A Horse blanket is essential to protect horses and other animals from the cold and other elements. The horse blankets are tailored to fit around the horse’s body from rump to chest. The blanket is fixed under the belly, and the legs are kept free to move quickly.
Blankets are primarily used to shield horses from cold and extreme weather conditions. The blankets are of different designs and sizes based on their purpose and type. Some blankets have straps that buckle in front.
What is the Purpose of a Horse Blanket?
Standard blankets are given to horses during horse pasture, free at stalls, or travel. The primary purposes of blankets are as follows:
- Protect horses from extreme cold or bad weather.
- Blankets are used to keep horse hair short.
- Protect horses from insects.
- Blankets help to keep clean from dust.
Most Common Types of Horse Blankets
The most common types of horse blankets are as follows:
1. Saddle Blanket
A saddle blanket is a cloth used under the saddle while riding. The alternative name for a saddle blanket is a saddle pad, saddle cloth, or numnah. The saddle blanket covers the entire back, ribs, and shoulders. A few hybrid designs cover the legs, thigh, and belly to protect a horse from extreme cold.
2. Cooler or Mantle Blanket
A cooler blanket is a square-shaped piece of cloth covering the horse’s whole body. The blanket is used during the summer. Soft cotton, synthetic fleece, or woven cloth prepares the mantle. The blanket is the horse to cool off and prevents excessive heat loss from becoming hypothermic.
3. Anti-sweat Horse Blanket
The anti-sweat blanket is made of loosely crocheted cotton. The blanket is used to absorb sweat. The blanket is placed under a cooler when it becomes wet.
4. Barrier Blanket
A barrier blanket is more than 40 kg of weight and placed over the horse before entering starting stalls. The blanket is used in Australian Thoroughbred racing. The blanket is tied at the back of the stall before the horse is loaded.
5. Turnout Blanket
The turnout blanket protects the horse from cold, wind, rain, and snow. The blanket covers the whole body from the neck to the back of the tail. The purpose of the turnout horse blankets varies depending on things like grazing, racing, exercise, clipping, body weight, and age.
6. Stable Blanket
The blanket is used for the stabled horses during the cooler months. The blanket helps produce heat and protect the horse from becoming hypothermic. Stable blankets are lighter in weight and help to keep the horse clean.
7. Horse Blanket: Mesh Sheets
Mesh sheets are a thin synthetic cloth that covers the whole horse to protect it from irritating fly bites. Mesh sheets are used during the summer when horses spend more time outdoors. The mesh sheets provide comfortable grazing and living conditions.
8. Cotton Sheets
The horses are kept outdoors during summer weather, giving them more benefits from UV protective sheets. These blankets have more soft cotton that keeps the horse cooler and absorbs sweat quickly. The cotton sheets also keep the horse free from flies and dust and make it clean.
Final Talk on Horse Blanket
Horse blankets are essential to horse tack and equipment for smooth management. The blankets are of different types, shapes, sizes, and purposes. As a horse owner, you must select a suitable blanket for your horse and give it a comfortable environment.
Horses are the most precious companion animals that will give you pride, comfort, and honor. You must keep your horse fit and healthy by taking the necessary measures.
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