An improperly fitted blanket can cause rubbing and slippage, so ensuring the best fit is essential to your horse’s comfort.  

Stand your horse as square as possible on a level surface. Measure from the center of chest, along the side of the body, to the point of the horse's rump, just before the tail. If your horse ends up measuring between sizes, it’s usually best to round up to make sure they have complete coverage.

To maximize your blanket’s lifespan, and to ensure comfort for your horse, we recommend you clean it at least annually. First, remove excess dirt from the outside of the blanket with a stiff brush and hose, if necessary. The blanket can then be washed either by hand, or on a delicate cycle with cool water in a commercial washer, using mild soap that is appropriate for waterproof/breathable performance fabrics. Do not use hot water, or regular detergent, as it can destroy the waterproofness and void any warranties. When the blanket has been washed, allow to drip dry – do not put it in the dryer. Make sure it is completely dry before packing it away, and don’t store it if it is damp or wet. 

Gatsby® Turnout Sheet and Blanket materials are waterproof and designed to keep your horse dry. However, if your horse is turned out during prolonged rain or heavy downpours, your horse may still get wet, especially around the neck and tail. 

When using a blanket or sheet, it is critical to monitor the fluctuating climate and temperatures, even with one that is waterproof and breathable. Breathable fabrics are designed to wick away normal body heat, but when a blanket is too heavy, the resulting heat and moisture cannot be wicked away fast enough, which will make your horse sweat. Temperature, length of coat, and horse metabolism determines what weight of blanket should be used – therefore, most people who blanket have several articles of horse clothing that offer varying levels of warmth.