costing a lot of money. On top of all of this you could also be spending money on riding lessons as well as care for the horse when you are not there. The one thing that money cannot buy is the connection that you will have with your horse.

Something has been left out of this so far. Something that may not come into your head first is the cleanliness of the textiles your horses use? The thing is, if you wash these in the wrong way or with normal laundry equipment they may look clean but there is a possibility that it isn’t as clean as it looks. When these are not washed properly, these textiles can pass on fungal infections. As well as this an immaculate looking horse blanket is certainly a sure sign of a well kept horse which can become very useful if you are into the competitions.

Is there a way round this to make sure the textiles are as clean as they can be? There in fact specially made washing machines fit just for this purpose. A Commercial laundry machine is perhaps what is needed here to make sure that you and your horse are safe from anything nasty that can lay in wait on the textiles you use.
Of course this cleanliness does not have to be for an individual if you are in need of something to do the job faster in a small business then it could be worth looking into getting one of those commercial dishwashers as they could be what your company may need to improve productivity.

Anyone who has made the decision to buy a horse will soon find out that there is so much to learn. One thing I had not really considered was the maintenance needed for all the equipment etc and below are some useful points I have discovered which you might like to share.
The purchase of a good quality horse blanket is important and the aftercare, because laundering equestrian blankets needs an industrial washing machine.
Your horse should be checked on a daily basis to make sure that their blanket is not pulling or rubbing. If you see any patches of broken hair this is usually a certain sign.
Folding your blankets, fleeces and rugs, in the correct way makes them so much easier and safer to put back on your horse or pony. The horse is also less likely to spook if you set a folded bundle on his back, carefully unfolding it than he would if you just dumped the blanket over his back and dragged it into position. 
Fold your blanket whilst taking it off the horse or after cleaning ready for the next use. A folded blanket seems much easier to carry. 
Start with the blanket, placed unbuckled on the horse, or take it off and lay it on the ground.Then put the rug so the outside is facing upwards. Spread the straps straight out so they can be folded into the blanket as you go.
Fold the back third of the blanket up towards the middle, then tuck in the leg straps and fold in the tail flap.
Then fold the front third part of the blanket back towards the folded edge. Then straighten out the shoulder gussets.
Fold the right side up so the lower edges meets the centre seam.
Then fold the left side up so the lower edge meets the centre, thus folding up the belly straps.
Put the two halves together. The bundle can then be folded together once more and packed in a bag for storage. Then just reverse the order of the folds which enables you to put the blanket back on the horse easily.
If your horse is kept outside a lot it will probably be good to have two outdoor rugs. An extra blanket allows you to swop one blanket to allow the other one to dry.

It is wise not to try to wash your horse blankets in your washing machine!
There are heavy duty washing machines that can be bought especially for “equestrian use”. This could be invaluable and if you share livery with other people at your stables it could well be a great investment if the cost is shared.

Good hygiene is paramount for the wellbeing of horses that are stabled in equestrian schools, and the correct cleaning of the material that comes into contact with the horses is extremely important.Your article has 10 sentences left that can be rewritten. In fact a well laundered horse blanket is a sure sign of a well kept horse!This is particularly important when it comes to competitions when often great importance is placed on visual appearance. Washing horse blankets in a simple domestic machine will not be a good idea. This is a specialist task that requires the right technology and wash programmes. An onsite laundry within the riding school is sure to have many advantages. Laundry can be done as part of the daily routine and equine smells will remain in the stable.
A great large capacity washing machine on the market which fits the bill is Miele. This offers washer-extractors with capacities of 7.5 to 32 kg with special wash programmes for horse blankets and accessories which are great for equestrian schools. The machine has four special programmes for washing and proofing blankets: a 30°C and a 60°C programme, a programme for delicates and one with a proofing phase included for waterproofing. These machines can also handle halters, girths, bandages, saddlecloths and similar textile items which are not always happily accepted by commercial laundries.
Laundry is usually ready for use in less than an hour. These machines have high spins speeds and drying times are radically reduced.
A great machine for equestrian schools would be the Miele PW 6101 washing machine with a PT 7251 tumble dryer. These are capable of coping with 1 winter blanket and 2 summer blankets or up to 7 saddle cloths per load.
Over a period of time an investment in one of these machines is sure to pay dividends!