| The horse blanket was created for functional use, | | | | place. A surcingle is a strap that goes around the |
| to be placed under the saddle as an extra cushion, | | | | horse's body to bind on a saddle. It should also |
| or to be used when a saddle was not available or | | | | have a warm wool lining. |
| not necessary. When riding without a saddle, the | | | | If your stabled horse has a thin coat or has been |
| blanket can soak up sweat or dirt from the horse | | | | clipped, you may want to provide a horse blanket |
| to prevent or reduce transfer onto your clothing | | | | for warmth. While you sit in your warm home, |
| and makes the ride a bit more comfortable for | | | | out of the cold, you can be comforted knowing |
| the animal. It grew in popularity over the years | | | | your valued pet has additional protection from the |
| and became an item of decoration, both on the | | | | weather. The horse will feel more loved and |
| horse and in the home. | | | | cared for, and will be more willing to respond to |
| The saddle sits on top of the blanket, which also | | | | your attentions. |
| helps protect the lining of the saddle. The | | | | Some horse enthusiasts obtain day rugs and night |
| blanket peeks out underneath to cover the pad | | | | rugs. Waterproof canvas has been used in the |
| placed on the horse's back. This can provide | | | | making of horse blankets, to further protect from |
| decoration if you have an elaborate blanket with | | | | the weather and also help lengthen the life of the |
| hanging fringe. It can enhance the beauty of | | | | blanket. |
| your horse and the beauty of a new or favorite | | | | If you are using your animal as a show horse, |
| saddle. | | | | you might want to provide a saddle with a |
| Sometimes the blankets are not elaborate and | | | | blanket in matching colors, maybe you'll want your |
| fringed and are of a more useful image. The | | | | initials on the blanket for advertisement purposes |
| blankets come around to attach in the front, then | | | | while your horse waits. You can custom order |
| there are attachments for each back leg as well | | | | your saddle and your blankets. |
| to keep the blanket in place. It provides warmth | | | | Sometimes the blanket is placed next to the |
| and comfort to your prize horse and majestic | | | | horse and the pad is placed on top, then the |
| pet. | | | | saddle is added. You should always use a pad or |
| Some horse blankets are called rugs. It seems | | | | blanket under a Western saddle. |
| funny to think of a rug being placed on your | | | | Besides being functional as added padding and |
| horse's back, especially under the saddle. In the | | | | protection for your clothing if you ride without a |
| past, these rugs were made of canvas or | | | | saddle, the blanket can be used to help your |
| something called jute, which is a strong fiber used | | | | horse get comfortable with having weight on its |
| for making burlap or rope. Some blankets have | | | | back. |
| an item called a surcingle sewn to keep them | | | | |