Coolers, Sheets, Blankets, and Slinkies? What's the Difference?
Anyone who is a new horse owner can feel inundated with a wide variety of horse wear, blankets, sheets, coolers, slinkies, and all in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. So, what are they all for? Are they really necessary? How do you know what you need and how do you know what size you need?
All of these products have their place and are all useful. What you need though, can be dependent on how you work with your horse and the climate that you live in.
Coolers For Horses
The term cooler refers to blankets or sheets that use fabric or wool to wick moisture away from a horse’s skin and it traps the skin's heat against the body so that the horse does not catch a chill as it dries. When your horse comes in, wet from snow or rain, or after a workout, a cooler can be used to help dry sweat and can help the horse and stay warm on a cold day. Coolers can be especially helpful for unclipped horses during winter, as their long coat tends to trap sweat and moisture taking much longer to dry than a shorter coat. However, they can also be useful for clipped horses to help keep them warm as the body temperature slowly and comfortably returns to normal.
Coolers for Horses Come in a Variety of Materials
Though it is one of the most expensive options, wool is the warmest and one of the most absorbent and durable fabrics on the market. The downside to wool is that is more difficult to clean and cannot be dried in a standard dryer as it will shrink. Fleece is a cheaper option, that is washable, dryable without shrinking, great for wicking and keeping insulated, and can be found in many thicknesses depending on your climate. Some choose to layer a lightweight cooler underneath the heavier one to help speed up the drying process.
Keep Your Horses Coat Clean With Stable Sheets
Stable sheets are often what people refer to when they say the word “sheet”. These are used to keep the coat clean and provide a light layer of warmth and are often used while the horse is indoors. Since they are most often used indoors, they tend to have more of a fitted cut. These sheets are not waterproof although you can buy many that feature water resistance to help keep your horse clean and stain-free overnight. Stable sheets are made using lightweight fabrics such as cotton, nylon, polyester, or polypropylene. They can be a good second layer to help keep your horse warm when the temperatures drop.
Keep Your Horse Clean and Dry With Anti-Sweat Sheets
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, coolers and anti-sweat sheets are different. Anti-sweat sheets are used primarily in the summertime, they are very lightweight and wick away moisture without providing warmth. While they won’t prevent your horse from sweating, they will help dry up any moisture on the skin. They also help to dry a horse on a warm day before turning them out or putting them back into their stalls. Anti-sweat sheets are not as likely to be needed in warmer weather but they can be useful still as horses are very likely to roll when they’re sweaty causing bedding and dirt to stick to them, anti-sweat sheets can help keep them cleaner.
Anti-sweat sheets can be used if your horse is clipped or unclipped. Make sure that they are completely dry before blanketing them as any trapped moisture can interfere with normal body temperature, irritate the horse’s skin and potentially cause infection. If the temperature is cool outside and your horse is covered in sweat then their body cannot regulate temperature properly and this can cause them to get a chill. If you check the sheet and it is soaked through then the sheet should be removed and replaced with a dry one to continue the drying process.
Horse Blankets
Blankets are used to help keep your horse warm in the cooler months. They are considerably warmer than sheets. They lay loosely over a horse’s back, have straps to help secure the blanket to the horse’s neck and girth. They come in different fabrics and thicknesses so that you can get the correct protection for your horse in differing climates. Blankets should only be used on a horse that is cooled down and their hair is dry. Horses that are clipped often need blankets in winter to help keep warm. Older horses often need blankets in the winter months as they have a harder time regulating body temperature. Horse blankets can also be used when the horse is having health issues or when it has been transported from a warm climate to a cold one.
Slinkies For Horses
Slinkies can be used as a layer of insulation by using in place of a sheet or as a blanket liner and can also be used to keep a horse’s hair clean and smooth. Slinkies help manage their coat by protecting it like a second skin. It can provide lightweight protection from insects and sun bleaching. They help hold braids and bands in place and in turn, can cut down on grooming time. They’re made using a very stretchy material which is like an athletic mesh that allows for great ventilation during the summer months. They’re also easy to clean as they can be put in most washers and will dry in a very short amount of time.
How to measure and fit your horse for a blanket or sheet
Measuring your horse is the best way to figure out what size will fit them appropriately. After you decide what length, you would like. Have your horse on level ground. Using a soft or fabric measuring tape measure your horse horizontally from the center of its chest, over the shoulder, and to the point where you wish the blanket or sheet to end. If you would like one that covers the tail as well then continue your measurement to the center of the tail to ensure that it will be covered. Use the measurement in inches to follow the manufacturers sizing instructions and then find your horse’s size from there.
When putting the blanket or sheet on your horse be sure to work from front to rear. Working in this direction will help makes sure that you don’t forget a strap and will help the sheet or blanket be more stable during movement.
Whether you’re a new horse owner or a seasoned equestrian, we have all of the products you need for your horse here at South Texas Tack. If you have any questions about products, swing by in-store, or call our customer service line to discuss products with one of our professionals.
Written by: Ashley Smith
