Horseware Ireland
Blanket Guide

Horseware Ireland blankets come in a wide range of styles to accommodate every horse owner's budget and every horse's shape and size. The varied technologies and features can potentially make a significant day-to-day impact on both the horse and the horse blanket buyer. To find the blanket best suited for your horse or pony you will need to learn some key differences between the fabric technology, cut and design, and a few other functional blanket features.

Horseware Blanket Comparison

Horseware blankets come in four lines: Mio, Amigo, Rhino, and Rambo. Although there are differences between these lines in terms of features, one of the most significant factors to impact blanket choice is the outer layer of fabric. Use this guide to explore the differences between one blanket's features vs. another so you can best determine the Horseware line of rugs that best fits the needs of you and your horse.

If you are blanketing on a budget, the Mio is the blanket for you. This wallet-friendly blanket line still boasts features Horseware is known, making it a great choice for horses who are kind to their clothing or do not wear a turnout blanket often.

The Amigo Bravo 12 is the most versatile of Horseware Ireland's blanket lines. A great all-around blanket, the Amigo line has all the features horse owners are looking for. An exclusive weatherproof coating keeps your favorite equine dry while a variety of neck styles and front closures allows you to choose the best option for your horse.

The Rhino blankets are a perfect choice for horses who need tough blankets and live in areas that experiences a lot of rain. This line is unique because they are constructed with a waterproof layer between the outer section and the fill of the blanket. This "barrier layer" will keep the blanket waterproof even if the outer layer becomes damaged. This tough, durable blanket is a great balance of the best protection and most comfort that you can offer your horse.

Rambo blankets are designed for horses who are rough on their rugs or enjoy some hard play with pasture mates. Made from ballistic nylon, this tough material is one of the most durable fabrics on the market; it is twice as strong as most high-end blankets and over four times stronger than standard polyester. Not only does it offer incredible longevity, but just like the other models, comes with a "slippery" finish that makes it hard for horses to get a grip on it with their teeth. Additional compatibility with the Horseware liner system and a removable hood offers further versatility.

Aquatrans

Aquatrans technology is a unique waterproofing method featured in the Rambo, Rhino, and Amigo models of Horseware blankets. Aqutrans involves two layers: one hydrophobic outer layer and one hydrophilic inner layer. The exterior is "water-hating" and therefore drives water away from the turnout while the "water-loving" interior draws sweat away from the body. This impressive system keeps water out and your horse dry and warm!

Vari-Layer

Through extensive research, Horseware has discovered that the majority of heat loss is concentrated along the horse's back. They developed the Vari-Layer System to maximize heat retention without the heaviness of standard fill. The system is designed in layers, with the most thermobonded fiberfill at the top, which then decreases in the middle and is lightest at the bottom.

The layering of fiber allows the blanket to wrap more closely around the horse, effectively trapping heat in crucial areas while decreasing the overall weight of the blanket. Vari-Layer technology can be found in the Rhino blanket line.

Horseware Blanket Features

Neck Cut

Classic Neck Cut:

Also called a standard neck, this cut is curved to frame the horse's neck for comfort. The Classic cut is good for the average-built horse.

Surefit Neck Design:

This design is found on blankets with a V-front closure or a disc-front closure. The Surefit neck allows the blanket to sit well in front of the withers, which relieves pressure and gives the shoulders room to move freely. The Surefit neck is often seen on the Wug model.

The Surefit cut is a great choice for a deep-shouldered, narrow horse or a high-withered horse. They are also suitable for an average-built horse if the owner wishes to give them more comfort.

All-In-One Neck Cut:

The combo neck is a fully integrated neckpiece that offers one weight from ears to tail. A no-seam design protects the horse from rubbing.

The All-In-One cut is a good choice for very narrow or young horses, as it will help fit their shape and prevent the rug from slipping.

Front Closures:

Classic Front Closure:

The classic, straight-front closure is an easy, secure option that aligns with the point of the shoulder. Two fasteners provide security and are backed with secure Velcro. The straight-front closure is a good choice for narrower-built horses.

V-Front Closure:

The V-front closure is a fixed, non-swivel, trigger-hook fastening that is crafted from durable stainless steel for longevity. The fasteners are designed to sit facing the chest of the horse to prevent them from opening or catching on external matter. This type of closure is positioned to eliminate pressure on the shoulder and is beneficial for a variety of equine body shapes. Due to its positioning, it can be ideal for broader-built horses.

Disc-Front Closure:

Horseware's Disc-Front closure is a revolutionary, patented design that is ergonomically shaped to mirror the contours of the horse's chest. This lightweight, flexible piece is crafted in a smooth form to prevent catching or hangups in the pasture.

Leg Arches:

The patented Horseware Leg Arches offer advantages over traditional gussets because their seamless, ergonomic construction is designed to relieve tension along the neck and shoulder, and to provide full freedom of movement for the front legs. The contoured cut behind the elbow prevents material from gathering behind the front leg, effectively eliminating unwanted rubbing or chafing during turnout. Leg Arches also help the blanket stay secure under the belly and offer additional coverage from the elements.

Belly Surcingles:

Horseware believes that the more belly surcingles on a blanket, the more secure the blanket's fit. All Horseware blankets and turnouts are made with either two or three surcingles, depending on the model. Three surcingles are most commonly found on Horseware products with two Leg Arches, while two surcingles are typically found on blankets with only one Leg Arch.

Tail Cord vs Tail Strap

By combining a tail strap with the positioning of the rear darts, Horseware blankets allow for a secure fit without the need for leg straps. This means easier application and removal for the owner, and it can be beneficial for horses that are young or sensitive about their hind legs.

Tail straps come in two versions: a wipe-clean tail cord and a webbed tail strap. The wipe-clean tail cord is a PVC-covered cord that is easier to clean and is designed to break under extreme pressure, offering safety if the horse gets caught. The webbed tail strap is adjustable and can be extended or shortened to provide a customized fit.

Once you've selected just the right turnout rug for your horse it's time to narrow down the right size. Fit is extremely important for your horse's comfort as it prevents rubbing and slipping. Since horses of the same height may have different conformations, it can be beneficial to take multiple measurements to determine blanket size.

Horseware suggests taking a soft tape measurer and measuring from the center point of the chest, across the point of the shoulder, and to the center of the tail. Once you have this measurement, subtract 4" and reference the size chart below to find your horse's blanket size. Please note, this chart is a guide only, and Horseware makes different style blankets to accommodate differently shaped and sized horses.

For more information on sizing, read our full article on how to measure your horse for a blanket.

Horseware Blanket FAQs

Q: How do you wash a Horseware blanket?

A: To clean your Horseware blanket, first brush off any excess dirt or mud that has accumulated on the exterior. Once free of debris, hose off the blanket with cool water and use a blanket wash that is formulated to gently clean and won't damage the waterproof coating. Horseware does not recommend using a power wash, as the pressure can potentially damage the waterproof layer. If you launder your blanket, select a cool wash cycle that does not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Once clean, hang to drip dry. For more tips, check out our guide on washing, repairing, and storing horse blankets!

Q: What is the best way to store a Horseware blanket?

A: Once the blanket is clean and completely dry, neatly fold it into a breathable blanket storage bag. The branded bag that your Horseware blanket comes in offers great storage for after-season use! Store the blanket in a cool, dry space and try to avoid any areas that may become damp or excessively hot.

Q. What is the Horseware liner system and how do you attach a liner inside a blanket?

A. The Horseware blanket liner system was developed to be simple and flexible so that horse owners could have the ability to change the weight of their blankets, and therefore eliminate the need for two blankets. Easy to attach and remove, the liner connects to the blanket with two-inch pieces of velcro that attach to light, rounded metal loops on the inside neck area of the horse blanket. The liner is then attached at the back, where the tail cord is, by clip fastenings which prevent the liner from slipping or moving. Many Horseware blankets are compatible with the liner system, however, not all are. Be sure to check the product description to identify which blankets will be compatible.

Closing Thoughts

Horseware Ireland has been leading the charge in horse blanket design for decades. Started in Dundalk, Ireland, they began their mission to create the first truly leak-proof horse blanket that didn't slip or make the horse sweat. Today, Horseware accommodates every shape and size of equine, effectively making an appreciable positive impact on the care you provide for your horse.