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Horse Blankets & Sheets: What You Need to Know First

Posted December 23, 2014 in Equine Blog by Ron W Hamilton

Jeffers® Basic Canvas Turnout Blanket

Last week we talked about how to winterize your horse. Today we’re going to go a little deeper into one of those tips, which is using horse blankets or sheets. The wide selection of blankets and sheets available can be confusing, so here is your primer.

How To Blanket A Horse:

DENIERA tan and white horse wearing a navy and tan Amigo Turnout Blanket while running through a pasture. is the type of thread the blanket shell is made of. The higher the number (i.e. 1680 Denier) the heavier the thread, the higher density of the weave. The higher the density, the greater the durability and strength of the fabric for outdoor use. For example, a 1200 Denier blanket will be more resistant to tears than a 600 Denier blanket.

WATERPROOF means a membrane is bonded to the inside of the shell, allowing it to breathe and, at the same time, reject water penetration. Washing with most laundry detergents will damage the waterproof properties of this membrane. Horseware Ireland Rambo Blanket Wash is made specifically to clean blankets and will not effect waterproofing. Horseware Ireland Rambo Wash is 100% biodegradable, environmentally-friendly, and made in USA.

Only turnout blankets and sheets ARE waterproof. Most stable blankets and sheets are NOT waterproof.

CLIMATE: Most horses do very well in mid-weight blankets because their hair is its own form of insulation and can keep most horses warm and toasty. For areas that have below 0 degree temperatures like Minnesota, New York, Maine and Michigan, the heavy weight horse blankets will be far more comfortable for the horse. The higher the ‘FILL’, the warmer and heavier the blanket.

  • Sheet – NO fill (0 gram)
  • Lightweight – up to 180 grams
  • Mid-weight – about 200 – 280 grams of fill
  • Heavyweight – about 300 – 400 grams of fill

STABLE BLANKET is designed to be used inside the barn, where it and the horse are protected from the elements.

A brown and white horse wearing an Amigo Bravo 12 Wug 1200D Horse Blanket, 240g while galloping through a field. TURNOUT BLANKET is designed to be used outside, rain or shine, for rough and tumble behavior.

MEASURE FOR SIZE:

All Jeffers Equine Exclusive blankets: Measure with a soft measuring tape from the center of the chest, around the point of the shoulder, back along the widest part of their flank and end just at the edge of the tail.

To measure for a European cut of blanket, like WeatherBeeta or Horseware, measure the same way and subtract 2″. If between sizes, round up or down to the nearest blanket size (ie.  if your horse is a 76 and the blanket sizes are 75 and 78, pick a 75).

View the entire line of horse blankets, sheets, and turnouts to find the perfect one for you and your horse.

Blanket & Sheet Return Policy If you are not completely satisfied with your blanket or sheet selection, you may return the unused product for exchange or refund. The item should be in new condition with tags and packing. (HINT: Use a bed sheet on your horse when trying on blankets to protect from dirt and hair.) A 20% restocking fee applies to blankets or sheets showing dirt, hair or wear marks. Shipping/Service and Freight charges are non-refundable!