Basics on Horse Blankets and Measuring Your Horse

For any horse owner, protecting your animal from various minor hazards or risks is very important. This sort of thing often makes the difference between a healthy horse and one that is exposed to greater risks, whether from the elements, pests or other sources.

At AA Callister, we’re thrilled to offer numerous such products, including a wide range of horse turnout blankets, sheets and more. Today’s blog will include a primer on the various types of horse blankets and related accessories and how they might benefit your animal, plus some basic tips for measuring your horse for a new blanket.

Horse Blanket Types and Accessories

There are several distinct categories of horse blankets and related accessories we offer, including each of the following areas:

Winter blankets: A range of weights for blankets that help protect your horse when the Utah weather turns cold. Each of these options are filled with various amounts of poly, insulating the horse’s body against the cold. We’ll help you assess the warming needs of your horse to determine how heavy a blanket you should purchase.
Nylon sheets and coolers: A slightly lighter range of items used for a combination of purposes, including warmth in winter, cooling in summer and moisture wicking throughout the year. Also valuable for keeping manes protected if desired.
Fly sheets and masks: Products to help protect your horse from flies and other pests.
Other horse blanket accessories: Items like strap replacements, blanket washers or protective products, and others.

Steps for Measuring Horse Blankets

At some point during their adult lives, your horses will need at least one of the blanket types we’ve mentioned above. If you have never gone about the process of measuring your horse for one of these blankets before, know that it’s a relatively simple process that shouldn’t take too long or be too difficult. The basic steps involved include:

Step 1: Obtain a standard-sized piece of rope or twine (one at least as long as your horse), plus measuring tape and the horse itself. In many cases, having a second person on-hand to assist you can also be helpful, particularly if your horse is impatient or does not like being touched.
Step 2: Run the rope or twine from the middle point of the horse’s chest all the way along the barrel until it reaches the center of their buttock. Measure this distance.
Step 3: Run the rope or twine from the same spot on the middle of the horse’s chest toward the left and right sides, using the widest part of their shoulder as the furthest area for measurement. Measure the full distance from shoulder to shoulder.
Step 4: Combine these two numbers, and you’ve got the rough blanket size you need. From here, consult our pros on how much wiggle room you should leave for your horse – we have charts that will help you make your final call here.

For more on horse blankets and measuring your horse, or to learn about any of our farrier supplies and tools, cowboy boots or other riding product, speak to the staff at AA Callister today.

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