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The importance of using quality saddle blankets
is a "given" among knowledgeable horsemen. Today there
are many good blankets and pads made of different materials available
at varying cost. But the wool blanket is far and away still the
favorite of most professionals and recreationists. As with anything
worth using, a good wool blanket is seldom inexpensive, and should
be considered an investment. With proper care (requiring only a
little attention), a wool blanket will last for many years, even
if used for many hours every day.
Here are
a few tips to help you prolong the use of a wool blanket:
Beat and brush the blanket: Every
few days, simply slap the blanket against a door, pipe, fence,
etc. Then use a soft to medium stiff horse brush (not a metal
curry comb), and brush the hair and dander from the blanket.
This won’t take more than 5 minutes of your time.
Wash the blanket: Every 60 to
90 days, wash the blanket in a tub of cold water. For best results,
put your blanket in a tub of water and let it soak for a least
an hour. Then, as best you can "wring" the blanket
in the water, then "wring" it out of the water.
Hang the blanket over a rail:
(like the top rail of a fence), and with a soft to medium brush,
lightly brush the blanket on both sides. Let the blanket air
dry completely, then slap it against a door or fence until it
feels as soft as a brand new one.
NOTE: It is best not to use soap when washing wool blankets.
The blanket will retain much of the soap (even soaps made specifically
for wool). When the blanket becomes wet with sweat, the residual
soap may seep throughout the very porous wool, and irritate
a horse’s back.
After a few washings, the color will of course begin to fade.
This has no bearing on the usefulness of the blanket in serving
it’s true purpose. You might find that you prefer an older,
faded, soft blanket next to your horse’s back. After all,
the concept is to protect your horse’s back and keep them
comfortable. |
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