Have you been trying to find the perfect blanket to bring your horse comfort this winter season?
Look no further than our complete guide to horse blankets!
Keeping your equine friend toasty warm during their paddock adventures is key to protecting them from the bitter cold as the Canadian winter rolls in.
In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about horse blankets. We’ll cover some of the most popular types for winter, tips to find the perfect size for your horse, and how to put it on, and cover essential cleaning tips.
Let’s get started!
Different Types of Horse Blankets
Horse blankets come in various styles, with some being geared towards winter weather while others boast breathable, light fabrics for summer protection.
In this section, we’ll be taking a look at four common types of horse blankets that provide a tailored solution to meet your horse’s needs.
Turnout Blankets
Even during the winter months, horses require time outdoors, getting their daily dose of exercise and fresh air.
Insulated turnout blankets are the armor your horse needs to combat the harsh Canadian winters, keeping them warm as temperature drops, and providing a barrier from the bitter winds.
These horse blankets come in various forms, making them suitable for any season.
Featuring a waterproof exterior, they ensure your horse is prepared to tackle whatever mother nature throws its way during its time outside.
Some offer light protection for those warm, rainy months, such as the Bucas – Irish Turnout Light blanket.
Others boast thick insulation, like the Horseware – Rambo Wug Turnout Heavy 450g Vari-Layer turnout blanket, for the dead of winter.
Stable Blankets
Opposite to turnout blankets, stable blankets aim to keep your horse cozy indoors.
These horse blankets offer a more lightweight design, ensuring comfort without the bulk, making them ideal for horses lounging in their stables past dark.
Unlike the lightweight turnout alternatives, stable blankets are not waterproof and are not durable enough to be used outdoors and should only be used while your horse remains indoors.
Hoods
While not technically a blanket, hoods offer extended protection to your equestrian friend, wrapping around the length of their neck for added warmth.
They provide complete winter comfort, locking in heat from ears to tail, keeping your horse toasty warm even on the coldest days of the year.
Want to maintain a seamless look once your horse is bundled up and ready to head into the snow? No problem!
Many brands offer matching colours to the turnout blankets, such as the Horseware – Amigo 1200D Turnout Hood that matches the Amigo Bravo 12 Blanket.
Therapeutic Blankets
These horse blankets offer more than just warmth and protection–they also provide a boost of support to your horse’s wellbeing!
The Back on Track Obsidian 150g Turnout Blanket is the perfect example of everything a therapeutic blanket can be.
Featuring infrared therapy technology, this blanket goes above and beyond to keep your horse warm, while also promoting muscle relaxation and enhanced circulation.
Get out the treats, because after wrapping your furry friend in this blanket, they’ll never want to return to the stable!
How To Find The Right Horse Blanket
Now that you’ve gotten a sneak peek into the world of horse blankets, let’s find out how to select the right one for your horse–after all, there’s no way you’re toting your horse around from shop to shop to try them on!
Selecting the right size blanket is crucial to your horse’s comfort once their new blanket is strapped on, so you’ll want to be sure you measure them correctly.
Taking a long tape measure, have a friend hold the end in the middle of your horse’s chest.
Then, walk towards the back of your horse, running the measuring tape down the length of their body, right up to the middle of their tail.
Now that you know what size blanket you need, here are a few tips to help you find the perfect fit:
- If your horse is between sizes, it’s best to size up, ensuring their blanket sits comfortably on their body.
- Opt for a higher gusset if your horse has a wider shoulder
- If your horse has a higher wither, select a blanket with a higher cut or full neck to help relieve any pressure a lower cut blanket may cause.
Learn how to measure your horse in this short video:
4 Steps to Properly Put on Your Horse’s Blanket
While putting a horse blanket on may seem as simple as throwing it on and buckling it up, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure your horse is comfortable once their blanket is secure.
Step 1: Put The Blanket On
Gently drape the blanket over your horse’s back, ensuring it falls properly on both sides.
Step 2: Secure the Front Buckles
This is especially important if you are blanketing your horse outdoors where they could run off, dragging their half-fastened blanket with them.
Securely fasten the front straps or buckles along the front of their chest, careful not to strap it too tightly.
Step 3: Fasten The Belly Straps
After you’ve finished with the front, you can move onto the straps that hug around their stomach.
These straps generally get done up in a criss-cross pattern, creating an X on the bottom of your horse’s belly, and should have a few inches of space between the straps and your horse.
Not only does this keep the blanket securely in place without excess pressure on their stomachs, but it also helps reduce the risk of chafing, ensuring the straps don’t slide behind the legs.
Step 4: Do Up The Leg Straps
Not all blankets have leg straps, but if yours does, now’s the time to secure them.
Just like the belly straps, your leg straps should be crossed, keeping the blanket securely in place, and ensuring it doesn’t slide from side to side as your horse enjoys their outdoor escape.
Want to see it in action? Follow along with this video:
How to Wash A Horse Blanket
Maintaining the cleanliness of your blanket is just as important as choosing the right one, and it shouldn’t be pushed aside.
Ideally, you should be washing your horse blanket at least a few times a year, but this will depend on how frequently you use it.
Unfortunately, cleaning your horse blanket isn’t as simple as just tossing it in your washer and walking away.
Ideally, you should bring it to a specialized cleaning service. This will ensure your blanket gets top-notch care and isn’t damaged by the cleaning process.
If you’d rather DIY your blanket wash, there are two key factors you’ll want to keep in mind:
- DO NOT use regular detergent on your blanket! Instead, purchase a special detergent designed for horse blankets, such as Horseware Rambo®️ Wash.
- DO NOT put it into your dryer! Your blanket will need to air dry, so hang it on a line outside, or on a banister in a clear area of your stable.
Both dryers and regular detergents can degrade the water barrier of your blanket, reducing the effectiveness of your investment!
Stick to tried and true methods, or find a reliable horse blanket cleaning service in your area.
Additional Blanket Care & Maintenance Tips
- Storage:
When your blanket is not in use, fold it neatly and store it in a dry, cool place, free from any rodent intrusions.
- Regular inspections:
The last thing you want is to send your horse out in their blanket, only for your efforts to be wasted by unforeseen damage.
To ensure your blanket remains in good condition, inspect it on a regular basis for any rips, tears, or damaged buckles, and repair it right away.
- Waterproofing:
The waterproofing of your blankets may slowly weaken over time, but this doesn’t mean you need to invest in a new blanket. Instead, apply a waterproofing treatment like Dry Guy Outdoor Gear Waterproofing Spray.
Taking good care of your horse blankets is a small investment of time and effort that pays off in the long run.
Not only does this save you money from more frequent replacements, but it also ensures your horse is always wrapped in the best quality gear possible!
Horse Blankets for Sale in Rockwood
Whatever the season, horse blankets are a pivotal part of keeping your horse comfortable and protected, both inside and out.
If you’ve been looking for the perfect premium blanket for your horse, or are due for a new one to keep the chill at bay this winter, the experts at System Equine are here to help!
We’ve curated a selection of top-notch equine products to seamlessly complement your every need.
From custom barns and stables to farrier essentials, and all your horse basics, we’ve got you covered.
Our Rockwood showroom is stocked with everything you need to expertly care for your horse (in style!)
Visit us today, or shop our convenient online store to discover all your equine and property basics.
