Need some advice on blankets?

Question

I just bought a horse and I am now looking for blankets for her. I need to know what kind of blanket to buy. I live in Pa so the winters can get pretty cold here. I definitely want a turnout blanket. Do you think I need a stable blanket? I spent more on this horse than I was originally planning (fell in love ;) ) and so I am a bit tight on cash. Does anyone know of any good cheap brands? What things should I look for in a turnout blanket? What features should it have? How heavy should it be? Thanks!!

Answer 1

Horses are happy outside without a blanket even on cold days. However, you're wise to want to rug (blanket) her occasionally.

The most dangerous time for a horse is when it's a cold rain outside - rain with spitty sleet at 36 - even 46 degrees is MUCH colder than 20 degrees and snow. When the weather is nasty - as described - put her inside in a draft-free stall with thick dry bedding. She'll be happy there.

Now then a turnout blanket - shop for these at local livestock/tack sales. Buy used if you can - the horse doesn't care what color/style/make - just so it's warm. Even consider a trip to Lancaster - where horses are common. still, these are pretty pricy - but worth it. Get one with a good insulative lining and tough, outer shell that breathes. They come in different weights - so get one rated for your climate.

Stable blankets - are nice if you clip your horse in the winter (for winter fox hunting) or if your stable happens to be drafty. If you pull your wet horse inside - and especially if she's shivvering - that stable blanket can be mighty nice.

Again, it doesn't have to be pretty - just serviceable.

Look for good, solid construction - seams that are reinforced, bindings that are of quality. Look for hardware that is sturdy and solidly cast of brass or stainless steel. Of course, these are the things that drive up costs - so expect to pay a good price for quality.

Answer 2

okay well first off has the horse lived in this climate before or used to weather has the horse had blanket on before.
Climate is important if horse lived in florida and is used to warm weather and then lives in cold enviroment it may need a blanket. Try Valleyvetsupply.com good prices and explains what you need in turnout and stable .............yes id use both unless your stall is packed well with shavings.
Now if horse is use to change in climates and change of season and never had blanket dont do it, just remember horses can adapt. Now if you do blanket remember once you blanket a horse you cant stop, they get use to it and if you miss a day they will get sick just like you would if you went out without your coat all day

Answer 3

Is she clipped? Will she need to show and have a show coat? If no, then don't blanket.

Almost all horses do great without blankets. Where I live, it can be -20 windchill at times and my horses - the middle-aged one and the weanling - both made it through fat and happy last year. Horses have coats for a reason. In my opinion, you will just waste your money on a blanket. Your horse will be best without because they need a coat or either a 1200 denier blanket and at that point, you are spending a lot of dough.

We didn't barely increase the hay last year, either. It just depends on the horse. If they NEED a blanket for some reason, blanket them. If they don't, then leave them be. Just my philosophy...

Answer 4

I would check out some Weatherbeta and Saxon (same brands but different styles) They are relatively lower in price and winter turnout blankets will come with the necessary extras, ie: Leg straps and belly straps. And how cold are we talking? Middle weight blankets are fine for anything above - 20 Anything below that, Id go for something heavier. Although Iam a firm believer in o' natural', if it gets colder than -20 where you are, definatley consider something to help out with keeping your horse warm, especially if they're in a consistant schooling program and being put outside not quite dry after sweating etc. As far as a stable blanket, I dont think so, unless your horse is grey and you want to keep him / her clean (haha) then, I think they're happier o' natural.

Check out:
www.horsetackco.com - they have a pretty good selection and good prices on blankets


Good Luck !

Answer 5

I would get one good turn out blanket and no stable blanket. Turn out blankets are heavy enough (I lived in PA for several years) as long as you have a good shelter. Spend the money on a good Weatherbetta or Bucca Blanket. You will have a great water repellent blanket for years. Be sure to launder it before you put it up in the spring...it will last many years.

Answer 6

I just read a maginzine (Horse Illistraded) and they said that its better off just to let your horse take care of themselves in the winter unless they have been clipped or need special attention and ect. There has been proof that their natural winter coat keeps them warmer than putting a blanket on them. If you want more information then you might find some if you google it or something

Answer 7

Get a blanket with about 1200 denier. They are warm and most of them have a water proof outer-shell. State line tack has some good ones. Also ebay....yes i said Ebay has some AWESOME cheap blankets. I just bought 3 for a total of 100.00

Answer 8

f your horse is comfortable with an Aerborn Coolback numnah, this saddle cloth has a special lining which absorbs sweat from the horse's back! Or a quilted cotton saddle cloth! Good luck!! Get a nice warm one like a fleece wither pad or a Navajo saddle blanket for the winter.

Answer 9

I would get a stable blanket for those extremely cold snaps. Here are some on Amazon. Got one myself and it's good quality and you can't beat the price on a budget

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A3407471%2Cp_6%3AA1GZVIOK3VJCOP&page=1

I also bought one of these turn out blankets, again good quality and price and has free shipping.

http://www.horse.com/products/gift-0__sku-BEA21.html

Answer 10

I used Weatherbeeta blankets and they are awesome! We were in Michigan for 3 years and they are weatherproof and so cozy. You can probably find some used ones in good condition in your area on Craigslist or Ebay.