Friday, December 26, 2008

Horse Blankets, Sheets

Because horse blankets are used for so many different situations, it shouldn't be surprising for you to find that there are many different types of horse blankets and sheets.

Horse blankets typically come in three different weights. A lightweight, known as a sheet, a medium weight for cold weather and a heavy weight for very cold weather. Medium and heavy weight blankets are filled for warmth, whereas sheets do not have any filling. When shopping for blankets, you will also see something referring to "denier" with a number beside it. This is a term used to indicate the size or number of filament or yarn. Sort of like thread count in sheets. The higher the number, the heavier the yarn or fiber. I had a young gelding that was always playing and ripping his blankets, so I always opted for blankets with a higher denier. I found one manufacturer that would guarantee their blankets against rips or tears for up to two years. These still ripped, but when they did, the manufacturer would replace the blanket.

If your horse needs to be protected from the cold but will be spending time in the pasture, you will want to use a turn out blanket. These blankets are made with waterproof materials and are designed so that it is hard for horses to become twisted around if the horse decides to roll around on the ground. Except for these added features, the turn out blanket is quite similar to the stable blanket.

Obviously the weight needed for a winter horse blanket depends on where you live and how cold it gets. On extremely frigid days, I have been known to layer multiple blankets on my horse, if needed. Blanket manufacturers will typically tell you what temperatures their blankets are good for. I often place my hand between the blanket and the horse to see if the horse feels warm. If her body temperature feels cool, I know I need to move to a heavier weight. In general, I use a sheet for weather in the 50's a medium weight in the 30s and 40s and a heavy weight for weather in the 20s and teens. I might also use a sheet if it is in the 60s and raining. Wind chill can warrant the need for a warmer blanket. Every horse is different. Older horses or horses that are clipped may require warmer blanketing. So, you have to gauge what is best for your particular climate and your horse's needs.

There are horse stable blankets and sheets that are worn by the horse while it is in the stable or stall. It is not waterproof and should not be worn while the horse is turned out in the paddock or pasture. While these are nice to have, there's no reason why you can't use a turnout blanket while the horse is in the stall.  Visit Our Web Site www.saddleonline.com

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Horse Blankets, Sheets

Can you imagine your life without a blanket? How miserable it would be if you didn't have one to sit on at the picnic or cover yourself when it's a cold winter or autumn day. Each of us had its own blanket as baby and probably still has it at home as a sign of the beautiful time that we can't remember.

In Indian culture blankets have even special meaning as they are tied to the tradition of trade, and are part of their lives. Many people love them so much that even though they are made of materials machine-washable they pay much attention to wash them in hands. And even special 'how to wash your blanket' guides are written

Blankets have been a source of warmth and comfort for thousands of years. They distinguish from sheets by their thickness. This rectangular piece of material derived its name probably from Edmund Blanket, a 14th century clothier and wool and Member of Parliament from Bristol, who is buried in St Stephen's Church (Bristol).

Blankets vary not only in shapes, colors and prizes ( cheap blankets and more expensive one) but especially in materials, usage and thickness. And also even in nations: from hand making Native American blankets to tartan Scottish blankets which are almost as much important for Scotchmen as Scottish kilts and ghillie brogues. We have fleece and wool blankets, tartan, black and colourful one. We use them for covering our bodies when we are cold, and to cover our beds as a decoration bed throw. Only by changing the pattern design of our bed blanket we can give ourselves a totally new bedroom image. At the picnic they protect our clothes from grass and mud stains, also after the rain (it might be for example a waterproof picnic blanket). The Native Americans even use their blankets to pay off debts, to show gratitude, or to indicate status. It's indispensable element of equipment for horse riders (horses warming jacket) and firemen (as a furnishing protection; foam blanket). Visit our Web Site www.saddleonline.com

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Horse Blankets, Sheets

Because horse blankets are used for so many different situations, it shouldn't be surprising for you to find that there are many different types of horse blankets and sheets.

Horse blankets typically come in three different weights. A lightweight, known as a sheet, a medium weight for cold weather and a heavy weight for very cold weather. Medium and heavy weight blankets are filled for warmth, whereas sheets do not have any filling. When shopping for blankets, you will also see something referring to "denier" with a number beside it. This is a term used to indicate the size or number of filament or yarn. Sort of like thread count in sheets. The higher the number, the heavier the yarn or fiber. I had a young gelding that was always playing and ripping his blankets, so I always opted for blankets with a higher denier. I found one manufacturer that would guarantee their blankets against rips or tears for up to two years. These still ripped, but when they did, the manufacturer would replace the blanket.

If your horse needs to be protected from the cold but will be spending time in the pasture, you will want to use a turn out blanket. These blankets are made with waterproof materials and are designed so that it is hard for horses to become twisted around if the horse decides to roll around on the ground. Except for these added features, the turn out blanket is quite similar to the stable blanket.

Obviously the weight needed for a winter horse blanket depends on where you live and how cold it gets. On extremely frigid days, I have been known to layer multiple blankets on my horse, if needed. Blanket manufacturers will typically tell you what temperatures their blankets are good for. I often place my hand between the blanket and the horse to see if the horse feels warm. If her body temperature feels cool, I know I need to move to a heavier weight. In general, I use a sheet for weather in the 50's a medium weight in the 30s and 40s and a heavy weight for weather in the 20s and teens. I might also use a sheet if it is in the 60s and raining. Wind chill can warrant the need for a warmer blanket. Every horse is different. Older horses or horses that are clipped may require warmer blanketing. So, you have to gauge what is best for your particular climate and your horse's needs.

There are horse stable blankets and sheets that are worn by the horse while it is in the stable or stall. It is not waterproof and should not be worn while the horse is turned out in the paddock or pasture. While these are nice to have, there's no reason why you can't use a turnout blanket while the horse is in the stall. Visit Our Web Site www.saddleonline.com

Friday, December 19, 2008

Horse Blankets, Sheets

When you decide to have an animal at home or on your farm, it is important that you know how to take care of them properly. This may be easy if you have those domesticated animals that do not require much care. But what if you buy a riding horse and discover it is not as easy to care for the animal as you thought it would be? A lot of tack supply items are needed to take care of horses and one of the most important are the horse blankets.

Saddle blankets are made to keep horses warm. These blankets are also ideal for protection from wind and other elements. These types of blankets vary in sizes. In fact, most of them are custom-made to perfectly fit around the body of the horse from his chest to rump. Blankets for horses have straps that cross underneath their belly.

Although the blanket are heavily secured and fastened, horses can still move about freely. The most common of these blankets normally have one or two straps that securely buckle in front.

However, there are also some designs with closed front, thus requiring it to be slipped over the head of the horse. Also, there are those that have smaller straps lightly lopped around the hind legs of the horse that help to prevent the blanket form slipping sideways.

Horses wear horse blankets especially when they are traveling and they are designed with different weights for different weather conditions; water-resistance blankets are also available. Presently, almost all of these blankets are created and made with the toughest of modern materials.

These materials are also the ones used on human outdoor wear. Additionally, blankets for horses also help to keep their hair short. Preventing winter coats is also possible when they are used all throughout autumn. These are also suitable for horses with a partial trace clip or full body clip.

The Cooler is another of the many kinds of horse blankets. It is that square blanket that is tied and then draped over the horse that has just been bathed or has just completed a hot and sweaty, intense workout. This type of blanket is placed on the horse while it is being walked to cool down.

This provides better air circulation for the horse to dry off, while preventing drafts and chills that can cause problems. It is always important to consider the safety and the health of your horses, and this includes the type of horse supply products that you use. Visit Our Web Site www.saddleonline.com

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Horse Blankets, Sheets

Because horse blankets are used for so many different situations, it shouldn't be surprising for you to find that there are many different types of horse blankets and sheets.

Horse blankets typically come in three different weights. A lightweight, known as a sheet, a medium weight for cold weather and a heavy weight for very cold weather. Medium and heavy weight blankets are filled for warmth, whereas sheets do not have any filling. When shopping for blankets, you will also see something referring to "denier" with a number beside it. This is a term used to indicate the size or number of filament or yarn. Sort of like thread count in sheets. The higher the number, the heavier the yarn or fiber. I had a young gelding that was always playing and ripping his blankets, so I always opted for blankets with a higher denier. I found one manufacturer that would guarantee their blankets against rips or tears for up to two years. These still ripped, but when they did, the manufacturer would replace the blanket.

If your horse needs to be protected from the cold but will be spending time in the pasture, you will want to use a turn out blanket. These blankets are made with waterproof materials and are designed so that it is hard for horses to become twisted around if the horse decides to roll around on the ground. Except for these added features, the turn out blanket is quite similar to the stable blanket.

Obviously the weight needed for a winter horse blanket depends on where you live and how cold it gets. On extremely frigid days, I have been known to layer multiple blankets on my horse, if needed. Blanket manufacturers will typically tell you what temperatures their blankets are good for. I often place my hand between the blanket and the horse to see if the horse feels warm. If her body temperature feels cool, I know I need to move to a heavier weight. In general, I use a sheet for weather in the 50's a medium weight in the 30s and 40s and a heavy weight for weather in the 20s and teens. I might also use a sheet if it is in the 60s and raining. Wind chill can warrant the need for a warmer blanket. Every horse is different. Older horses or horses that are clipped may require warmer blanketing. So, you have to gauge what is best for your particular climate and your horse's needs.

There are horse stable blankets and sheets that are worn by the horse while it is in the stable or stall. It is not waterproof and should not be worn while the horse is turned out in the paddock or pasture. While these are nice to have, there's no reason why you can't use a turnout blanket while the horse is in the stall. Visit Our Web Site www.saddleonline.com

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Horse Blankets, Sheets

A horse blanket is for protecting your horse from the elements.
To keep your horse warm, protected from the rain, wind, heat
and sun. They are tailored to fit around your horse's body with
straps crossing underneath, allowing your horse to move about
freely without dislodging the blanket.

The traditional horse blanket is a woven blanket, usually made
of wool. 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 your 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
your horse’s coat, and is more durable than their wool or cotton
predecessors.

Another type of horse blanket, the Cooler blanket is a square
blanket with ties that is draped over your horse if it is hot
and sweaty after a workout, or has just been bathed and is wet
all over. It is kept on while your horse is being cooled down as
it allows enough air circulation for your horse to dry, and
prevents chills and drafts.

Horse blankets are sometimes used to keep your horse's hair
short. Blankets also protect horses that are kept with a short
coat for show purposes.

In summer a lightweight blanket may be used to help your horse
ward off flies and to prevent the hair coat from bleaching out.
These blankets are usually referred to as a "sheet" or a
"fly sheet". Usually they are made of nylon or strong synthetic
fiber with the capacity to "breathe" so that your horse can
remain cool.

If your horse is given a full body clip, or even a partial clip,
it is recommended a blanket be kept on at all times if the
weather is cool because your horse no longer has the natural
insulation of a longer hair coat. If a blanket is put on your
horse at the beginning of winter in order to suppress the growth
of a winter coat, or if your horse is kept clipped in cold
weather, the blanket must stay on until warmer weather arrives.
If your horse is subjected to cold weather without either a
horse blanket or a natural hair coat to keep it warm, it is far
more vulnerable to sickness and ill health.

It is important to choose a blanket that is appropriate to how
much extra protection from the weather that your horse genuinely
needs.

Make sure that the blanket fits your horse properly, regardless
of the blanket type. A blanket that is too tight will irritate
the skin and put your horse at risk of developing abrasions and
sores, while a blanket that is too large can slip down under
your horse’s belly. Not only will that result in the loss of
almost all the blanket’s insulating ability, if your 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.

It is best for each horse to have its own blanket. Sharing
blankets can lead to 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.

Visit Our Web Site www.saddleonline.com

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Horse Blankets, Sheets

Horse blankets intentions have changed tremendously over the course of time. These blankets were not first thought of to be used for horses and where more of an ordinary all-purpose daily item. Not only their intentions had changed but their construction and fabrics as well.
The history of horse blankets can be dated back to the Native American culture. Initially, horse blankets were used by Native American Indians for staying warm, rugs, spiritual ceremonies and other traditional usage. Blankets were also exchanged for possessions. It was a common practice to trade these blankets to other tribes and outsiders. Spanish foreigners used these blankets as buffer for their saddles or as protection between rider and horse.
Native American Indians spent a lot of their time developing horse blankets, which were woven by hand using wool cloth. The wool had to be cleaned and spun before the development of weaving could start. Dyes were produced by using plants and vegetables for a mixture of beautiful colors. Some horse blankets were woven smaller to be used with saddles.
To the present day, Native American Indians still hand weave horse blankets. One of the most sought after styles of blankets made is the Navajo blanket. These blankets are made with bright inks of earth blend colors and most times have fringed ends. Real Navajo horse blanket details diamond patterns and are desired for its simple, beautiful quality.
Tracking a real horse blanket in today's market can be hard and pricey. Horse blankets from the 1800's and early 1900's are few because they were actively used and wore out easily. People who desire to purchase authentic horse blankets sometimes use them as keepsakes or a decorative piece to their home or office.
Available, on the market are diverse fabrics and colors. There are some companies that will personalize your blanket and sheets to the size of your horse or match the blanket color to your barn. A lot of people choose to use blankets that are waterproof and have snap or Velcro closures. In the warmer months, people will buy sheet coolers to assist their horse with heat exposure.
From past to present, horse blankets are a highly cherished item. From collection pieces to everyday practical usage, horse blankets will always have an interesting history. Visit our website www.saddleonline.com