No matter how sturdy they may look, horses need some protection too especially from extreme temperatures. There are plenty of horse blanket types to choose from with each having different uses and features.
For example, there are horse rugs like caribu horse rugs that are designed to keep your horse warm during winter months while another horse sheet is breathable enough to provide protection while keeping it cool during summer season. With so many types out there, it might get confusing which one to choose. Here is a simple guide to help you out in picking the right kind of blanket for your horse.
Benefits of Buying a Blanket/Rug for Your Horse:
a. It helps to Keep Heat in Winter:
Blanket does a great job to keep your horse warm in winter or cold weather. The weight and thickness varies from different temperature.When the temperature is not so cold then a light weighted 70-80 gram blanket is okay. But when there is snowfall or cold windy weather then you need to cover your horse with a 300-400 gram heavy blanket. If you are from Australia and looking for best horse rugs then you should try caribu horse rugs. It is specially made for Australian weather condition.
b. It Saves your Horse from Wetness:
One of the important thing is to keep your horse dry. If your horse is wet, then he/she will get cold. Mainly in rainy season you can buy a rain sheet type rug that can save your horse from being wet. If the horse is warm in rainy or cold weather then there is less chance of being infected by flu or other diseases like white line disease or thrush.
c. It Keeps your Horse Clean:
Another reason of using a rug is to save your horse from being muddy and dusty. In winter season or when you transport your horse then he/she does not get bath daily. So, there is a big chance of the skin being dirty. A dusty and dirty environment can cause serious health problem for horses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease & lungs infection. That’s why you should always use a light weighted rug for your horse.
Tips For Buying Horse Blankets:
- When buying blanket for your horse keep in mind the perfect size of your horse. A small blanket can cause spots on chest or hips also it can cause chafing.
- Make sure that the blanket is not too heavy for your horse. A heavy blanket can cause extra sweat due to extra warm and it leads to unhealthy chilling.
- Invest in a rug that is comfortable over all weathers. Check the quality before buying. Also you should buy rugs depending on your countries weather like “caribu horse rugs” that is preferred by Australian horse owners.
Different Kind of Horse Blankets:
1. Turn-Out Rug
Turn out rugs provide warmth and protection to the horse but is also breathable at the same time to avoid overheating. It has a waterproof outer lining to keep the horse dry and comfortable. Most turn out rugs reach high up the horse’s neck for maximum protection.
It also has pleats on the shoulder part, giving the horse more versatility and ease in movement. Turn out rugs are made from durable fabric made to withstand regular wear and tear outdoors. Invest only on high quality Caribu horse rugs to be assured of long lasting usability and durability that is worth your investment.
2. Stable Blanket
As the name suggests, stable blankets are worn over a horse when it is kept in the stall or a stable. You can choose from an insulated type to keep the horse warm during cold weather conditions and lightweight just to protect the horse’s coat and keeping it cool during warm weather. Unlike turnout rugs, stable blankets are lighter because it is not that exposed to damaging factors outside.
3. Cooler
Coolers or anti-sweat sheets are designed to absorb the horse’s sweat and wick it away from its skin for fast drying. It helps keep the horse comfortable by keeping it dry. Basically, it is made from a breathable material that wicks moisture away. However, you can choose from different thickness, depending on when it is going to be used. Aside from drawing out sweat away from the skin, it also prevents the horse from feeling cold when the winds blow.
4. Therapeutic Blankets
Therapeutic blankets are the most expensive ones when it comes to horse protective equipment. It doesn’t just keep your horse warm or cool but rather heal or relax them with the use of technology added in its structure. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully for best results and to keep your horse safe while wearing it.
5. Fly Sheets
The main purpose of this is to protect the horse from insects that may bite them. It looks like a cooler, only that it is made from a fine, mesh-like material to keep insects off. If your horse is wearing a fly sheet outdoors, you can opt for ones with additional UV protection to protect it coat.
Keep your horse protected and comfortable by choosing the right horse blanket that suits its needs perfectly.
6. Rain Sheet
To protect your horse from the rain you may buy rain sheets. Rain sheets are waterproof and lighted. You can place the rain sheet blanket on other blanks in rainy seasons to protect both the blanket and your horse.
7. Summer rugs
You may think that what is the role of a rugs on Summer?. Yes, it is important to keep your horse clean. Mainly when you transport the horse or before an event you don’t want to make your horse dusty. It also prevents coat bleaching that is caused by Sun light.
