Winter horse blankets, used for protecting horses from the elements in cold climates, come in a variety of sizes and types, including stable blankets and turnout blankets. Learn how to choose, purchase, use, clean and maintain horse blankets in this free series of video guides.
Adding a hood and neck cover to your winter horse blanket can help protect your horse better from the elements. Learn more about how to use hoods and neck covers in this free equestrian video guide.
Winter horse blankets can come with nylon, fleece or wool-blend linings. Learn how to pick the right lining when purchasing a horse blanket in this free equestrian video guide.
Use extra-heavy weight horse blankets only during the winter in very cold climates. Learn more about purchasing and using extra-heavy weight winter horse blankets in this free equestrian video guide.
Use heavy weight horse blankets when the temperature drops to twenty degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Learn more about purchasing and using heavy weight horse blankets in this free equestrian video guide.
Light weight horse blankets are great for Spring and Fall, when temperatures don't go below about forty degrees Fahrenheit. Learn more about purchasing and using light weight horse blankets in this free equestrian video guide.
Mid-weight horse blankets are great for moderate climates that get to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit at the coldest. Learn more about purchasing and using a middle weight horse blanket in this free equestrian video guide.
Horse blankets come in a variety of sizes, from small blankets for miniature horses to large blankets for draft horses. Learn about the different sizes of horse blankets in this free equestrian video guide.
Adding a liner to a light weight horse blanket can make the blanket warmer for use in the winter. Learn more about adding a liner to a horse blanket in this free equestrian video guide.
Open front winter horse blankets are easy to put on and take off a horse. Learn how to blanket your horse with an open front blanket in this free equestrian video guide.
Get the best horse turnout blanket for your money by considering the blanket's outer covering, inner lining and insulation. Learn more about choosing and buying turnout blankets in this free winter horse blanket video guide.
When buying a horse stable blanket, look at the lining, insulation, and outer covering to make sure the blanket is high quality. Learn more about choosing horse stable blankets in this free equestrian video guide.
Choose a winter horse blanket style that fits the body type and size of your horse. Learn how in this free equestrian video guide on purchasing horse blankets.
Some winter horse blankets can be washed in a washing machine, while others need to be washed with a hose and a stiff brush. Learn more about how to clean and maintain horse blankets in this free equestrian video guide.
Use a tape measure to measure a horse for a winter horse blanket. Learn how in this free equestrian video guide on choosing horse blankets.
Some horses might spook when closed front blankets are taken off them and pulled over their head. Learn how to keep your horse calm and under control when removing a closed front winter blanket in this free equestrian video guide.
To put a closed front winter blanket on your horse, slide the blanket over the horse's head and then pull it down. Learn more about using closed front winter horse blankets in this free equestrian video guide.
The insulation value of a winter horse blanket determines how warm the blanket will keep your horse. Learn how to choose the right insulation value when purchasing a winter horse blanket in this free equestrian video guide.
Stable blankets are a type of winter horse blanket that is not waterproof and is meant to be worn by a horse that is inside a barn or covered area. Learn about stable blankets and why they are important in this free equestrian video guide.
Turnout blankets are waterproof or water resistant horse blankets that are good for using on horses that are going to be outside in the elements. Learn more in this free winter horse blankets video guide.
Open front horse blankets opens in the front, and is often considered easier to put on a horse than a closed front blanket. Learn more about open front blankets in this free winter horse blanket video guide.
Winter horse blankets can help protect your horse from the elements. Get an overview of winter horse blankets in this free equestrian video guide.
The denier of a winter horse blanket is the outer cover of the blanket. Get tips on choosing a horse blanket with the right strength denier in this free equestrian video guide.
Parts of winter horse blankets include the belly straps, leg straps, tail curtains or tail covers, and more. Learn all about the different straps and parts of a winter horse blanket in this free equestrian video guide.
When choosing a winter horse blanket, consider whether the outer material of the blanket is waterproof of water resistant, and whether the blanket is breathable. Get more tips for purchasing horse blankets in this free equestrian video guide.
Summary: The horse was used in warfare as early as 4000 BCE. There is archaeological evidence in the steppes of Eurasia of fortified towns being built to defend against horse-riding bandits and raiders. In 1350 BCE, the Hittite tribe developed a written manual for successfully breeding and conditioning chariot horses. Thus, since before written history and throughout the recorded development of mankind, horses have been a powerful ally to victorious armies and successful agriculturalists. In Medieval Europe, the heavy armor of mounted knights required a new style of horses, strong like a draft horse but athletic like lighter breeds. The destrier , along with the courser and rouncey, became the type (not breed) of horse that would fetch the highest price among nobles and elite military officers.
In this free video series, horse tacking expert Shelly Roberts gives you a healthy portion of horse blanket advice. You will learn how to choose a horse blanket, from different sizes, types, and styles. You will also learn how to use your horse blanket, whether open or closed front. Shelly runs through how to measure your horse for a blanket and how to choose the weight, which varies for seasons and climate. It is all here. Shelly even offers tips on maintenance and liners, great ways to keep your horse happy and your goods clean and tidy.
Contact: Callister.com
Expert: Shelly Roberts works at AA Callister in Salt Lake City. She has been actively around horses for the better part of 30 years. AA Callister sells equipment for all genres of horse riding, as well as apparel and home decor. AA Callister has been in business since 1952 and offer classes and clinics on horses.