Which Blanket Should You Choose?
Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself....
What kind of hair coat does your horse have? Does your horse grow hair easily? The winter horse coat comes in at two different levels – one is a shorter layer for insulation, the next is a longer layer that protects the lower layer from rain, snow and wind. We’ve all seen those horses that look like woolly mammoths – hair that is so thick you feel bad for the owner that has to shed it out in the spring. Other horses don’t grow as much – if your horse doesn’t have a thick, luxurious coat - he probably needs an extra layer to keep warm.
Do you body clip in the winter? If you show through the winter or you work your horse regularly and don’t want to dry out a long coat often – you may body clip your horse during the winter. Without that extra hair your horse will need to be blanketed. It’s always a good idea to make sure that your horse is dry before putting the blanket on.
What kind of shelter does your horse have? While some of our horses stay in the barn during the winter there are many others that get to go out during the day or stay out 24/7. If your horse is one that stays out 24/7, is there a place that he can get away from the precipitation and blustery weather? A horses coat will most often grow in enough to keep them warm – but sometimes they don't. Depending on the shelter and hair coat you may need an extra layer of warmth for your horse.
How old is your horse and are they in a good body condition? While some of our horses stay in the barn during the winter there are many others that get to go out during the day or stay out 24/7. If your horse is one that stays out 24/7, is there a place that he can get away from the precipitation and blustery weather? A horses coat will most often grow in enough to keep them warm – but sometimes they don't. Depending on the shelter and hair coat you may need an extra layer of warmth for your horse.
Now that you’ve thought about your horse’s coat, shelter, age and body condition - here is a breakdown of the blankets with their weights.
1680 Denier Turnout Blankets – These are the some of the toughest, most durable blankets that you can buy. These turnouts have a high tear resistance. They are DuPont Teflon coated for superior wind and water proofing. The material is also breathable.
Many of the 1680D turnouts come with an inner air mesh membrane for extreme breathability and to wick away moisture, like the Ice Shield. Some have detachable hoods like the Olympia and an attached hood like the Rainier. If you're looking for a bit of extra protection without a full hood, there are also high neck options like the Vortex. Some also come with a double adjustable snap and buckle open front closure with Velcro assist to allow for maximum adjustment like the Arctic Shield. The 1680 Denier blankets come in a range of poly-fill insulation including Heavyweight, Midweight and Lightweight warmth.
1200 Denier Turnout Blankets – Strong, heavy-duty ripstop material. 1200D is the density of the yarn used in the making of the outercovering. DuPont Teflon coated for superior wind and waterproofing. The material is also breathable.
Most of 1200D turnouts come with a smooth, nylon lining that helps to keep the horse’s hair slick and clean like the Calgary. The Paladin offers an inner mesh membrane to wick away moisture as well as high neck coverage. New, fun patterns can be seen on the Calgary and our signature classics like the Snow Ridge are tried and true winter blankets that hold up against demanding winters. The SnowRidge and Storm Pro Neck Covers offer durable, warm protection from the elements. The 1200 Denier blankets come in a range of poly-fill insulation including Heavyweight, Midweight and Lightweight warmth.
600 Denier Turnout Blankets – Strong, ripstop material. 600D is half the density of the 1200D turnouts. Great for horses that aren’t extremely tough on their blankets. DuPont Teflon coated for superior wind and waterproofing. The material is also breathable.
The 600D turnouts come with a smooth, nylon lining that helps to keep the horse’s hair slick and clean. Miniature horse blankets are available in the 600D with a strong velcro bellyband. The Glacier features a fun new snowflake pattern and the Nordic is a turnout favorite. Available weights include Heavyweight or Rainsheet with no insulation.
Turnout & Rainsheets – Rainsheets are perfect for horses that need extra protection from the elements, but not the poly-fill for warmth. Our large selection found here offers every types of outdoor sheets you may need - from a rain sheet to protect horse and tack at a show to heavy-duty strength for horses that are tough on blankets.
1200 Denier Stable Blankets – One of the toughest stable blankets you can buy. Available in tight weave Cordura material or Polypropylene. Cordura material stable blankets like the Squall come in a bellyband style that makes it easy to stay in place with secure velcro. Polypropylene material like the Highland are tough stable blankets that also have gussets for maximum freedom of movement. The Highland also comes in Miniature Horse sizes. Many weights are available ranging from Heavyweight to Lightweight.
420 Denier Stable Blankets – One of our most popular stable blanket options. The Sentinel Channel Quilt is a favorite for its durability and quality. It is available in an open two buckle front or closed front for ease and convenience. The Channel Quilt Neck Cover offers additional warmth. The Diamond Quilt offers a strong and secure velcro bellyband.
Stable Sheets – Fantastic choice for keeping a horse's coat clean before a show or competition! They are also ideal for chilly weather when a stable blanket is too warm.
