With winter setting in, December is the perfect time to buy a new winter blanket! So, we thought we'd give you a quick rundown of the points to consider when making such a purchase for your four-legged companion!
1- Stable blanket or turnout blanket?
Do you really need a winter blanket, or could a simple stable blanket meet your needs? It's a misconception to believe that stable blankets are less warm than outdoor winter blankets! A stable blanket is much cheaper than a winter blanket and is, in most cases, just as warm. What's the difference? It's simple: a stable blanket is not waterproof and is less resistant to tearing. It's perfect, for example, for a horse that spends the winter in an unheated stable but will be insufficient for one that stays outdoors.
2- What thermal insulation?
Mistakenly, many of our customers believe that the higher the denier count of the blanket's nylon, the more insulated and, therefore, warmer it is. This is entirely a misconception! In fact, to determine a blanket's warmth level, you should pay attention to the gram weight of the thermal insulation inside it. This weight is generally between 100 and 300 grams. In summary, a blanket with 100 grams of insulation will offer very light insulation, while 400 grams of insulation will keep it warm even in the coldest winter weather.
3- What durability?
Let's go back to the famous nylon denier count, which typically ranges from 210 to 1680. I told you that the denier count has nothing to do with a blanket's warmth level. So what are they for? In fact, the denier count is a measure of the quality of the nylon, which constitutes the outer layer of the blanket. The higher the denier count, the thicker and, therefore, more resistant the nylon layer will be. Obviously, the more deniers, the higher the price of the blanket. It's important to know that all blankets with 600 denier and above are waterproof and windproof. Of course, nothing guarantees that your horse won't use its blanket as a chew toy, but the higher the denier count you choose, the more resistant and durable it will be.
4- What size?
Ah... the question! Many customers come to the store with only their four-legged companion's height or weight as a measurement. While there are charts that can estimate the necessary blanket size, the only sure method is to measure your horse yourself. To take this famous measurement, simply measure the length of the horse from the middle of its chest to the back of its hind legs. This measurement in inches will give you the correct size to select!
There you have it! By answering these four questions, you should be able to make an informed choice when purchasing your next winter blanket. You can view our available models online and in-store here!
