In 1952, Arthur A. Callister began trading wool with his father in a little shop on Redwood Road in Salt Lake City, Utah. Noticing how many customers were in need of quality tack to outfit themselves and their horses, AA Callister's Western Wear and Tack was born! Over 50 years and many satisfied customers we are still a family owned tack shop still located on the original site. We are proud to represent the traditions and lifestyles that made the West famous. We are also proud to feature some of the finest tack, clothing, and equipment made. Come live part of the American West today!

Friday, February 27, 2009

CHOOSING A HORSE BLANKET



Horse blankets are part of most owners’ basic horse equipment. With several choices on the market these days, you want to make an informed decision on your horse blanket purchase. Below are some basic blanket descriptions to help you navigate your way through all the options available at your local tack store or internet site.

  • BREATHABLE – Allows the blanket to wick moisture away from the horse’s body.
  • CLOSED FRONT - Blankets that do not open at the chest. These blankets will need to be slid on OVER the horse’s head (like a turtleneck sweater). Some horses are uncomfortable with this procedure at first.
  • DENIER (D) - Outer layer of the blanket. A blanket with higher denier will be STRONGER and WARMER. If your horse will be with other horses, consider a higher denier to withstand bites, rips and tears.
  • FILL - The amount of insulation in the blanket. Sometimes insulation is listed in grams and sometimes in ounces. A blanket with higher fill amounts will be warmer. Equine seniors and newborns may need more fill to keep warm.
  • HEAVY WEIGHT - Blankets designed for very cold climates where the temperature goes below 20 degrees. They are 1200D or more and have more than 8OZ or 200G of fill.
  • HOOD/ NECK COVER - These are usually separate pieces that will attach to rings/fasteners on your blanket.
  • LIGHT WEIGHT - Blankets designed for spring/fall or mild winter climates where the temperature doesn’t get below 40 degrees. They usually are 600D or less and have little or no fill.
  • LINER - This is the layer next to the horse’s body. Some liner options available are fleece, felt and nylon. Most blankets have a liner built in, but you can also buy them separately.
  • MEDIUM WEIGHT - Blankets designed for cold climates where the temperature doesn’t get below 20 degrees. They are usually 600D-1200D and have 8OZ or 200G of fill or less.
  • OPEN FRONT - Blankets that open at the chest and have buckles or fasteners to close.
  • SIZE - Proper sizing is very important. A blanket that is too big won’t stay in place. A blanket that is too small will rub. To get the correct size, hold a measuring tape at the center of the horse’s chest and move backwards to the center of the horse’s tail (making sure you go around the fullest part of the horse’s shoulders, barrel and hips). This will give you the size. Example 76”. Some blankets will only come in even sizes; so if your horse measures a 75” you may have to go up to a 76”.


How to Measure Your Horse for a Horse Blanket -- powered by ExpertVillage.com



  • STABLE - These blankets are not waterproof or water resistant. They are intended for indoor use. They usually have a “quilted” look to them. You can use them outdoors in good weather, but if they get wet they can hold the moisture in like a sponge.
  • TURNOUT - These blankets are either water resistant or waterproof. They can be used indoor or outdoor. They usually do not have a back seem (stitching running down back/top line of the blanket/horse). They are usually breathable. They usually have gussets at the shoulders to allow for freedom of movement.
  • WATER RESISTANT & WATERPROOF – Water resistant may allow moisture to seep through. Waterproof should not allow moisture to seep through. Moisture can run down your horse’s neck and into the blanket. A neck cover will help stop this from happening.


Learn More:



The Parts of a Horse Blanket -- powered by ExpertVillage.com


Keep these items in mind when purchasing your next horse blanket. If you have any further questions, we are only an email or phone call away and would love to help. 1-877-78HORSE or email me at sroberts@callisters.com.

4 comments:

Blanket America said...

Good points shared here...I had no idea at all what protection to give my animals against the bad cold....this will surely help.

heritage patchwork

Unknown said...

Which lining is better? Nylon or a thermo liner? I'm worried about blanket rubs.

Unknown said...

Nice blog!! very interesting.I prefer a warm and smooth blanket because i love to feel comfortable in my bed, that is why is very important the quality of the blanket all the time. I always chose the better ones when by husband buy viagra and decided to pass a great time with me.

nblackthorn said...

From my experience I tend to find that more expensive quality Horse Rugs serve best in the long run. From the points listed, the weight of the blanket in my opinion would be at the forefront of all considerations.