Helpful definitions for winter horse blankets

I found this wonderful explanation in the Jeffers pet catalog and thought I would share it with you. It answers many of the questions we have all had about types of winter blankets and how to measure and fit your horse.

DENIER is the type of thread the blanket shell is made of. The higher the number (i.e. 1680 Denier) the heavier the thread, the higher density of the weave. The higher the density - the greater the durability and strength of the fabric for outdoor use.
 WATERPROOF: a membrane is bonded to the inside of the shell allowing it to breathe and, at the same time, reject water penetration. Washing in soap and water will damage the waterproof properties of the membrane. If the outside of the blanket is a NYLON it is not waterproof. Jeffers Canvas Turn-Out Blanket is water resistant - NOT waterproof. Only the Denier blankets, including the stable blanket - ARE waterproof. CLIMATE: Most horses can do very well in mid-weight blankets because their hair is its own form of insulation and can keep most horses warm and toasty. For areas that have below 0 degree temperatures like Minnesota and New York, Maine and Michigan, the heavy-weight blankets will be far more comfortable for the horse. The higher the 'FILL', the warmer/heavier the blanket.

• Sheet - NO fill
  
• Lightweight - up to 120 grams
  
• Midweight has about 180 - 240 grams of fill
  
• Heavyweight has about 300 - 400 grams of fill

MEASURE FOR SIZE:Measure with a soft measuring tape from the center of the chest, around the point of the shoulder, back along the widest part of their flank and end just at the edge of the tail.To measure for a European cut of blanket, like WeatherBeeta or Horseware, measure the same way and subtract 2". If between sizes, round to the nearest blanket size. (ex. Your horse is a 76 and the blanket sizes are 75 and 78, pick a 75.)  STABLE BLANKET: designed to be used inside the barn where protected. TURN OUT BLANKET: designed to be used outside rain or shine, rough and tumble behavior.

Thank you to Jeffers Catalog for this extremely well-done write-up about horse blankets. You can see more on their site at:  http://www.jefferspet.com/horse-blankets-and-sheets/camid/PET/ca/170/