Waterproof Horse Blanket
Equine owners are always finding ways to protect their horses from natural elements like
cold, wind and rain while keeping them comfortable and at ease. One of the greatest
inventions for equines is horse blankets. Although not all blankets are created equal, most
of equine owners are in favor of waterproof horse blanket. Why use waterproof blankets?
The Facts about Waterproof Horse Blanket
Waterproof horse blankets are made of natural and/or synthetic fibers. These fibers are
coated with “waterproofing” materials. These coating gives the fabric special
properties that can repel water from outside while allowing the moisture and air from inside
to pass through to avoid condensation or build up. Different manufacturers have developed
different “waterproofing” materials. The materials being used are rubber, silicon,
and wax, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and/or PU (polyurethane).
Equine owners use waterproof blankets to protect their horses from rain, wind and cold
weather while keeping them dry and warm. Of course horses are mammals and therefore
warm-blooded animals. As all mammals they sweat not only when they run around or play but
also when they stationary. Naturally they sweat in warm and in cold weather.
That is why waterproof horse blankets are in demand. The main aim of waterproof
horse blanket
is to keep a horse protected from outside elements while directing sweat away from its
body. This is to avoid the possibility of catching pneumonia and other complications.
There are different types of waterproof horse blankets:
- day sheet
- turnout
- coolers
- flysheets
- stables.
Day sheets are made from lightweight materials and are use to protect your horse from
mild weather. The price are various depending on the brand and are from $30 to as much as
$200.
Turnouts are used for horse’s outdoor activities and are made of sturdy materials
that are wear and tear resistant. They are pricier, too: cost could be between $60 to even
$400.
Coolers, on the other hand are used after your horse has betrothed in physical activities
like shows and competitions. They are made specifically to cool down the horse. This is also
explanation for the name of those waterproof blankets. They cost from around $40 to as much
as $250.
Stables waterproof blankets are used to protect horses in undercover areas from cold weather
and wind. They can cost from $40 to $300.
The flysheets waterproof horse blankets are used to protect the horses from insects. If you
want one for your equine friend, count with spending something between $40 and $250.
Basically the prices of waterproof horse blankets vary because of the brand or features.
Quite often the prices of waterproof blankets depend on the dealer or store selling the products.
Products LTD. They created Rambo Originals. But there are different manufacturers trying to
beat and surpass Horseware merchandise: Weatherbeeta, Kensington, Saxon and others.
Caring for Your Horses - Waterproof Horse Blankets
Although brand and price are just two simple factors in choosing the waterproof horse blanket.
To get the best waterproof horse blankets for your horses the important factors are fitting and
caring. Of course, for you to be able to get the perfect blanket you must first know the exact
measurement of your horse and consequently the size that will fit your horse. So, to get the exact
measurement of your horse start measuring at the center part of your horse’s chest up to
the edge of the tail. Make sure that your tape will pass across the widest part of its shoulder
and the hindmost part of its quarter. If possible ask your friend to help you in measuring or
keeping your horse still.
When it comes to cleaning and caring for your horse blankets you must always pay attention
and be keen. Make it a hobby to clean the blankets to avoid irritation, infection and allergies
the blanket may cause on your horse. Rub away unwanted elements like mud, manure, stray hair,
grime and dust. Shake it off few times before washing. Use warm water and mild detergent to avoid
destroying the waterproof coating. Well, just read washing instruction to know if your blankets
are hand or machine washable. Air-dry your blankets. Do not ever machine dry for them as the dryer
can ruin or shrink the fabric, especially synthetic one. Fold the blanket neatly and store in
self-sealing plastic bags. The ideal way is to have a spare blanket. It is always good to be ready
when things get rough.
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