Horse rugs and blankets: make the right choice

As its name suggests, a horse blanket is useful for protecting the animal from the cold. Used outdoors or indoors, the available models differ in their size, tear resistance, and weight.

The choice of a horse blanket primarily depends on the environment.

- The models intended for indoor use are not waterproof. They keep the horse warm when it is in its stall or in a stable. Some versions are equipped with elastic thigh straps to allow the horse to lie down easily.

- The accessories intended for outdoor use are characterized by their waterproofness, both in terms of fabric and seams. Their design is optimized to minimize water infiltration, especially around the tail and flanks. They are used during outings in the paddock. Comfort gussets at shoulder level and elastic thigh straps optimize the animal's comfort during movement.

The available accessories differ by the weight of their fabric, which determines the warmth provided. Several parameters need to be considered when making a choice:

- the climate of the region;

- the animal's coat (clipped or not);

- the weight indicated in the name of each product.

In any case, the breeder should have a warm blanket to warm the animal at the beginning and end of winter, and a very warm model for the coldest periods.

Tear resistance should also be taken into account in the choice of accessory:

- it is measured in "denier";

- it depends on the quality of the weaving;

- a resistance of 600 denier is considered average;

- the strongest blankets have 1,600 denier.

The size of the blanket depends on the horse's height at the withers:

- 85 cm for a pony 85 cm to 100 cm;

- 95 cm for a pony 100 cm to 110 cm;

- 105 cm for a pony 110 cm to 120 cm;

- 115 cm for a pony 120 cm to 140 cm;

- 125 cm for a pony 140 cm to 145 cm;

- 135 cm for a horse 145 cm to 160 cm;

- 145 cm for a horse 160 cm to 170 cm;

- 155 cm for a horse 170 cm to 180 cm;

- 165 cm for a horse over 180 cm.

Thus, the choice of a horse blanket depends on its use (indoor or outdoor), its behavior (tendency to tear the accessory), the climate, the animal's coat, and its height at the withers.