The advent
of the turnout blanket has helped horse owners to keep their horses
on the so called "combined system" without which hundreds of us
would find it hard to manage these days when most owners have to "do
it yourself" rather than employ a groom.
The practice of turning fit, clipped horses out for a few hours
each day is most beneficial. It is certainly better for the horse
and easier on the owner and cuts out the need for hours of exercise.
The horse exercises itself, relaxes and avoids boredom, but of
course, requires a good weatherproof blanket to protect him from the
elements.
Ideally, the horse owner needs two outdoor blankets so that in
very inclement weather, one blanket can be dried while the second is
in use. If a horse is turned out permanently in a turnout blanket,
it most important that the rug is checked daily to ensure the the
horse is not suffering any discomfort.
A better fit is ensured when leg straps are crossed. The second
leg strap is looped through the first and then clipped on the same
side. When properly adjusted, this helps to stop the leg straps from
rubbing.
Cleaning turnout blankets can be a problem, especially with the
introduction of waterproof and breathable high technology fabrics.
We recommend that at the end of a season, the outer fabric be
sponged clean and thoroughly dried. Repairs should be carried out
before packing away for the summer.
A few words about "Waterproof"
and "Breathable." We
make our blankets as waterproof as possible, but in the heaviest of
prolonged downpours, it is difficult to guarantee that some seepage
will not occur, especially in the areas around the neck and tail
where wind can drive the rain underneath the blanket. Please
remember that there is a limit to what any fabric will take,
especially when it is rolled in the mud several times per day.
Canvas rugs should be weathered once or twice and dried to allow
the pores in the canvas to close before it becomes fully waterproof.
The fabric used in many of your horse blankets is also waterproof as
well as breathable in normal use, but if the horse spends a
considerable amount of time galloping around the paddock in wet,
humid weather, perspiration can build up under the outer fabric.
Colder Climate - Storms:
Provide additional comfort and protection for your horse by covering
first with a Thermal Insulator then covering with your horse
blanket. The Thermal Insulator will add 20 to 30 degrees of
additional protection.
Comfort Range:
Temperature levels for which a blanket is designed and made to
protect your horse.
