Read About Horse Blankets

Horse Blankets are important but much neglected necessities for a domestic horse. Here's everything you need to know about this product.

Horse Blanket - What are they?

  1. Description:

    Horse blankets are like ordinary blankets for humans, only they are much larger and thicker. These blankets are meant to be put over the horse when needed. They cover the main body of the horse and end over the limbs. They have a hole to pass the tail through.
  2. Who Needs These?

    Domestic horses need horse blankets.
  3. Why Do You Need These?

    Horses that have been kept in domestication have no means of protecting themselves from the cold weather. They also have short coats which are more pervious to the cold than those of other animals. Hence, horse blankets are needed to protect them from the cold.
  4. Types:

    There are several types of blankets and they serve various purposes. Some of the types of blankets are: • Turnout blankets, which are used while riding; • Turnout rugs, which are used for weather protection; • Cooler blankets, which are used to cool the horse a bit; • Anti-sweat blankets, which have pores that allow sweat to evaporate, and at the same time keep the animal warm; and • Fly sheets, which protects the horse from insect bites.
  5. Benefits:

    Since horses do not have natural protection against the cold, horse blankets are very essential to provide them with the required warmth. They can also protect the coat from environmental pollutants.
  6. Uses:

    Horse blankets will keep the horse warm in cold weather, as well as keep the horse's coat free from dust and grime. Special blankets called fly sheets can also protect the horse from biting insects.

Horse Blanket - Tips

  1. Varieties:

    Popular materials used are wool and canvas, though leather is also sometimes used.
  2. Quality Choices:

    You shoud purchase a blanket that is appropriate for the climate. Wool is a natural material and is not allergenic to the horse. Do not buy a very heavy blanket.
  3. Where to Use:

    Blankets can be used on the horse while it is stabled or while it is riding. There are special types of blankets for exercising purposes.

Horse Blankets - Concerns

  1. Safety Issues:

    Check them from time to time for lice and insect infestation. Do not use the blanket in warm weather as it can overheat the horse.
  2. Behavioral Issues:

    Horses will enjoy the blanket if the climate is cold; but in warm weather, they will violently reject any kind of blanket.
  3. Convenience:

    There are several convenient designs of blankets that can be used for various purposes. Even during riding, there are blankets that go over the saddle. This allows the convenience of not having to change the blanket for riding and stabling.

Horse Blankets - How to Choose

  1. What to Look For:

    You must select a branded and reputed manufacturer for your horse blanket to avoid spurious and inferior qualities. Horse blankets must be light in weight and not put undue stress on the horse.
  2. Expense:

    A horse blanket could cost from $20 to $80, depending on its quality. Some more rare blankets can cost more.
  3. Other Items You Might Need:

    You will not need anything specifically with the horse blanket.