7 Horse Blanket Parts You Should Know
So you’re trying to buy a horse blanket, but what do all those words mean?
In today’s equestrian world there is an abundance of different features and accessories that come with horse blankets now. Here, you will find out how strong blankets can be and the extra features they have in order to help them last throughout the winter and for years to come.
What Are the Main Parts of a Horse Blanket?
Seven features do most of the work. The chest closure fastens the blanket at the front, and a double closure spreads the pressure better than a single one. Faux fur at the withers cushions the point where the blanket’s whole weight sits. Gussets give the shoulders room to move. Surcingles and elastic leg straps both stop the blanket shifting, the first around the belly and the second between the hind legs. The tail cord prevents sideways slipping, though many modern designs leave it off. And the tail flap shields the one area where a horse loses most heat. Knowing what each does is what turns a product description into a decision.
Chest Closure
Chest Closure
Without much thinking you always close your blanket over your horse’s chest. This, however, should not be done carelessly because the pressure on the chest should be reduced as much as possible.
It is necessary to overlap both sides so that they lay nicely and smoothly against your horse. This is especially true for horse’s that are sensitive and can be uncomfortable when blanketing. In addition, a double chest closure also takes more pressure away from the chest than a single fastener, making it stronger and more durable as your horse moves. This is especially essential for horse’s that will be wearing the blanket for a long period of time.
The Faux Fur
Many blankets are lined with faux fur at the withers. Since the entire weight of the blanket sits above the horse and the pressure is applied at the withers, it’s essential to have this faux fur to give some added comfort. The faux fur helps reduce the pressure and provide additional comfort for the horse.
The Gussets
Blankets lying on the horse over a long period of time, for example turnout blankets or sheets, tend to have gussets. Gussets allow the horse greater freedom of movement while wearing the blanket. The front legs are less restricted by the blanket and allows them to move more freely. In turn, the pressure from the shoulder is taken off and the higher gussets allow less pressure to be placed on the shoulders of the horse.
The Surcingles
Surcingles are a critical part of blankets because they help keep the blanket in place even when the horse is galloping through the pasture; more surcingles will mean a more secure fit for your horse. The surcingles are also easier to detach, making it quicker to put on and take off the blanket.
The Elastic Leg Straps
Elastic leg straps are becoming more and more popular and are found on many blankets. The function of the leg straps is similar to the surcingle. They aid in securing the blanket from slipping, even if the horse is in intense motion. Since the leg straps lay against the inside of the hind legs the material must be gentle to avoid chafing. Often leg straps are elastic to help to give more freedom of movement.
The Tail Cord
In most coolers, and in some old styles of blankets, one of the few closures is the tail cord. The tail cord should secure the blanket and prevent lateral slipping. For short term purposes it should be securely attached. However, should the blanket slip or fall too much, it puts pressure on the tail which may cause the horse to panic. Therefore, more and more designs forgo the tail cord for this reason. If you want to learn more about fleece blankets, read our guide here!
The Tail Flap
Tail Flap
Horses have the least amount of hair between their hind legs, which causes them to lose the most heat from their tail. A tail flap on a blanket helps to keep your horse protected from the wind and rain and helps to reduce heat loss. To make sure the tail flap is effective, it should come down to between the middle and end of the tailbone.
Blanket Parts at a Glance
All seven in one place, for when you’re reading a product description and need a quick translation.
| Part | Where it is | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Chest closure | Across the chest at the front. | Fastens the blanket. A double closure spreads pressure better than a single one and holds up longer, which matters on sensitive horses and long wear. |
| Faux fur lining | At the withers. | Cushions the one spot carrying the blanket’s full weight, reducing pressure where it concentrates. |
| Gussets | At the shoulders. | Frees up the front legs and takes pressure off the shoulder. Common on turnout blankets worn for long stretches. |
| Surcingles | Under the belly. | Keeps the blanket in place even at speed. More surcingles means a more secure fit, and they detach quickly. |
| Elastic leg straps | Between the hind legs. | Stops slipping during intense movement. Needs soft material to avoid chafing, and elastic adds freedom of movement. |
| Tail cord | At the tail. | Prevents lateral slipping, and is common on coolers. Increasingly left off, since a slipped blanket puts pressure on the tail and can panic a horse. |
| Tail flap | Over the hindquarters and tail. | Blocks wind and rain and cuts heat loss from the area with least hair. Should reach between the middle and end of the tailbone. |
Conclusion
Think about how often and how long your horse wears their blanket every day. With these helpful hints you will quickly realize which blanket features are necessary to help make your horse happy and comfortable!
Are there any other blanket terms you’d like defined? Let us know in the comments!
