December
2003 Happy
Holidays Issue  This
newsletter is a personal letter from me to you,
a fellow horse owner and
enthusiast.
My goal is to answer some of your questions and send you interesting
stories
and helpful tips for your horse care, training, and riding.
©
2003 Cherry Hill ©
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 PAGE
1: Show Supplies You Need
PAGE
2: Blanket Rods for a Barn
Pick
Up Stud's Feet Without Getting Kicked PAGE
3: Teach A Horse to Lay Down
PAGE
4: 'Fraidy Cat Horse Solutions PAGE
5 : What is a Midweight Blanket? PAGE
6: Why Spread Manure on
Frozen Ground?
How
to "Ask Cherry" | Page
5 How do I know what constitutes
a midweight turnout horse blanket? I have read your
articles on horse blankets and think I have the knowledge to blanket my horses
correctly for the cooler months. My question is this: I need to find a midweight
waterproof/breathable turnout blanket for my horses. In most of the catalogs there
is no distinction as to what constitutes a lightweight vs. midweight vs. heavyweight
blanket. Are there any numbers in particular I need to look for to determine what
weight the blanket is? Your
assistance is appreciated. Hi Kendal
I'm going to give you some general information but each blanket
manufacturer's products will be slightly different. There are usually 3 numbers
associated with horse blankets.  The
first is the size which ranges somewhere from 68" to 84". The size is
usually determined by a horizontal measurement from the center of the horse's
chest across the point of the shoulder, along the side, across the hindquarters
and to the middle of the tail. Some manufacturers suggest ending the measurement
at the edge of the tail.
The
second number refers to the denier of the outside layer (shell). Denier refers
to the weight of the fibers in a fabric. The lower the number, the finer and lighter
the fiber; the higher the number, the coarser and heavier the fiber. So, a 210
Denier blanket will have a shell made of a finer thread and a tighter weave than
a 420 denier which will be made from fabric with a heavier thread and a coarser
weave. The third number usually
refers to the insulation fill of the blanket. Blankets can be grouped in three
categories: Lightweight - Often
called a "sheet", the lightweight blanket usually consists of just a
shell with no insulation but the shell might have a liner. The liner could be
made of smooth nylon, nylon or cotton/polyester mesh, or a cotton/polyester sheeting.
Midweight - Usually 180-200 grams of insulation sandwiched between
the shell and lining. Heavyweight
- Usually 300-500 grams insulation sandwiched between the shell and lining.
 Those
blankets that fall in the 200-300 gram range could be classified as either mid
or heavy, depending on the type of fabric used for the shell and the type of fabric
used for the lining. For example, a 250 gram blanket with a flannel or fleece
lining might be considered a heavyweight blanket while a 250 gram blanket with
a breathable nylon lining might be considered a midweight.
Best of luck with your blanket shopping.
For more information on blankets, watch and read: Before
you copy, forward or post anything from this newsletter or Cherry Hill's Horse
Information Roundup, be sure you read this article!
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