Tag Archives: horse blanket

Exercise Rugs & Quarter Sheets: Keeping Your Horse’s Vulnerable Muscles Warm & Dry

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A chestnut colored horse is shown standing to the side, facing the left. The horse is wearing a bridle, dressage saddle, white saddle pad, girth, and a dark blue waterproof quarter sheet that covers its hindquarters. The horse is standing in front of a red fence and trees.

Whether we riders call it a quarter sheet, an exercise rug, a riding blanket or a competition sheet, we’re referring to a piece of horse clothing cut to cover a horse’s hindquarters. It’s an easy way to keep a horse comfortable and the large, crucial muscle mass of the quarters warm and dry when you’re riding in cold or inclement weather. Use of an exercise rug is especially helpful for horses that are clipped and always blanketed.

Most quarter sheets are made of insulating, moisture-wicking and breathable synthetic fleece fabric or traditional wool. Waterproof exercise rugs can be made of a lightweight material, such as nylon, suited to warm and wet riding days. They can also be made with a waterproof top and a fleece-lined bottom layer to offer warmth perfect for chilly, damp weather. Easy to remove from the saddle, these sheets fasten at the front with hook-and-loop and stay put in back with the help of a tail cord.

Depending on the horse’s physical condition, whether he or she is clipped, how strenuous the ride will be and the ambient temperature, an exercise rug can be worn by a horse during a warmup phase of a workout and replaced at the end to prevent hot muscles from getting chilled. Or, it can be worn throughout a ride, especially if the horse is working outside or walking on a trail.

A cutout design typically provides space for the rider’s seat and saddle and allows the sheet to be worn over or under the rider’s thighs. Contouring along the hemline is designed to permit direct contact between the rider’s lower legs and the horse’s barrel. For fun, exercise rugs come in a variety of colors and can be custom made.

Sizing Quarter Sheets
Manufacturers vary in sizing for quarter sheets, but generally, all are offered in small, medium, large or extra-large, with standard blanket size ranges falling into these categories. You’ll need to refer to size chart recommendations to determine appropriate sizing for your desired quarter sheet.

A brown horse facing left is standing in front of green and white doors with glass windows to a barn. The horse is wearing a bridle, close contact saddle, saddle pad, girth and navy blue fleece quarter sheet covering its hindquarters. There is a chain lead rope attached to the bridle that is being held out of shot.

When the rug is on your horse, you simply need to make sure it is roomy enough to allow your horse to move naturally without restriction. Conversely, it should not be so large and loose as to allow shifting or have excess dangling fabric that could become caught on an object.

Shop our entire selection of quarter sheets and exercise rugs here.

Do you and your horse have a favorite quarter sheet to ride in? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

How to Get the Best Performance from Turnout Sheets & Blankets

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It’s October, a perfect time to consider the state of your horse’s turnout sheets and blankets to be sure your horse gets maximum protection against rain, mud, sleet, snow and wind—especially if body clipped. Turnout blankets and sheets represent an investment in your horse’s health and comfort—and a financial investment. Here’s how to get the most from your horse’s turnouts.

Fitting Is Foremost

More than any other factor you might consider in a waterproof turnout, proper fitting is top priority. An ill-fitting or incorrectly fastened blanket promises problems, from hair rubs to leaks to entanglement. Even when you’re reusing a turnout your horse has worn, check the fit this season. Horses’ bodies change with conditioning, workload, illness and retirement, and the size or cut of a turnout may need to change accordingly.  

A turnout should overlap on your horse’s chest. Adjustable chest closures should fasten near the middle. With the front closed, the back seam should sit in a logical spot on your horse’s hind end, not halfway down the dock or pulled onto the rump.

You should be able to slide one hand snugly but comfortably under the blanket, around the neckline and over the withers with your horse’s head in grazing position and raised. If the opening is too large, your horse could get a foot caught, and it may rub your horse’s shoulders. If the opening is too small, the blanket will pull on or rub the withers, mane or points of the shoulders or tug at the base of the neck.

Adjust belly surcingles or belly band so you can slide a flat hand between the strap and the horse’s belly. Looser straps can allow a leg to get tangled while your horse lies down or rolls; overtightened straps can make the blanket rub and restrict.

A tail strap should be adjusted to create about a hand’s width between the strap and the rump. Leg straps, one passing through the other in a crisscross and each clipped to their opposite side, should also be adjusted to about a hand’s width between each strap and the inside of the leg. If the straps are too long and hang to the hocks, a leg can entangle. If the straps are too short, they may inhibit movement and chafe the tender insides of the gaskin or groin area.

When all fastenings are secure, consider the overall look of the blanket. It should not sag, and it should not appear stretched over the withers or hips. The hem should hang above your horse’s knees, not at or below them.

A brown horse facing left is standing in a grass field with colorful fall foliage behind them. The horse is wearing a brown leather halter with a brass nameplate and an indigo turnout blanket with black straps and trim.

The designs and cut of blankets vary within and between manufacturers. If you find you have an ill-fitting blanket, consider not only trying a different size from the same range, but a different model and a different manufacturer as well. For tips on measuring your horse for a blanket, see our article.

Preserve Waterproofing

Fabrics become waterproof in various ways, but all waterproofing has one thing in common: a life expectancy. Currently, the highest quality blankets are expected to remain waterproof under normal conditions and use for three years. You can prolong waterproofing of turnouts with these easy tips:

  • Sweep or brush away dirt, mud and caked manure promptly from the outer surface to allow waterproofing to do its job. These stuck-on compounds absorb and hold water and hasten degrading of the waterproofing. Spread the turnout flat on the ground and sweep it with a broom or brush it while your horse is not wearing it.  
  • Spot clean dirty areas with cool water and a brush. Save laundering turnout blankets and sheets for end-of-season unless the turnout is foul inside and out. Over-washing will degrade waterproof performance.
A white bottle of Nikwax Rug Wash with a green top and label.
  • To prevent mildewing and saturation of fabrics, hang wet turnout to drip and dry naturally before folding.
  • For the recommended once-yearly washing, follow manufacturer’s care instructions carefully if you plan to do the cleaning yourself. Use only recommended cleaning methods and approved cleaners. Never use fabric softeners, as these ruin breathability and waterproofing. Professional horse clothing laundering services make end-of-season blanket care easy, and most are equipped to make blanket repairs.
A white bottle of Nikwax Rug Proof with a purple top and label.
  • When the waterproof layer finally fails, you can replace it yourself or have a professional service do so. The most important aspect for waterproofing a turnout is to use a product that will maintain the turnout shell’s breathability.  

Off-season storage methods are your last step in preserving your investment. Clean blankets should be kept in a pest-free environment and out of direct sunlight.  

Have tips to share for top turnout care? Share your thoughts and photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

WeatherBeeta® Therapy-Tec Makes Lives Better for Horses & Dogs

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A YellowLabrador is facing forwards and lying on top of a black dog bed with red trim. The dog and bed are set against a white background.

At Dover Saddlery, we always look for ways to make our animals comfortable, healthy, and happy. When we discovered WeatherBeeta® Therapy-Tec products for horses and dogs, we had to add them to our product lineup!

Therapy-Tec involves powerful ceramic powder blended into technical fabrics that are then applied to a variety of products for horses and dogs. The ceramic fabrics in these products reflect the animal’s body heat through infrared waves, creating a soothing thermal heat. These infrared waves produce multiple beneficial effects on the animal’s body.

  • Increases circulation: By boosting blood flow, it promotes efficient oxygen delivery to tissues. Used before exercise, increased circulation helps warm muscles and prepare them to function well during exertion. It may help reduce the risk of muscle injury during warmup.
  • Supports muscle function: It eases muscle strain, stiffness and soreness. It also supports the body’s natural abilities to reduce swelling and promote healing.
  • Speeds recovery: By reducing lactic acid buildup in muscles after exercise, it decreases the time it takes for muscles to recover from exertion. It also helps support speedier healing of prior injuries.
     
  • Enhances relaxation: The gentle thermal heat soothes the body’s tissues and eases pain associated with arthritis. The reduction in discomfort and tension promotes well-being and calmness.
A brown horse with a white stripe on it's face is shown wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec Sheet. The sheet is black with red and white trim, it also covers the horse's neck. There are four key features pointed out on the sheet: Ceramic Fabric Technology: A ceramic powder with long lasting properties blended within the fabric lining that will not wash out. This technology reflects the horse's own body heat via infrared waves (thermal heat). Fleece outer fabric wicks away moisture. Increases Circulation: Boosts the horse's blood circulation and encourages oxygen supply to the tissues assisting to warm up the muscles and improve muscle function. Muscle Function: Eases muscle strain and soreness enhancing the horse's own ability to reduce swelling and heat. Recovery: Speeds up recovery and enhances relaxation.

Because ceramic powder is integrated into WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec material, it provides ongoing therapy when the product is used, and it never washes away. Each product in the Therapy-Tec collection comes with specific care instructions; we recommend you follow the instructions carefully to ensure the longevity of your item. 

Note: As wonderful as Therapy-Tec products are, they are NOT recommended for use with pregnant mares or pregnant dogs.

Therapy-Tec for Horses

Horses of any age or performance level, including retirees, benefit from Therapy-Tec horse clothing at home or during travel. Choose from:

  • Therapy-Tec Quarter Sheet to target your horse’s hindquarters during warmups, cool-downs or hacks in cool or cold weather. 
A dapple grey horse is shown standing in the hallway of a barn with it's face turned to the right. The horse is wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec sheet. The sheet is black with red and white trim.
Therapy-Tec Standard Neck Sheet
A dapple grey horse is shown standing on a paved road against a background of green trees. The horse is wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec Combo Neck Sheet that covers it's body and neck. The sheet is black with red and white trim.
Therapy-Tec Combo Neck Sheet
A dapple grey horse is shown facing away from the camera, standing on a paved road against a background of green trees and a stone wall. The horse is wearing a WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec Quarter Sheet that covers it's hindquarters. The sheet is black with red and white trim. The horse is also wearing a black bridle and saddle with a white saddle pad.
Therapy-Tec Quarter Sheet

All these items deliver Therapy-Tec benefits while also providing breathability and moisture wicking for an optimal inner climate.

Due to the profound effects of Therapy-Tec horse clothing, we advise gradually introducing these products to your horse. Increase wearing time from an initial two hours on the first day over the course of subsequent days to allow your horse to become accustomed to its effects. 

Therapy-Tec for Dogs

Whether your dog is young, active or senior, Therapy-Tec assists with pain management, inflammation and muscle recovery post-exercise.

The Therapy-Tec Dog Bed is shown. It is a square black bed with four sides and red trim. It is shown against a white background.

Choose the Therapy-Tec Dog Bed if your dog suffers from pain associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia, especially over cold winter months. This bed is also ideal for active dogs to warm up or relax and recover before or after they play. It features an all-around ceramic fleece lining inside a durable, washable outer, with plenty of plump cushioning for comfort.

A Yellow Labrador is shown standing in a grass field with a background of trees. The dog is wearing a black Therapy-Tec Dog Coat with red and white trim. The blanket has a single belly strap and a grey chest strap that fastens in the front.

When your dog is out and about, the Therapy-Tec Dog Coat makes the soothing thermal heat portable. It works to help reduce lactic acid buildup, aids with pain management and inflammation associated with arthritis, and can also be used to simply keep your companion warm and comfortable. It’s cozy, breathable, and moisture-wicking, too!

Browse our selection of WeatherBeeta Therapy-Tec products for horses and dogs here.

Already enjoying the effects of Therapy-Tec? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!

Coolers for Cold Weather: How to Cool Your Horse Properly

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A dark bay horse is standing in front of a barn wearing a black fleece cooler.

As the month of October ushers in lower temperatures, we horse owners and riders dig out the coolers we packed away last spring—or consider shopping for a fresh one! Coolers are a time-tested means of caring for our hot or sweaty horses properly after a workout in cool or brisk weather.

A cooler keeps a horse’s warm muscles and wet skin protected from uncomfortable chills that could otherwise cause muscle stiffness or overall make a horse susceptible to illness. Covered, the freshly worked muscles can recover gradually from exertion while the cooler wicks moisture away from the horse and helps hair and skin dry most efficiently. A cooler can also be helpful in warming and drying a horse after a bath or a rain shower when temperatures turn a bit brisk.

Commonly made of wool or synthetic fleece fabrics, coolers come at a variety of price points and in a variety of styles and colors from the most basic to those with prints, plaids, contrast trims, embroidery, or brand decorations. Some models feature advanced technical fabrics to increase efficiency and provide rapid cooling—perfect for riders on a tight timeline. A simple cooler can become an amazing one when you add your own personal monogram with your horse’s name, stable name, or your initials.

A bay horse is shown wearing a black American style cooler with blue trim.

The original American Cooler style is a large rectangular piece of wool with colored bindings and that may have ties at the neck or brow and tail straps. This type of cooler drapes over the horse entirely, from jawline to tail. American style coolers can still be seen today, usually as a treasured vintage item prized by its owner for ease of use and efficiency. It should be worn by a horse that is being walked, handled or very closely monitored, as it can slide and entangle a stabled horse if it rolls in the cooler.  

A horse is standing in front of barn doors wearing a black and blue fleece plaid cooler.

Most commonly, coolers today are more fitted styles cut like a stable sheet, leaving the neck exposed. Others fit right up the neck to the jawline and secure along the under-neck with hook-and-loop fastenings. This type of cooler can be left on a horse that is stalled and unattended if it secures at the front, belly and has a tail cord. A fitted cooler can also be used in cold weather as a base layer under a blanket.

Remove & Replace

Just as important as getting a cooler onto a horse promptly is removing it promptly when you see a dew-like coating formed along the top surface of the cooler. A saturated cooler can no longer wick moisture and prevent drafts. Sometimes, a very wet or sweaty horse will require one or two changes of coolers during the cooling and drying process, so it is always good to have an extra, dry cooler on hand.

 

Browse our entire selection of horse coolers and anti-sweat sheets here.

Do you have a favorite cooler? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!