January 5th, 2010
Why Not All Equines Need a Winter Horse Blanket
Stable Blankets Can Make Some Horses Colder in the Winter. When the cold winter weather hits, many horse owners automatically bring out the horse blankets. However, a horse’s normal winter coat is much more insulating than a blanket, and unless the horse has been clipped, is outside without a windbreak, or has been moved to a colder climate during winter months, it will usually actually be warmer without a blanket. The longer winter coat helps to trap the body heat against the skin. Also, tiny muscles in the skin raise the hairs, creating tiny air pockets that heighten the insulating effect. Flatten this ‘fluffed-up’ coat by adding layers of light blankets, or even one heavy one, can actually make the horse colder.
If a horse is not accustomed to being blanketed, it can put the horse at increased risk. If it becomes overheated, it will begin to sweat. The dampness causes it to become chilled later, which then increases the risk of pneumonia or other respiratory infections. If a horse must be blanketed in the colder temperatures of morning, make sure that you or another responsible hand is there to take the blanket off when temperatures rise later in the day.
Therefore, it is important to choose a blanket that is appropriate to how much extra protection from the weather that the horse genuinely needs. Modern blankets are much warmer and resistant to weather than traditional wool blankets, using inner and outer shells with an insulating fiber between. Outer shells are usually made of synthetics which are water repellent and windproof, while the inner lining is smoother than wool so it won’t chafe against the horse’s skin. The filling between them provides warmth with much less bulk than older blankets. This means the overall blanket is light enough not to flatten the horse’s coat, and is more durable than their wool or cotton predecessors.
The outer shells, made of nylon fiber, will not snag or tear and are treated to be waterproof, which also makes them resistant to rot and mildew. This waterproofing also helps to hold heat in, but in the most extreme cold, the coating might crack. Foam particles or fiberfill usually make up the filler due to their insulating properties, without weight.
Making sure that the blanket fits the horse properly is important, regardless of the blanket type. One that is too tight will irritate the skin and put the horse at risk of developing abrasions and sores, while a blanket that is too large can slip down under the horse’s belly. Not only will that result in the loss of almost all the blanket’s insulating ability, if the horse gets its legs tangled in the blanket’s straps, it can be seriously injured. Putting the blanket on properly also helps to ensure a good fit. Put it on well forward, then slide it gently back into position to keep it from pulling the coat the wrong way.
Each horse should have its own blanket. Sharing blankets can facilitate the spread of skin problems such as girth itch, ringworm, and other fungal infections. Even if no horses in the stable have known skin problems, fungal spores can cling to the blankets and be spread to other horses. The blankets should be washed if they are used often during the winter, at least twice, using cold water and a disinfectant soap. Rinse the blankets well to make sure that no soap residue remains to irritate the horse’s
skin.
Cold water washing is preferable to dry cleaning. Dry cleaning will not remove odors, and the heat and chemical solvents can dissolve the waterproofing and shrink the bindings.
September 19th, 2009
Five Tips for Buying Winter Horse Blankets
When temperatures get extremely cold, your horse will likely need to wear a winter blanket. There are a few things you need to consider when buying winter horse blankets. Some of these things include type, outer shell, and fit. This article will give you a few tips for buying winter horse blankets.
Type
One of the first things you need to consider when buying winter horse blankets is their type. There are two types, namely stable and turnout blankets. A stable blanket is thick and comfortable and is worn when your horse is stabled. Turnout blankets will provide more maneuverability as they are designed to be worn when your horse is in the pasture.
Outer Shell
One of the next things you need to consider when buying winter horse blankets is their outer shell. You should look for an outer shell that is made of material that is windproof and waterproof. These winter horse blankets should also be resistant to rot and mildew.
Fit
You will also need to think about the fit of the winter horse blankets. If you buy a blanket that fits your horse too tightly, abrasions and sores may develop due to skin irritation. On the other hand, you should avoid buying winter horse blankets that are too loose. These blankets can slip down and get tangled in your horse's legs which may lead to serious injury.
Lining
One of the next things to consider when buying winter horse blankets is their inner lining. You should look for a lining that is smoother than wool. This will prevent the lining from irritating your horse's skin. You should look to buy winter horse blankets that are filled with foam particles or fiberfill. These materials are much lighter while providing the necessary insulation.
Amount
If you have more than one horse, you will need to buy winter horse blankets for each one. You should never let your horses share blankets. If you share winter horse blankets, you will increase the risk of spreading skin diseases to your other horses.
These are a few tips for buying winter horse blankets. Turnout blankets offer more maneuverability which is useful when the horse is grazing in the pasture. You should also make sure that the winter horse blankets don't fit too tightly or your horse may develop sores and abrasions. Make sure that you buy each one of your horses its own separate blanket.
January 16th, 2009
Roo Star
National Horse Blankets is proud to announce sponsorship of Roo Star....2008 AQHA Super Horse!!! Roo Star proudly wears
his custom National Horse Blanket Quilted Stable Blanket and matching Nylon Sheet to protect, polish, and present himself
in a star studded way!!! See story: Roo Star.
November 14th, 2008
Welcome Winter!
Blanketing strategies that will keep your horse healthy and happy all season.
If you keep a horse in any of the many regions where winter brings significant cold, you're naturally concerned about his well-being.
After all, you can always step indoors for a restorative cup of cocoa; he's out there 24/7, coping with whatever nature dishes up.
When you feel anxious as the mercury drops, however, remind yourself that your horse is much better equipped to deal with cold than with
heat. If you help him make the most of his natural defenses, he'll come through the coldest winter in comfort and good health. And a
major part of doing that is making sure he dependably has the blanketing he needs.
The question of whether to blanket at all gets plenty of discussion among horse owners as every winter comes around. A general rule of
thumb is that if your horse is clipped, he absolutely needs blanketing. And you need to clip him if you expect you'll regularly be
working him hard enough to make him sweat--unless you have lots of time to cool him out after every ride. There are also some horses
who need blanketing because, for whatever reason, they just never grow the heavy coat that would give them cold-climate winter protection.
An unclipped horse who's underweight can benefit from blanketing, too: Having external protection from the cold means that he won't need
to burn up so many calories in order to keep warm, so blanketing may make getting him back in condition easier.
Signs Your Horse is Chilly
Instead of checking the thermometer, check your horse. The fact that you feel chilly doesn't necessarily mean he's uncomfortable.
If your unclipped horse's winter coat looks "fluffed out" on a frigid day but his attitude is happy and normal, he's coping with
the weather as nature intended: His coat's hairs are trapping insulating air against his skin to prevent heat loss.
But if he's standing with his feet close together, his head down, and his tail clamped, and if his hair has the appearance of
standing on end, he's probably uncomfortably cold. If he's shivering, he is definitely cold. In either case, you need to blanket
him or bring him inside.
Another point to remember: If your horse is turned out, and especially if he doesn't have trees or a run-in for shelter, the wind
will affect his comfort as much as the temperature.
You can use a three-layer blanketing system that enables you to adapt horses' clothing to weather changes quickly and efficiently.
It gives more flexibility than a single heavy "mega" blanket. And all of the layers are breathable, so a horse's body heat can
drive moisture out of them and into the surrounding air.
Bottom layer:
Use a lightweight polyester-fleece sheet for this next-to-the-skin layer. The fleece wicks away moisture and doesn't
irritate sensitive skin. (This is especially important if you're blanketing a newly clipped horse, but the layer that lies against
the skin needs to be soft and friendly for any horse.) Don't use a cotton sheet, because cotton absorbs and retains moisture. And
don't use an "Irish knit" or other type of anti-sweat sheet with a coarse or uneven texture for a blanketing under layer.
Middle layer: This can be a quilted stable blanket or one of the heavier blanket liners, such as the style made of quilted nylon
with insulation.
Outer layer:
The best choice for this layer is a waterproof/breathable turnout sheet or midweight turnout blanket. Whether you go
for an uninsulated sheet or an insulated blanket depends on how severe your climate is and how sensitive to cold your horse is. A
turnout sheet or blanket with a tail flap, because it protects the back of the rump and the dock area from rain and also helps
prevent a strong wind from flipping the rear of the blanket up over the horse's back.
Here's how this blanketing system works:
On moderate days, say around 25 degrees Fahrenheit with not much wind, your horse can go
out in the fleece under layer plus the outer layer. As conditions get more severe--windier, and/or lower temperatures--add the middle
layer for increased protection. The way you adjust his clothing for the conditions will vary with his sensitivity to cold and whether
or how extensively he's clipped. I always use the bottom and top layers for horses who are clipped.
An additional advantage to this system is that the fleece under layer is easy to wash and dry. Using it (and laundering it frequently),
avoids letting oils and scurf from the horse's coat collect on the lining of his turnout sheet or blanket.
Always check the TV weather channel or listen to the radio weather forecast on winter mornings. Even if the temperature is really low
when you leave for work, you may need to lighten up the layers if the forecast is for a sunny day warming up to 40 degrees. Horses will
do better if they are a little cool when they're first turned out than if they have been cooking in a blanket at midday. If you are at
home on a day that's turned warm and wonder if you horse has too much on, slide your hand under all the layers at his shoulder and chest
areas. His coat should feel smooth, flat, dry and kind of "temperature neutral"--not really warm. If you feel any dampness, you know for
sure he's wearing too many clothes and you need to lighten up.
A final word on blanketing in snowy weather: First, brush accumulated snow off your horse's blanket before you put him in his stall. This
prevents the melted snow from wetting his bedding and reduces the opportunities for moisture to find its way through the blanket's
waterproofing. Second, if his outer blanket looks damp, resist the impulse to take it off until you've felt his back and sides underneath
his blanket(s) with your bare hand. If he's dry and comfortable in those areas, leave the blanket on--even if it's damp around the neck
and chest. Modern blanket fabrics and construction are designed so that if you leave the blanket on, your horse's body heat will drive
moisture out of it. If you take the blanket off and hang it in the barn, it will freeze into a "board" and require a trip indoors to dry.
July 24th, 2008
National Horse Blankets
Blanket Barn is proud to offer the new line of Custom Blankets, Sheets, and Accessories made
by National Horse Blankets We know how important it is to have a reputable source for such
products and services and are commited to serving all of your custom needs. For all of you
loyal BMB customers that are accustomed to the superior quality products, and service they
had provided, we are happy to be able to provide you with products of like colors, quality,
options, and fit under the National Horse Blankets label.
Introducing the new custom line of Blankets, Sheets, Coolers, and accessories made by National
Horse Blankets.Made from the finest quality material and workmanship "PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA".
These new products not only provide all of the colors, and options necessary to create your own
distinctive look and reflect that polished image, you get superior fit and functionality as well.
January 18th, 2007
This Will Be A Winter Classic
From January 17th-25th, Blanket Barn and National Horse Blankets will be showing at
the San Diego Cutting Horse Association's Winter Classic Show and Aged Event at
Casner Ranch (formerly DLR Ranch) in Temecula, CA.
As both a sponsor and an exhibitor, Blanket Barn is donating lots of great items and gift
certificates as prizes for various events during the show, not to mention introducing the
new Trainer's Program at Blanket Barn. (Look for more info on the trainers program
on the Blanket Barn website and in this blog soon).
Come join us!
November 28th, 2007
To Cover or Not to Cover
Very exciting news here at Blanket Barn! We will be giving an interview with the Equestrian Retailer
Magazine regarding our offer of assistance to the California Firestorm Victims (see post below). We
expect the article to be published in January, so keep a look out for that one. Organic Equine is also
featuring our website www.blanketbarn.com in their January edition with an article "To cover or not cover your horse",
and they will be recommending our business as a source of materials due to our years of service, expertise
and wide selection of products and custom fit options. Special thanks to all Blanket Barn patrons who helped us
become who we are! And look for some great new features on our website coming soon!
November 10th, 2007
Four-Legged Friends Caught In The Cold
Winter looms before us, ladies and gentlemen, waiting to set its frosty bite upon us, and specifically,
our equine friends. Let us not be caught short when it comes to warmth, and throw out those tattered old blankets that
have all thinned so through the years. The winter blanket is of obvious importance, so don't forget and don't wait!
Pausing briefly for a shameless plug...We have a wide selection of superior quality waterproof breathable
turnouts to choose from. For instance, take advantage of the new
Big D Sussex Turnout now on sale and available
for immediate delivery.
In addition, we feel it of upmost importance to let our California neighbors know that we have a special
discount available for any and all of the wildfire victims, to help replace things that were possibly lost
during the recent conflagrations. Blankets, Sheets, coolers, feed Carts, bell boots & splint boots,
mounting blocks, bridle racks and saddle trunks are all available at a 20% discount. If you are a
California resident and were affected by the fire, please use the coupon code: CAFIRESTORM2007 during online checkout
to have your discount applied. We can only offer this discount for a limited time, so please make use
of it soon if you need it.
We can't have anyone left out in the cold this winter.
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