Horse World

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There are many different types of horse blankets with distinct functions and benefits.

Horse tack includes all the horse tools and accessories that are needed to care for your horse.

Tack can include blankets, lead line, saddle, bridle, and halter.

Selecting the various tack items that properly fits the needs of your horse can be confusing.

To guide you in your selection here are a few tack tips.

The proper horse blanket can improve a horse’s health and can also make your horse happy.

When we domesticate horses, we strip them of some of the natural defenses they have in the wild. This means that a horse looses some of his natural ability to withstand nature when we domesticate it and care for it.

The normal drastic weather changes that occur in regions of the world where there are different seasons gives the horse the need to develop a winter coat or to shed it in the spring.

When stalls shield a horse from the harsh winds and colder winter temperatures, the horse’s natural winter coat may not develop enough to protect him from the cold. This makes a blanket a necessary part of a horse’s tack.

Grooming is another thing we do that takes away the horse’s natural defenses.

The dirt, dead hair, and natural oils that we groom away normally would help to keep a horse warm, another reason for a blanket.

Some horse owners actually clip away the protective winter coat! If this is done it is imperative that you replace the natural coat with a blanket.

Unless the stable is heated, a horse without the natural protection nature gives it, will definitely need a blanket to keep warm.

During the fall, winter and early spring when the weather is cool to cold; a horse needs a well-insulated winter horse blanket.

Turnout blankets can provide your horse with UVA protection and can keep your horse cooler by deflecting the suns rays. It can also prevent the horse’s coat from becoming faded, bleached or discolored from the sun.

Horses with lighter coats or sensitive skin can especially benefit from having a turnout blanket.

Anti-Sweat sheets are used when a horse is worked under the hot summer sun or pastured in hot or humid weather.

Fly sheets are used to help battle mosquitoes and keep your horse cool.

Blankets can also be used anytime a horse is in a paddock or field to help prevent the horse from scraping itself.

Nylon halters and lead lines are the most commonly used because of their affordability and ease of use and how easy they are to clean.

Rope halters and leads are prone to shrinkage when wet, and are difficult to clean. They are easier to grip than the nylon ones. They are better for training than the nylon ones, which can cause rope, burn more easily.

Leather halters and leads are durable and if cared for like being regularly oiled and polished, leather halters and leads will remain supple and functional for many years.

Leather halters and leads are perfect for show but not very practical for training. When brand new they are stiff and should be oiled several times before using them.

The Nylon halter is preferred for its price, and overall usability. It also is available in a range of colors and styles.

The rope halter is best for price and the leather halter is the one to use when appearances are important.

The nylon lead line is easier to clean, and tied for best price-wise with the rope lead lines but for overall usability the rope lead lines are preferred. Leather lead lines are always chosen when showing a horse.

Previous Articles By This Author

• Buying Your First Horse
• Equipment for Horses
• Basics of Horse Care
• Grooming your Horse
• The History of Horses