Navigating the world of horse blankets can feel like learning a new language. With so many terms and types, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But don't worry, we're here to help you become fluent! This comprehensive guide will break down the different types of horse blankets, and their weights, and demystify common terms used in horse blanket descriptions.
Different Horse Blanket Types and Weights
Understanding the variety of horse blankets available and their unique purposes is your first step to becoming an expert. Let's explore these types in detail:
Types of Horse Blankets
Waterproof Turnout Blankets
These are the superheroes of horse blankets. They are designed for outdoor use in wet weather conditions and keep your horse dry and comfortable by repelling rain and snow. They're made from durable materials that withstand the elements and ensure your horse remains cozy and dry.
Turnout and Rain Sheets
Think of these as lightweight versions of the waterproof turnout blankets. They offer protection from rain without causing overheating, ideal for mild, wet weather. They're perfect for those drizzly spring or autumn days when a heavy blanket would be too much.
Stable Blankets
These are your indoor comforters. Designed for warmth in a stable or barn, they're not waterproof but provide a cozy layer against cold drafts. They're perfect for keeping your horse snug on those chilly nights inside the barn.
Stable Sheets
These are the fall and winter equivalent of your light summer sheets. Lightweight and meant for indoor use when additional warmth isn't needed, they help keep your horse clean and dust-free. They're ideal for warmer climates or heated barns.
Blanket Hoods and Neck Covers
These add-ons are like scarves and hats for your horse. They provide extra coverage for your horse's neck and head, protecting these sensitive areas from the cold.
Horse Blanket Weights
Just like your winter coat versus your summer jacket, horse blankets come in various weights to suit different weather conditions:
No-Fill
These are the lightest options, providing a protective layer without added insulation. They're like a raincoat for your horse, offering protection without extra warmth.
Lightweight Blankets
With minimal insulation, these are perfect for cool but not freezing temperatures. They strike the ideal balance between no-fill and medium-weight blankets, providing enough warmth for those in-between days.
Medium Weight Blankets
These offer a moderate level of insulation for colder weather. They're your go-to for winter days when it's cold but not freezing, ensuring your horse stays warm without overheating.
Heavy Weight Blankets
The warmest options are designed for freezing temperatures and harsh winter conditions. They're like a heavy-duty winter coat for your horse, providing maximum warmth and protection against the cold.
Parts of the Horse Blanket
- Neck Cover: Add extra protection from the elements with a detachable neck cover. Our turnout neck covers attach with four carabiner clips.
- Front Closure: Closed Front blankets slip over the horse’s head; open Front blankets are more adjustable and come in two types: Double Buckle have two simple buckles, or Double Snap have buckled adjustments with easy on-off snaps.
- D-Rings: The D-rings around the neck of our blankets are made to attach to the blanket’s matching neck cover.
- Shoulder Gusset: Allow for greater freedom of movement for the shoulder to prevent rubbing.
- Adjusta-Fit®: Customize the neck opening of your blanket to fit any width horse.
- Drop: The drops of our blankets are graded to the size blanket, but our blanket fits also over different drop lengths to accommodate your horse’s shape.
- Belly Closure: Our Bellyband closure offers additional warmth and coverage or our Surcingle closure keeps the blanket in place more securely.
- Tail Cover: The tail covers on our turnout blankets add rear protection from wind and rain and are either sewn on or detachable.
Horse Blanket Descriptions
Now that we've covered the basics, let's decode some of the common terms used in horse blanket descriptions:
Denier
Think of this as the toughness rating of your horse blanket. The higher the denier, the more durable and strong the fabric. A high-denier blanket is like a suit of armor for your horse, resisting wear and tear.
Fill
This refers to the amount of insulation in the blanket. The higher the fill, the warmer the blanket. It's like the fluffiness of your down comforter; more fill equals more warmth.
Quilted
This term indicates that the blanket has a stitched pattern that helps keep the fill evenly distributed. It ensures consistent warmth throughout and prevents the insulation from shifting or clumping.
Wither Relief
This feature is like a cushion for your horse's withers, providing extra padding to prevent rubbing and discomfort. It's an essential feature for horses with high withers or sensitive skin.
Rug
Don't let this term confuse you. It's simply another term for a horse blanket, commonly used in the UK.
Liner
This is a thin layer that can be added under a horse blanket for extra warmth. It's like wearing a sweater under your coat on particularly cold days.
Closed Front
This design is like a pullover for your horse. The front of the blanket is sewn closed, offering more warmth but less adjustability.
Open Front
This design allows the front of the blanket to be opened and adjusted for a more custom fit. It's like a jacket for your horse, providing flexibility and easy on-and-off.
Bellyband Closure
This is a wide closure that wraps around the horse's belly for extra security and warmth.
Surcingle Closure
These are two straps that cross underneath the horse's belly to keep the blanket in place.
We hope this guide helps clarify horse blanket terminology for you. Remember, the most important thing is that your horse is comfortable and protected in all weather conditions. With this knowledge, you can select the perfect blanket for your horse's needs. Happy blanketing!
