Posts Tagged ‘ horse blanket ’

By Bill Berfeld

In Southeast Texas, the winters rarely get cold enough to warrant blanketing your horses.  Of course there are those situations that require blanketing like the show horse that has been body clipped or the senior horse that might not have the body fat covering he had as a younger animal.  In rare situations, where temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20’s and remain there for 72 hours or more (like we are expecting between January 7-9, 2010), blanketing your horse might be required if shelter isn’t available.

Blankets will never replace a good barn or shed.  If your animals don’t have adequate cover to huddle under and keep the wind off, you might consider building a makeshift windbreak using some welded wire panels with plastic tarps securely fastened along the edges.  Even with this temporary set up, you may still want to consider blanketing.

Here’s some things you must consider when you elect to blanket your horses.  Of paramount importance is the fit of the blanket.  Blankets come sized, and the measurement needed in order to select the proper blanket should be taken from the center of the chest to the rear of the hip.  This measurement determines the length necessary to properly cover your animal.  If you use a blanket that is too small, rub spots will develop on the shoulders, the chest, the hips, and sometimes the withers.  If you use a blanket that is too large, it can slip to one side or the other creating a potential train wreck entanglement for the horse. 

Make a point to take the blanket off daily in order to inspect not only your horse, but the inside of the blanket.  Check your horse’s pressure areas and look under his belly for any signs of chaffing or rubbing.  If you recognize potential problems, you’ll catch them early enough to prevent severe injury to your animal.  Hang your blanket inside out over a fence or stall wall.  This way you can easily inspect it for rips or tears.  Using your hands, brush the lining of the blanket making sure no shavings or other object is lodged into the fibers that might cause a problem in the future.  Of course it goes without saying, if the blanket is noticeably soiled, wash and dry it before you use it again.

Quilted blankets are best designed for warmth and moisture resistance.  Select a blanket that is insulated, water resistant, has leg straps, criss-cross belly straps, and a chest strap with surcingle buckles.  This will provide you with more fit flexibility and still supply the warmth and protection your horse needs.  These blankets will usually retail between $65 and $195 depending on your location and the type blanket you need.  We have these blankets available at Conroe Feeders Supply and you can check our sizes by calling 936-756-5549.  Another quality source is Jeffers Equine.  They have the Newport Stable Blanket that normally retails for $79.95 on sale for $65.95 (See image below).  They are discontinuing this item, so stock is limited.  When we checked this morning, they still had all sizes available in black or navy.  No other colors were available.