Selecting Your Horse’s Winter Blanket

Many blankets makers now use nylon linings, which have many advantages over traditional, cotton linings. Cotton linings have a tendancy to cause friction and are therefore more likely to rub a sensitive horse than are nylon linings. Cotton linings also tend to retain moisture, which can allow the growth of mould and a deterioration of the fabric. Nylon linings are more hygienic, last longer, do not deteriorate and therefore require less maintenance than cotton lined blankets. You should therefore find that it will need to be washed less frequently than a cotton lined blanket.

Search for a turn-out blanket that is fully waterproof yet breathable, a recent posibility thanks to applying human clothing technology to horse outerwear. It is important to remember that excessive washing, too high temperatures and harsh detergents will compromise the waterproofing of your turnout blanket. It is therefore vital that the following guidelines are strictly followed.

Firstly remove excess dirt from the outside with a stiff brush or hose the blanket down.

• Use only cool temperatures. The blanket should be washed on a delicate machine cycle or by hand on a cool wash (max. temperature 30º C).
• Use only very mild soap. Look for environmentally friendly, phosphate free products for use on synthetic fabrics. This mild wash will quickly and effectively remove dirt and grime while not reducing the waterproofing of your blanket. Bleach or detergents will often damage the waterproofing.
• Rinse the blanket thoroughly, drip dry and do not tumble dry.
• Store the completely dried blanket in a dry area. Containers such as large tin trunks, strong plastic bags or drums make great blanket "bins". Alternatively, the blanket can be hung up on a blanket rack, which will ensure that it remains aired and dry.

Article courtesy of Horseware Ireland.