Horse blankets have been around for many years. They were a welcome addition to any true-blue western cowboy’s stock of horse paraphernalia and where also used by Indians. The Indians rode without saddles and the blankets were pleasing to the eye as well as adding comfort.

Most story books about horses and cowboys or Indians will include a reference to or a picture of a horse blanket. It is also a work of art for collectors and to western museums.

Where to buy a horse blanket is not a problem as there are so many outlets available both online and in equestrian stores. A selection could be as close as your local feed store. Many magazines that advertise western or Indian related items will carry horse blankets. Some of the bigger, well-known flea markets also are sure to have someone dealing in horse blankets. Some of the companies that sell western items and equipment are American Saddlery, Cottage Craft, Classic Equine, Horsewear, and Cowboy Brand.

Horse blankets were used in the Wild West days of gun fighting and are used in theaters with plays about western days, in farms and ranches around the globe, soldiers who fought wars on horseback used the them. Go to any rodeo across the United States, and you won’t see a rodeo without seeing a horse blanket. You will also find them sold at travel stops and tourist stores, although some may only be decorative and less functional to the real cowboy or cowgirl. A restaurant that advertises steak as one of its main attractions might have a statue on display with a horse and its trusty blanket.

The fibers in a good horse blanket will wick away the sweat from the horse’s back. Lighter ones also help keep the horse comfortable while they wait in the heat of the sun or in a hot building, such as an auction building or a barn with poor airflow.

Horse blankets are easy to care for and tend to look better as they age, although excessive wear will merit replacement for your horse’s benefit. A torn or holey blanket is sure to have less ability to do what it is meant to do. They are a staple necessity for the hard-core cowboy or frequent rider. They are a help to ranch hands when they have to stay out in the weather during round-ups of livestock. Even if the horse does not need the blanket, the rider might. It makes a nice pallet to shield the rider from the ground should they spend a night by the campfire! It certainly more comfortable to the head than a rock should a nap be necessary during work breaks. It may even be used as a changing curtain should a lady rider or work hand be mixed among the men folk! (No peaking, fellows!) You could also place it under your basket and dinnerware to protect your picnic from the insects crawling around by spreading it over the ground or a nearby rock while you eat.

It is easy to see why horse blankets have lasted through time as one of the most important and necessary pieces of equipment for all involved with horses and ponies for that matter.

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