Favorite stable sheets, blankets? Cooler weather approaching....

[keysfins]

It is starting to cool off here, and soon we will be putting light sheets on the horses at night, so we can keep all the windows open even if it gets a bit chilly overnight. (That’s relative, of course. We start sheets when it gets down into the 40’s (*F) at night.)

What is your favorite stable sheet? Something like a lightweight sheet in cotton or poly/cotton? It isn’t quite time for a Baker-type sheet, which might be too warm.

Also looking for favorite stable blankets for later in the colder season, and on in to winter. My horses are stalled at night, and I typically use a Baker blanket, sometimes with another layer underneath, for overnight when the barn is closed. But the Bakers get pretty filthy, and sometimes damp, depending on what the horse has slept on in the stall.

Is there such a thing as a cozy stable blanket that doesn’t absorb moisture/stains/odors? Or is it better to toss a sheet over the blanket? It seems like a waterproof turnout sheet over top would do the trick, but they don’t seem to breathe well, and may be too warm over a stable blanket. Which fabrics/brands do you find work well?

Does anyone have experience with the Bucas quilted stable blanket/liner? The lower part of the blanket does not absorb moisture, according to the Bucas website. And it can be attached to a Bucas turnout for additional warmth outside. I am not familiar with the brand, I just see that the blankets and turnouts are fairly expensive

Suggestions welcome!

[Palm_Beach]

I don’t clip, so mine are just fine naked until it gets really cool. Horses adapt well to cold weather unless you remove their hair.

Mine also stay out all night until it gets really cold (December). I put unlined rain sheets on them until the temp drops, then they get medium weight blankets. I actually like the Dover Northwinds brand - I feel it’s good value for the money.

[Highflyer]

I definitely prefer the quilted nylon (and nylon lined) type stable blankets. I have dealt with a variety and I think weatherbeeta and pessoa both are decent, or Rambo if you are looking to spend more. I just wash them if they get gross. I don’t use stable sheets much but I typically prefer the nylon type like the Schneider’s ones. We really only have thoroughbred layups that are in and clipped and shoulder rubs are a battle otherwise.

[IPEsq]

I’ve taken to using the turnout blankets in the stall. They still get gross but it helps with the wet spots. For a light sheet, I like the Horseware one. It is more wicking than the Baker. I’ve even used it after bathing. I decided to give it a try because the Rambo closures work well for my horse after he kept pulling his Baker over his head and ripping it to bits. Don’t think it’s repairable this time. But he hasn’t worn the other one overnight yet, so we’ll see…

[WildandWickedWarmblo]

Horseware turnouts for use in the barn and outside. You can wash them at home, using a mild soap, not detergent, and don’t dry in the dryer. They will not lose their water repellency that way.

[BruBoy]

I love our Amigo insulator stable blankets https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/amigo-insulator-stable-blanket-10661.

They come in light, medium and heavy. Great options to layer with a rainsheet.

Very lightweight and easy to wash in the washing machine.

Love them!

[dynamite0319]

I think stable blanket/sheets are very much personal preference. I love my Baker stable blankets/sheets, but my trainer despises them because they get so dirty. If you have an especially destructive horse, then it may be a better idea to use turnouts when they are stabled. If you have a limited budget, I’d advise getting a good turnout and having it be dual purpose.
The nylon/cordura/polyester type stable blankets are going to be much easier to keep clean than the Bakers because they will shed the shavings/hay/etc. Plus the nylon lining will keep your horse’s coat nice. I don’t think there is any blanket that won’t absorb whatever liquid your horse lays down or rolls in. The waterproof ones will be less breathable than the non-waterproof ones.
In my experience the quality of any blanket tends to correlate with the price. As far as liking one brand over another, I’ve found that different brands fit different horses better. I currently have a stout 15hh Quarter Horse, a 16hh warmblood and a 16hh thoroughbred. The Rhino/Rambos tend to fit the TB best. The Bakers fit everyone pretty well, I just have to adjust the sizing according to the horse’s physical build (the QH wears a 78 and the TB a 75). I always had BMBs or Big D’s for my QH’s, but now have primarily Baker, Rhino and Rambo blankets and sheets. I ADORE my Baker turnouts. I’ve found them to be extremely durable, look fantastic and fit all 3 of my horses well. I’m fortunate and my horses aren’t terribly hard on their blankets.