Many items are needed to care for horses. Let's explore two such items now. Suppose your horse needed added warmth? Would you just let it shiver and risk illness? No, you'd provide it with something called a horse blanket. Horse blankets are quite handy and can be used in many different ways, to benefit both you and your horse.
Some people collect horse blankets to use as decorations around their home, office, or restaurant. Museums have collections of horse blankets, which date back centuries. A true horseman respects the use of the horse blanket and has discovered much value in owning several. The old West was not complete without horse blankets. They kept the horse comfortable by providing padding underneath the saddle, kept the horse warm and even at times provided warmth or a pillow for the rider. They were valuable to use for trade in areas where they were not readily available.
Now let's discuss the leg wrap. If you prefer, you can find a leg wrap to match the color of your horse blanket. This might be an issue is you are entering a parade or showing your horse or if you just prefer such attention to detail. There are many colors available in leg wraps.
Horses do get injuries and require leg wraps as part of your medical supplies. A conscientious horse owner would keep a few on hand for emergencies. They are sold at veterinary supply offices. Use your leg wraps wisely so as to enhance and not hinder the healing process of your wounded animal. Magnetic leg wraps are sold for aid to circulation problems and to enhance cellular activity for quicker healing. This might benefit problems with joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
There are elastic bandage leg wraps, also used by some people for their own injuries, sold in four by five yard rolls, which stick to themselves.
Should you want your youngster to feel important while caring for your wounded pet, you could use animal print leg wraps. This would make learning about horse care more appealing for the child.
If color isn't an issue, there is your basic black leg wrap, made of neoprene. Or you could buy a fancy satin white leg wrap. Quilted leg wraps can be washed in your washer and thrown into your dryer, providing longer lasting use.
If you are out rounding up livestock far away from the home and maybe are unable to get back quickly, suppose your horse develops cuts on his legs and you have nothing suitable to use as a bandage or leg protection before heading into rougher territory. Once more, we bring leg wraps and horse blankets together. What's more important, the blanket, or your animal's welfare? Cut off a piece of the horse blanket and use it as a temporary leg wrap.
Always consider consulting your local veterinarian for your horse's injuries. A leg wrap may not be necessary and if not used properly could inhibit the results.
Sunday
Taka Medium Weight High Neck Turnout w/Freestyle
Taka Medium Weight High Neck Turnout w/Freestyle
(WeatherBeeta) *1260 denier polynylon outershell with contrasting piping *NEW wither relief high neck cut *Combination elastic/web adjustable/removable leg straps *NEW Repel Shell fabric treatment *Freestyle dart gusset and tail flap *Wickeasy lining *Clip and d-ring front closure *Stainless steel surcingle fittings with rubber stoppers *Belly wrap *220 gram poly fill Color: Navy/Blackberry Size choices: 69", 72", 75", 78", 81", 84", 87" Note: For additional information on blanketing a horse and our return policy click on the "View Manufacturer and/or Label Information" link below. FREE Matching WickEasy Cooler With the purchase of any Taka Turnout Blanket with Freestyle (KO-T0 or KO-1A). Comes in package. No limit. While supplies last. Expires: 04/11/2008.
What Is A Horse Blanket?
Some use the horse blanket as merely adornment for their horses. A horse blanket was intended, however, to be functional. Although your pampered pet may not need a horse blanket in areas where the weather is always warm or mostly pleasant year-round, you would certainly want to use it for the comfort of your horse where it has to suffer from the cold or even just chilly weather. A horse blanket has been a part of horse accessories for many years.
Some people like to collect horse blankets and use them as decoration around their home. The western décor is a popular one, especially in some areas of California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado. Although not limited to these areas, the horse blanket has reached high levels of popularity.
If you have ever been to a rodeo, you are sure to have seen a horse blanket. It's all part of the western charm of the rodeo. Maybe you aren't a rodeo fan, but just love horses. You may be a horse racing fan, own a farm, or just have a horse for a pet. You don't have to own a horse to own a horse blanket.
Horse blankets are often sold in tourist attractions across the United States. Along the route from Texas to California, you can find horse blankets in the tourist stores along the interstate. Almost any farm clothing store will carry horse blankets to sell. Some hardware stores stock a few. There are those made in Mexico, for sale to the tourists who want to take home a warm or decorative memento of their travels. You can find them at stores or flea markets held on Indian reservations. You may be lucky enough to pick some up at garage sales.
Some like to scatter them around their home for use as throws to keep them warm as they watch television or a movie in their living room or den. They can be quite attractive tossed over the couch or favorite recliner. You can even use them as curtains or throw one on your bed to complete your room! Do you have an unsightly mess you wish to cover? Put that horse blanket to use! Give an old one to the kids to play with, for use with their outdoor picnics to spread on the ground for a nap, or to arrange their toys for a pretend farm scene.
A horse blanket can be carried in the car to use on long trips. It can cover your stained seats, your valuables bought along the way as you make trips to shop or visit the tourist attractions, or to keep you warm if your heater is on the blink!
Horse blankets are made of sturdy, durable materials and are long-lasting. There are blankets made of softer materials that just have a horse's picture on it and not for actual use on a horse. It would probably be a stretch to even call it a horse blanket.
Some people like to collect horse blankets and use them as decoration around their home. The western décor is a popular one, especially in some areas of California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado. Although not limited to these areas, the horse blanket has reached high levels of popularity.
If you have ever been to a rodeo, you are sure to have seen a horse blanket. It's all part of the western charm of the rodeo. Maybe you aren't a rodeo fan, but just love horses. You may be a horse racing fan, own a farm, or just have a horse for a pet. You don't have to own a horse to own a horse blanket.
Horse blankets are often sold in tourist attractions across the United States. Along the route from Texas to California, you can find horse blankets in the tourist stores along the interstate. Almost any farm clothing store will carry horse blankets to sell. Some hardware stores stock a few. There are those made in Mexico, for sale to the tourists who want to take home a warm or decorative memento of their travels. You can find them at stores or flea markets held on Indian reservations. You may be lucky enough to pick some up at garage sales.
Some like to scatter them around their home for use as throws to keep them warm as they watch television or a movie in their living room or den. They can be quite attractive tossed over the couch or favorite recliner. You can even use them as curtains or throw one on your bed to complete your room! Do you have an unsightly mess you wish to cover? Put that horse blanket to use! Give an old one to the kids to play with, for use with their outdoor picnics to spread on the ground for a nap, or to arrange their toys for a pretend farm scene.
A horse blanket can be carried in the car to use on long trips. It can cover your stained seats, your valuables bought along the way as you make trips to shop or visit the tourist attractions, or to keep you warm if your heater is on the blink!
Horse blankets are made of sturdy, durable materials and are long-lasting. There are blankets made of softer materials that just have a horse's picture on it and not for actual use on a horse. It would probably be a stretch to even call it a horse blanket.
Are Horse Blankets Really Necessary?
Physically the horse is a thing of incredible beauty and unbelievable wonder. There are very few things in the world more beautiful then a well groomed horse in motion. It doesn't matter if that horse is performing a complicated dressage test, running down the backstretch, sailing over a jump, or chasing after a calf, the horse is a thing of incredible beauty.
In addition to being structurally designed to steal your breath , horses have a hair coat that is designed to withstand the elements. As long as they have plenty of fresh water, lots of roughage and a good shelter there is very little reason to blanket a horse. Most breeds have skins that are fairly tough. In addition to a tough skin they are blessed with a wonderful hair coat. Their hair is designed to fluff and catch pockets of air, once the air is caught in the hair it is warmed with the horses body heat. A healthy horse with a good hair coat will stay warm, wrapped in their air pocket throughout the winter. If you don't believe drive past a field of unlamented horses in the winter, chances are pretty good that they will be completely ignoring any shelter they have been given. The only time the average horse has a real problem with staying warm is if they have gotten wet, or if their hair has been flattened by mud.
Just because the average horse doesn't need a blanket in the winter doesn't mean that they all don't. Several breeds, including Arabians and Thoroughbreds, have thin skin that is easily chilled. Older horses can also have a difficult time staying warm. Horses that have had an injury or illness that caused them to loose hair. Horses that are underweight are another group of horses that should be watched carefully to make sure they don't develop a chill.
There are a variety of reason's horse owners might choose to leave their horse blanketed during the winter months. Some people who ride during the winter months choose to save time cooling out and waiting for their horse to dry after it has been worked by body clipping, horses that have been body clipped must be blanketed.
Several show barns might decided to leave their horses blanketed so they are able to attend shows in the early spring with a horse that is sleek and shiny as opposed to a horse that is covered in a thick winter fuzz.
In the summer there are three main reasons a horse owner might choose to blanket their horse. Some horses, especially light colour ones are prone to sunburn, wearing a light weight blanket allows these horses to be outside without burning. Some horses are highly susceptible to bug bites a turnout fly sheet prevents bugs from biting their sensitive skin. Horse owners who spend a great deal of time on the show circuit will use a light weigh sheet to prevent the sun from bleaching their show horses coat. A few horse owners will even resort to a heavy weight turnout rug in an attempt to help sweat off a few of their equine friends excessive pounds.
In addition to being structurally designed to steal your breath , horses have a hair coat that is designed to withstand the elements. As long as they have plenty of fresh water, lots of roughage and a good shelter there is very little reason to blanket a horse. Most breeds have skins that are fairly tough. In addition to a tough skin they are blessed with a wonderful hair coat. Their hair is designed to fluff and catch pockets of air, once the air is caught in the hair it is warmed with the horses body heat. A healthy horse with a good hair coat will stay warm, wrapped in their air pocket throughout the winter. If you don't believe drive past a field of unlamented horses in the winter, chances are pretty good that they will be completely ignoring any shelter they have been given. The only time the average horse has a real problem with staying warm is if they have gotten wet, or if their hair has been flattened by mud.
Just because the average horse doesn't need a blanket in the winter doesn't mean that they all don't. Several breeds, including Arabians and Thoroughbreds, have thin skin that is easily chilled. Older horses can also have a difficult time staying warm. Horses that have had an injury or illness that caused them to loose hair. Horses that are underweight are another group of horses that should be watched carefully to make sure they don't develop a chill.
There are a variety of reason's horse owners might choose to leave their horse blanketed during the winter months. Some people who ride during the winter months choose to save time cooling out and waiting for their horse to dry after it has been worked by body clipping, horses that have been body clipped must be blanketed.
Several show barns might decided to leave their horses blanketed so they are able to attend shows in the early spring with a horse that is sleek and shiny as opposed to a horse that is covered in a thick winter fuzz.
In the summer there are three main reasons a horse owner might choose to blanket their horse. Some horses, especially light colour ones are prone to sunburn, wearing a light weight blanket allows these horses to be outside without burning. Some horses are highly susceptible to bug bites a turnout fly sheet prevents bugs from biting their sensitive skin. Horse owners who spend a great deal of time on the show circuit will use a light weigh sheet to prevent the sun from bleaching their show horses coat. A few horse owners will even resort to a heavy weight turnout rug in an attempt to help sweat off a few of their equine friends excessive pounds.
About Horse Saddles and Horse Blankets
Horse saddles and horse blankets are something people usually associate together when the horse comes to mind. If you plan to ride your horse, you'll need both. Even if you don't have to use the horse blanket with the horse saddle, you'll still want a horse blanket for other times. You'll want one when your horse is kept in a drafty stall, when your horse is waiting out in the cold weather for a show, when your horse is waiting in a holding pen for vet's attention and it is cold outside.
When you think of buying a new horse saddle, consider the trial period in case you'll want to return it for a better fit. Surely you didn't think it would be as easy as just buying a universal saddle fit for any horse or rider?
No, my unsuspecting horse friend, it is, unfortunately more involved than that. Oh, but the journey for the proper saddle and blanket is well worth the efforts both for you and your equine partner. Buying a horse saddle that doesn't fit the horse, rider, or the occasion will only cause regrets and soreness that could be avoided by a thoughtful purchase. Ask any horse enthusiast and you'll find that buying the proper gear is a welcome investment!
You'll want to consider what type of riding you'll do. Saddles are basically wood or fiberglass in frame that is covered with leather. Although, you'll find technical advances have allowed for the more modern synthetic material in lieu of the leather covering. Regardless of what your saddle is constructed of, the quality and purpose and fit are most important. You'll want your money's worth.
There are several different choices to make before purchasing a blanket as well. You must have a blanket under a western saddle for the horse and rider to be comfortable during the ride. Blankets are made for performance, for miniature horses, and for show. Although the Navajo horse blanket is a popular choice is the western style is a consideration, there are others available. There are quilted blankets, foal blankets, antisweat sheets, and cooling blankets.
For your added comfort, there are softee seats, suede seats, and even shock absorbers, which might be welcomed after a lengthy time away from riding because of medical reasons. Whatever type of horse saddle or horse blanket you'll require be certain both will best benefit you and your horse.
The saddle must fit not only the size of the horse, but the size and shape of the rider as well. A poor fit can cause sure muscles, blisters, and bruising for you both. Not only should you consider this for yourself, but for children riders. The child will continue to grow, but the saddle should fit them at their current size.
Saddles used for other than pleasure riding include those bought for endurance, show, roping, barrel races, and ponies. There are many different brands of all these types of saddles. It's a matter of choice, price, and availability. Happy hunting!
When you think of buying a new horse saddle, consider the trial period in case you'll want to return it for a better fit. Surely you didn't think it would be as easy as just buying a universal saddle fit for any horse or rider?
No, my unsuspecting horse friend, it is, unfortunately more involved than that. Oh, but the journey for the proper saddle and blanket is well worth the efforts both for you and your equine partner. Buying a horse saddle that doesn't fit the horse, rider, or the occasion will only cause regrets and soreness that could be avoided by a thoughtful purchase. Ask any horse enthusiast and you'll find that buying the proper gear is a welcome investment!
You'll want to consider what type of riding you'll do. Saddles are basically wood or fiberglass in frame that is covered with leather. Although, you'll find technical advances have allowed for the more modern synthetic material in lieu of the leather covering. Regardless of what your saddle is constructed of, the quality and purpose and fit are most important. You'll want your money's worth.
There are several different choices to make before purchasing a blanket as well. You must have a blanket under a western saddle for the horse and rider to be comfortable during the ride. Blankets are made for performance, for miniature horses, and for show. Although the Navajo horse blanket is a popular choice is the western style is a consideration, there are others available. There are quilted blankets, foal blankets, antisweat sheets, and cooling blankets.
For your added comfort, there are softee seats, suede seats, and even shock absorbers, which might be welcomed after a lengthy time away from riding because of medical reasons. Whatever type of horse saddle or horse blanket you'll require be certain both will best benefit you and your horse.
The saddle must fit not only the size of the horse, but the size and shape of the rider as well. A poor fit can cause sure muscles, blisters, and bruising for you both. Not only should you consider this for yourself, but for children riders. The child will continue to grow, but the saddle should fit them at their current size.
Saddles used for other than pleasure riding include those bought for endurance, show, roping, barrel races, and ponies. There are many different brands of all these types of saddles. It's a matter of choice, price, and availability. Happy hunting!
A Peek into The History of Horse Blankets
Horse blankets have been used at ceremonies and other special occasions. The intention was actual use under a saddle, often with an added pad. The blanket also served to cover the pad for a better look for riding or for show. The blanket could be used when riding with no saddle or pad, serving as a barrier between the person and the horse.
Native American Indians wove their own horse blankets and still make them today. Blankets were traded for other items, as well.
The Navajo blankets are an especially popular decorative horse blanket. Found with bright inks or earth tones, usually with fringed ends. They were also used as rugs by the early Indians, woven smaller for that use or for decoration on top of the saddle.
The most popular horse blankets were the double blankets, which were used by folding in half before placing on the horse.
Although it wasn't their only design, the Navajo woven horse blankets can be easily recognized by the diamond patterns woven into them. An authentic Navajo horse blanket is to be admired for its simple, artistic quality. It should also be a reason to respect the person who put his or her time and effort into its creation.
The double saddle blankets were woven with no art in the centers. These would be covered by the saddles, making the extra effort impractical as they could be out-of-sight when used by the rider.
The horse blanket could be hung on a wall in a log cabin and bring out a surreal sense of its natural beauty. Photographs and posters or wall paintings of these horse blankets could be added to the cabin to create a western theme. Search for books bout the Navajo horse blankets, weaving, and inks made by the Navajo indians to cultivate knowledge and respect for the weavers and these beautiful works of art. It will take the minds of your visitors back in time and help them appreciate the work that went into making these wonderful results.
What constitutes a fine piece of art is the beauty in the eye of the beholder. The horse blankets are just as lovely when they have been used and have become worn as they were when they were new. The usage seems to add character and may create some interesting stories from the riders. The horse blankets have the ability to stimulate the three senses of sight, touch, and smell (which could be good or bad, depending on the smell it brings!).
The horse blankets that were woven could be washed in cold water with little or no detergent and hung to dry. Although in the early western days, they were most likely wrung out in a nearby creek or river and laid on a rock to dry. Now there are horse blankets made of other fabrics which most likely are better at resisting stains and other such improvements modernization brings.
Horse blankets have value especially to anyone interested in Western culture.
Native American Indians wove their own horse blankets and still make them today. Blankets were traded for other items, as well.
The Navajo blankets are an especially popular decorative horse blanket. Found with bright inks or earth tones, usually with fringed ends. They were also used as rugs by the early Indians, woven smaller for that use or for decoration on top of the saddle.
The most popular horse blankets were the double blankets, which were used by folding in half before placing on the horse.
Although it wasn't their only design, the Navajo woven horse blankets can be easily recognized by the diamond patterns woven into them. An authentic Navajo horse blanket is to be admired for its simple, artistic quality. It should also be a reason to respect the person who put his or her time and effort into its creation.
The double saddle blankets were woven with no art in the centers. These would be covered by the saddles, making the extra effort impractical as they could be out-of-sight when used by the rider.
The horse blanket could be hung on a wall in a log cabin and bring out a surreal sense of its natural beauty. Photographs and posters or wall paintings of these horse blankets could be added to the cabin to create a western theme. Search for books bout the Navajo horse blankets, weaving, and inks made by the Navajo indians to cultivate knowledge and respect for the weavers and these beautiful works of art. It will take the minds of your visitors back in time and help them appreciate the work that went into making these wonderful results.
What constitutes a fine piece of art is the beauty in the eye of the beholder. The horse blankets are just as lovely when they have been used and have become worn as they were when they were new. The usage seems to add character and may create some interesting stories from the riders. The horse blankets have the ability to stimulate the three senses of sight, touch, and smell (which could be good or bad, depending on the smell it brings!).
The horse blankets that were woven could be washed in cold water with little or no detergent and hung to dry. Although in the early western days, they were most likely wrung out in a nearby creek or river and laid on a rock to dry. Now there are horse blankets made of other fabrics which most likely are better at resisting stains and other such improvements modernization brings.
Horse blankets have value especially to anyone interested in Western culture.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)