Owning a horse is a big responsibility. These animals require a lot of attention, and care and will take a lot of your time. They need regular workouts, runs, rides, feeding, vet appointments, hoof care, grooming etc. They also need a safe homemade for their needs. Somewhere they can spend their time throughout the year. Besides the regular gear like saddles, stirrups, bridles and leads, you'll need a few more accessories such as horse blankets and sheets, boots and wraps, to keep your horse safe and sound.
Horse Blanket
When the temperature falls to a certain degree, your horses will need some extra protection. Something to keep them warm and cozy during the day and night. This is where the sleek and comfortable horse blanket comes into play. There are several types of blankets you can choose from depending on the horse’s needs and weather conditions.
If the weather conditions aren’t harsh and you need only a lightweight coverage, you should buy horse sheets. They aren’t heavy and also work great on preventing sunburns and fading during sunny days. Some even use them to keep dust off the horse. However because the sheets are thin and lightweight, they might get damaged faster.
If you keep your horses in a barn or a stable, out of hard weather like snow, winds and rain, stable blankets will do a great job. They aren’t usually made of waterproof materials, so if the horse is exposed to rain, the blanket will just soak and make the horse even colder.
If you need something more durable get turnout blankets. They're heavier, made of thicker materials and made for horses that are outside in winter elements. They're also waterproof which means no rain or snow will penetrate them. They're also breathable, durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
But before buying the blanket, you should figure out the size. Finding out the size is simple. Take a soft measuring tape and start at the middle point of the horse’s chest. Run it along its body up until the middle part of the tail. It's better if you have assistance from someone to get the precise measurement. When you get to the store, give them the measurement number and they’ll help you find the right size.
These blankets come in many styles, colours and materials. Most of them will cover the horse from the shoulders to the tail. Some have an opened end, and some have a closed front. The opened ones give the horse more freedom of movement. Colour-wise the possibilities are endless. From basic, neutral tones, to pastels and animal prints.
When the wearing season of the blanket is over you should clean it and store it properly. Don't leave it dirty in some dark corner of the stable. The first step is to brush the debris, hairs and dirt. Next, wash it by hand or in the washing machine with cool water and a gentle detergent. Once you leave it to air dry, fold it, put it in the bag and store it in a dry place.
Horse Boots
Even though there are plenty of horse boots to choose from, you should be able to choose easily once you know what you’re looking for and what’s your budget. The main purpose of boots is to protect the horse’s legs from injury, damage and trauma during riding or turnout. They also absorb some of the impact shock when the horse lands on the ground.
Horse boots are usually used in pairs on both front and back legs. They're made of strong and durable materials such as leather, sheepskin, neoprene or plastic. They have multiple fastenings to make them as secure as possible. There are several types of boots you can choose from.
Brushing Boots
They're known as everyday boots that protect the lower part of the legs. They can be used for flatwork training, hacking, turnout or lungeing. Most are made of neoprene and reinforced with PVC.
Tendon & Fetlock Boots
Tendon boots are meant for the forelegs. They provide protection on the inner leg and are meant for show jumpers. This means they’re open in the front so the horse can feel the pole when it touches it. Fetlock boots provide protection for the fetlock joint. They're made of shockproof materials that are very flexible and have ventilating properties.
Overreach Boots
These boots are also known as bell boots because of their shape and are meant to protect the hoofs. They prevent the horse from overreaching (when the hind hoof cuts into the front). They can be made of rubber, neoprene and oftentimes fleece to prevent rubbing.
Cros-Country Boots
These boots offer a high level of protection when the horse is jumping across country. They're made from lightweight materials but are very strong. For extra protection, they have strike guards as well. They don’t absorb water which means when the horse jumps the water fence, it won’t get weighed down.
Travelling Boots
These boots go all around the leg and cover a big part of it. They're made of lightweight materials and have Velcro straps. They're very durable and comfortable but it takes some time for the horse to get used to them because they cover a lot. You can use the travelling boots to show off some style by pairing and matching the boots with the horse blanket.
Bandages
Bandages, or wraps, have a similar purpose as the boots. They're meant to protect the horses' movement system from injuries such as twists, sprains or tearing of tendons. They're a cheaper option than boots, that’s why many people prefer them.
When choosing the bandages, make sure they’re elastic and flexible so they can conform to the animal’s leg. They are moisture-wicking and breathable. Plus, they’re very durable and easy to clean and maintain.
They usually come in three sizes, pony, thoroughbred and warmblood. They will vary in length and width. If you buy a bigger one by accident, you can easily trim it down, so it matches the horse’s legs. But the most important part is that you’re familiar with how to properly bandage the horse. Otherwise, wearing the wraps will be useless.
