Walking On Volume 2, Issue 9, September 2015 | Page 12
Back to Basics
How To Choose A Horse Blanket
Do you know how to select
the correct horse blanket? There
are many horse blanket variations. They differ in size, durability, warmth, design and color. To
choose the correct horse blanket,
it is necessary to determine the
proper size for your horse and the
type of weather your horse will be
exposed to when needing a blanket.
This article will assist you in determining what’s right for you.
How to measure your horse for
a blanket
Measure from the center of the
horse’s chest horizontally to the
middle of the horse’s tail along the
fullest part of the horse. This is the
measurement needed for the horse’s
blanket. Based on manufacturer,
there may be some slight variations
to this measurement. Some may
recommend adding two inches to
the results while others do not.
Note: American made horse
blanket sizes run in increments of
two inches. If your horse’s measurement is between sizes, order the
next larger size.
Is your horse going to be exposed
to cold or wet weather conditions?
Is your horse clipped?
If your horse is clipped, you will
need more blanket protection than
an un-clipped horse. It’s recommended that you choose a blanket
with a greater neck closure.
Below are some variations
between the blanket needs of a
clipped horse verses an un-clipped
horse.
Clipped Horse Guidelines
Fahrenheit Temperature
• 45°-55° - Turnout sheet
• 35°-45° - Medium weight blanket
or a turnout sheet with a fleece
liner
• 25°-35° - Heavy or medium
weight blanket with a fleece liner
• 15°-25° - Heavy or medium
weight blanket with a blanket
liner
• 5°-15° - Heavy weight blanket
with a fleece liner
• Below 5° - Heavy weight blanket
with a blanket liner
Un-clipped Horse Guidelines
• 45°-55° - No sheet needed
• 35°-45° - Rain sheet during wet
weather
• 15°-35° - Medium weight blanket
or a sheet with a fleece liner
• 5°-15° - Heavy or medium
weight blanket with a fleece liner
• Below 05° - Heavy or
medium weight blanket
with a blanket liner
Is the blanket you chose
strong enough for your
needs?
The strength of the
fabric is a key ingredient
in purchasing the right
blanket. The lower the
denier thread count, the
less durable the blanket
12 • Walking On
will be. If you’re looking for a blanket that will last, look for a thread
count of at least 1200.
How much fiber filling should you
look for in a blanket?
• A medium weight blanket typically has 180 to 220 grams of
fiber
• A heavy weight blanket usually
has 300 to 400 grams of fiber
Do you need a waterproof
blanket?
• Teflon coated blanket keep the
horse dry and allows air to circulate to prevent the horse from
sweating
Whichever blanket you choose,
be sure to follow the care instructions so your investment will last a
long time.
– Beverly Fox
Owner of Fine Saddles at [http://
www.finesaddles.com/]
I have been an avid horse lover and
Western Rider for over 40 years. In
the past 15 years, I’ve enjoyed the
Hunter/Jumper and Dressage Classes
with my Daughter, who has been
trained by some of the best Equestrian trainers in the United States.
Feel free to contact me if you have
any questions pertaining to this
article. I can be reached by visiting
the “Contact us” page at the Fine
Saddles URL listed above.
Our goal at “Fine Saddles” is to offer
all horse lovers the best products at a
very competitive price. Come check
us out!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.
com/?expert=Beverly_Fox
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.
com/6796286