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The Perfect Fit:
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To ensure optimum fit, please follow these instructions
when measuring your horse for blankets or sheets. |
Using a flexible measuring tape, measure from the center of the horse’s chest, around the widest part of the shoulder, along the barrel, and around
the widest part of the hind-quarter to the center of the rear. The measurement in inches is the size of the blanket.
If your horse measures an odd number please add one inch to the measurement, this will produce the most
accurate number for the size of your horse. If measureing for a European cut blanket, please reduce the size of
your size selection by one size .
European Cut
- High Neck
- Long Drop
- Tail Piece
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- Criss-Cross Belly Strap
- Seamless from
Withers to Tail
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How To's - Blanketing Tips
We know struggling with a blanket is not fun. To maximize the quality time you have with your horse, we have prepared some quick tips to make blanketing quick and easy!
Fastening surcingles and leg straps:
- Cross surcingles, leaving a width of a hand between the horse's stomach and the straps.
- Secure the right leg strap, going between the hind legs to the right Dee ring. Take the left leg strap between the legs and loop it through the right leg strap, then secure it to the Dee ring on the left side.
- Adjust the leg straps leaving a hand width between the leg and the strap.
- Adjust the front closures so the blanket is forward enough on the shoulder to allow leg movement without rubbing and the tail flap starts at the top of the tail.
Following these steps ensure the blanket stays securely in place and that the freedom of leg movement is not impaired. A blanket that is not adjusted properly will slide back, rub hair off and cover the tail not allowing the tail to lift freely. Loosely fitted surcingles and leg straps could allow the blanket to shift or legs to get tangled and cause injury to the horse or damage the blanket. If the fit is proper, it should be comfortable, and a horse is also less likely to try to remove it!
How To's - Extending Blanket Life
Blanket Wear and Tear
To help extend the life of a blanket, beyond the fit adjustments above, here are a couple of helpful tips:
- To extend the use of a blanket, if not living in a region with extreme winters, buy a Light-Weight Turn-Out sheet instead of a Heavy-Weight Turn-Out blanket. It can be used for turn out, over a heavier Stable blanket, sheet or fleece depending on the weather. A sheet or fleece next to the horse's body will retain more warmth, absorb more moisture and keep the more expensive blanket from getting as dirty. The sheet or fleece is also easier to clean.
- When using more than one layer removable leg straps are less bulky between the legs, and the layers can be linked together using one set instead of two, reducing the change of tangling and saves time. They also can be replaced easily if damaged, never loosing the use of the blanket. They are also much more likely to stretch or break under pressure of a caught leg rather than damage the blanket or injure the horse. Keeping a spare set of straps readily available will allow replacement immediately.
How To's - Understanding Materials Used
Ballistic Nylon
This type of nylon's weave is extremely tight, strong and durable. Ours is also very soft, flexible and amazingly lightweight.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fabric. It is very absorbent and lightweight. We use high quality cotton for increased breathability, softness and shrink resistance.
Denier
This is describing the threads thickness that is used to create the fabric. A lower number implies a thinner fabric. A higher number suggests increased durability. This is, however, just one factor in a blankets durability- the strength is also affected by the material itself and the pattern, like ripstop. Our 600D blankets are stronger for that reason.
Fleece
Fleece is a soft synthetic pile fabric. Fleece wicks away moisture from your horse, while providing warmth with minimal weight.
Microfiber Peachskin (P.U. coating)
Nylon
A smooth, silky synthetic fabric that is resilient and strong. Polishes your horses coat for a flat, shiny appearance. It will also reduce friction between your horse and the blanket.
Nylon Dobby (P.U. Coating)
Nylon Taslan (P.U. Coating)
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric. It is very strong-resisting shrinking, stretching and ripping. It holds up well to the weather and is extremely long lasting.
Polyester Moss Microfiber (P.U. Coating)
P.U. Coating
This stands for polyurethane coating. There are various levels of this type of treatment. We use the highest grade for durability, higher breathability and waterproofing. Several methods are commonly used in blankets and most will inhibit breathability by sealing the fabric. The method used in our blankets leaves them extremely breathable and yet they completely seal the weather out. It is several times higher than the industry standard.
Our fabric will allow 2 liters of water vapor, or sweat, per square meter per hour to escape. It will also stand a 3000mm stream of water before the fabric will start to leak through.
Ripstop
Ripstop is referring to a strong, lightweight nylon strand woven into fabric at regular intervals in both directions. This keeps the fabric from increased damage. Rips, tears and holes are controlled.