As days become shorter and the temperature begins to drop below zero, we are looking for ways to stay cozy and warm. We begin wearing warmer clothes and prefer to cozy up at home covered up with our favourite blankets. However, this doesen’t only apply to humans, as most animals are also susceptible to changes in the weather and may require proper protection during the colder months.
For instance, many horse owners are deciding to protect their beloved equine companions with the right type of blanket during various weather conditions. However, to select the perfect shield for your four-legged friend, you should pay attention to some essential factors.
To help you select the right design we’ve made a list of the most important features you need to consider before making any investment. Keep reading to equip yourself with the knowledge so you can choose the right blanket that suits your horse's needs and will keep him warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.
Consider Different Types of Horse Blankets
There are different types of horse blankets on the market each designed to withstand the elements and provide your equine companion with proper protection. To select the right type you need to consider your horse's activity level and the typical weather conditions in which they live. Let’s have a look at some of the various designs and their distinct characteristics.
Turnouts
The turnout blanket design is specifically designed to provide your horse with proper protection from exposure to harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind and snow. They're typically made from waterproof fabrics that shield the horse's body from heavy rain and snow. You can decide to buy turnout horse blankets and sheets for horses that spend a significant amount of time outdoors to provide them with an additional layer of protection. These blankets feature fleece lining that helps to wick away moisture from the horse's body and keep them dry and cozy.
This feature helps to maintain your horse's body temperature, acting as a shield against the potential risk of them catching cold.
They often come equipped with features such as shoulder gussets, tail flaps and fleece withers that allow the horse to move freely and run comfortably. Most of these designs feature additional elements such as adjustable straps that allow you to customise the fit according to your horse's unique body shape and size.
Stable Blankets
Compared to the turnout blanket designs, stable blankets are mostly made for horses kept in indoor environments with controlled temperatures such as barns ans stables. They are usually made from breathable fabrics that provide proper ventilation and feature a closed front design that offers full coverage over the chest area.
Unlike most of the turnout designs, the stable horse blankets and sheets feature lower deniers which means that the material is much lighter compared to the ones used for other blankets. They also don't feature any additional elements such as a tail flap as they are mostly designed for indoor use.
Rain Sheets
The rain sheets as their name suggests are mostly designed for horses that are exposed to mild and wet weather. Unlike the turnouts, these blankets don’t feature any additional layer of insulation to provide extra warmth for your horse. The rain sheets are also especially useful for protecting the coats of the horses during transportation for important shows and events to keep them dry in case of unexpected rain.
Select the Right Size and Fit for Your Horse
In addition to choosing the right type of blanket, you should also consider the right size to ensure the design you choose fits snugly around your horse's body. To select the right size, consider your horse's size and check for adjustable features. To accurately determine the size, you should measure your horse's body to determine the length of the blanket.
By using a tape you can measure your horse's body starting from the center of the horse's chest and extend it all the way to his tail. This will give you the exact length measurement of your horse’s size. Once you select the ideal size you should proceed by considering some adjustable features.
Most of the blankets feature additional elements such as straps, buckles, and surcingles which enable you to customize the fit according to your horse's unique body shape. Keep in mind that the size you select can often vary between diverse brands so you need to carefully check the sizing charts provided by the manufacturer to make sure you are making the right choice.
Shop from Reputable Brands
When it comes to quality, there are a plethora of reputable brands on the market that specialise in crafting high-quality and durable horse blankets. These brands prioritize the use of premium materials and innovative deisgns when it comes to making unique blanket pieces. They often employ highly skilled artisans who adhere to the high standards of the company’s brand name.
To make sure you are not wasting your time and money, you should conduct thorough research of the company's reputation on the market, by researching its line of products and customer satisfaction. You can look for reviews on their website or other social media platforms to gain insights into the product’s quality and the unique policy behind the craftsmanship they employ during the manufacturing process. This wil help you make a more informed choice when purchasing a horse blanket that is both durable and tailored to your horse-specific needs.
