Choosing The Right Horse Clothing And Horse Blankets

Winter is on its way and our horses can get sick or even injured if they are allowed to get overly wet and chilled. While horses have evolved to handle certain amounts of cold weather, we have altered their ability to fight the cold by keeping them indoors and by clipping them. As a result, our beloved horses will need a little extra protection from the elements to avoid getting chilled and experiencing joint stiffness. This is especially true after a good workout. As athletes, horses work up a sweat while they exercise as a means of stabilizing their body temperature. This stabilization is important, but getting sweaty on a cold day can lead to illness.

The horse clothing and horse blankets available on the market today provide the perfect solution to this dilemma. Just as riders must wear layers and protective clothing in the colder months, horses also need protection from the elements to remain fit and healthy. You can protect your horse from chilly winter weather using turnout blankets, turnout sheets, and dress sheets. The breathable, water resistant, and durable rip stop fabrics used to make them will keep your horse cleaner, warmer, and healthier throughout the winter.

Turnout Blankets Offer Tough Protection

Turnout blankets provide the ultimate in winter protection for horses that spend most or all of their time outside. Winter turnout blankets feature fleece linings that provide horses with comfort and warmth on even the snowiest days. Many turnout blankets are waterproof, making them highly useful in areas that get a lot of cold rain. For horses in cold or wet regions, look for a horse blanket with an integrated neck because the extra coverage will keep your horse warmer and will prevent rain from getting underneath, keeping your horse dry.

For state of the art protection, look for horse clothing made from waterproof, breathable stretch fabric that will allow your horse the freedom of movement. Well insulated and nicely fitting, this type of fabric along with a quick-snap double front closure and stretch webbing will ensure your horse is sure to be warm, dry, and comfortable, regardless of the weather.

If your region is especially wet, you may want to consider horse blankets made with durable rip stop polyester fabric that is waterproof and breathable for those wet, rainy days in the pasture. When combined with a polyfill insulating layer, it also provides warmth and protection from the cold. The fabric wicks away moisture, keeping your horse at an optimal temperature on even the coldest rainy days and choosing one in a bright orange color also offers protection from hunters.

If you prefer something lighter, medium weight horse clothing is an excellent choice for providing moderate warmth while remaining waterproof and breathable. The polyfill is somewhat lighter, keeping your horse from sweating in the cold and risking a chill. Nylon shoulder linings prevent chafing and high gussets offer your horse the freedom of movement they need. Removable leg straps are an added convenience.

If your weather varies, a blanket liner is a great way to supplement your existing blanket with a convenient insulating layer. You can use it on colder days and remove it as the weather warms. A blanket liner typically features low cross surcingles, double front closures, stainless steel hardware, and a removable tail flap.

Enjoy Moderate Protection from Turnout Sheets

Turnout sheets provide lightweight warmth and stretchable comfort for your horse on chilly mornings or after being clipped for the next show. Turnout sheets typically feature rip stop, 4-way stretch fabric that provides the ultimate in lightweight comfort. This breathable fabric is then laminated, making it both breathable and waterproof, ensuring the comfort and protection of your horse's winter health. This elegant article of horse clothing uses strategically placed panels to attain an aesthetically pleasing fit without the use of shoulder gussets.

Another useful turnout sheet is a waterproof and breathable fleece-lined turnout sheet that provides nearly weightless comfort and protection. The taped seams keep out moisture and the nylon lining at the shoulders and across the bottom help to keep your horse comfortable, clean, and dry on even the muddiest days. Removable leg straps offer an extra measure of convenience.

Stabilize Body Temperature with Dress Sheets

While severe weather won't require the use of a dress sheet, this article of horse clothing works much like a windbreaker. Dress sheets can help to stabilize your horse's body temperature after a strenuous workout if the weather is moderately chilly. Fleece dress sheets offer the added benefit of wicking away moisture, preventing aching joints.

Choosing the right horse clothing and horse blankets depends largely upon where you live and the type of weather your horse normally faces. If your horse spends most of their time outside, they will require better protection from the elements. Providing your horse with the comfort and protection of horse blankets and horse clothing is yet another way that you can ensure their good health, their comfort and your own peace of mind.