The practice of turning fit, clipped horses out for a few hours each day is most beneficial. It is certainly better for the horse and easier on the owner and cuts out the need for hours of exercise. The horse exercises itself, relaxes and avoids boredom, but of course, requires a good weatherproof blanket to protect him from the elements.

Ideally, the horse owner needs two outdoor blankets so that in very inclement weather, one blanket can be dried while the second is in use. If a horse is turned out permanently in a turnout blanket, it most important that the rug is checked daily to ensure the the horse is not suffering any discomfort.

A better fit is ensured when leg straps are crossed. The second leg strap is looped through the first and then clipped on the same side. When properly adjusted, this helps to stop the leg straps from rubbing.

Cleaning turnout blankets can be a problem, especially with the introduction of waterproof and breathable high technology fabrics. We recommend that at the end of a season, the outer fabric be sponged clean and thoroughly dried. Repairs should be carried out before packing away for the summer.

A few words about "Waterproof" and "Breathable." We make our blankets as waterproof as possible, but in the heaviest of prolonged downpours, it is difficult to guarantee that some seepage will not occur, especially in the areas around the neck and tail where wind can drive the rain underneath the blanket. Please remember that there is a limit to what any fabric will take, especially when it is rolled in the mud several times per day.

Canvas rugs should be weathered once or twice and dried to allow the pores in the canvas to close before it becomes fully waterproof. The fabric used in many of your horse blankets is also waterproof as well as breathable in normal use, but if the horse spends a considerable amount of time galloping around the paddock in wet, humid weather, perspiration can build up under the outer fabric.

Colder Climate - Storms: Provide additional comfort and protection for your horse by covering first with a Thermal Insulator then covering with your horse blanket. The Thermal Insulator will add 20 to 30 degrees of additional protection.

TURNOUT BLANKETS: Designed for pasture use. May be water-repellent, waterproof or waterproof and breathable.

WATER-REPELLENT: Fabric is treated to make it waterproof not to allow water to penetrate. However, construction seams and stitching are not sealed and water will penetrate and come through.

WATERPROOF: Fabric is treated to make it waterproof and seams and stitching are sealed and taped to make the blanket water tight.

WATERPROOF & BREATHABLE: Waterproof fabric and construction with taped and sealed seams and stitching. In addition, the outer shell fabric is coated with a hydrophilic membrane that repels water, stops wind and allows moisture and vapor to pass through the outer shell fabric. Inner lining and insulation are designed to allow moisture vapor to pass out through them while retaining body heat and repelling outside coldness.