Although the horse systematically adapts to climatic variations, it is still sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. In the case of wind, extreme cold or after exertion, it becomes fragile and can fall ill easily. To protect it, it is essential to cover it with a good quality horse blanket. However, before buying this product, it is necessary to first know your horse's environment, then where to find quality equipment. And finally, discover the ideal weight according to the breed of your horse. To guarantee the animal's well-being, it is essential to have several protections.
The living environment of the equine animal
It can be a horse living in a stall, in the meadow or in the paddock. If your horse spends most of its time in a meadow or paddock during the day, a waterproof blanket or horse rug is required. To be certain of the quality of the protection, first of all it must be waterproof at the seams and fabric. In this way, the horse will be well protected from the weather. It usually has thigh straps to secure the blanket in place when the horse starts to move. The specificity of this type of blanket lies in the presence of gussets. This system makes it possible to obtain optimal mobility and a tail flap to fight against the wind. On the other hand, indoor rugs are designed for horses living in a stable or stall. Stable blankets are not waterproof and are only intended for horses that are always kept indoors. They are made to provide more comfort. Depending on the environment, it is easier to make the purchase of a horse rug.
Where to find good quality blankets?
To find the right blanket or the ideal horse protection vest, there are many platforms dedicated to this purpose. To know the seriousness of a site, it is possible to consult the customer reviews or to study the details concerning the proposed product. Some shops specializing in the sale of equestrian equipment are also available. To find them, you just have to search on the Internet and see their addresses. However, to be sure to choose the perfect blanket, you need to know the right size. The size is expressed in cm and generally corresponds to the length of the horse's back. Each sales site makes available to Internet users a table of sizes according to the age, breed and activity of the horse. It is important that the blanket or vest is the right size. If it is too small, it could injure the animal for example.
The specificities of each breed
In order to find a quality blanket, it is essential to take into account the breed of your horse. For example, shorn horses must be covered at all times to make up for the lack of protection usually provided by their hair. During the moulting period, a blanket without a lining will do the trick. When the temperature is between 5 and 10°C, a warmer blanket with a 200-250 g weight can be used. Below 5°C, a shorn horse should be protected with a blanket of 300-400 g to protect against wind and cold at the same time. Other more resistant breeds with particularly thick winter hair do not need a blanket. The ponies are descended from Nordic horses and are therefore considered to be robust. Unless, they come from a crossbreeding other than with bloodhorses. As for horses from the South, they are reputed to have very fine hair, which protects them from the cold and not from humidity. A waterproof blanket will then be required to keep them warm.