"A Time to Heal" by Judy Larsen
General Guide for Blanket Durability
| Type | Durability | Comments |
| 1680D Ballistic Nylon or 1800D Polyester | Exceptional | Recommended for horses that are hard on blankets or turned out with other horses who may bite or pull at a blanket |
| 1200D Polyester or Ripstop Nylon | Superior | Recommend to withstand the rigors of turnout |
| 600D | Standard | Recommend for horses easy on blankets. Occasion or monitored turnout. Picket line use. |
General Temperature Guide for Blanket Weights
Maintaining current coat condition...
| Warmth of Blanket | Short Coat/Clipped | Medium/Full Coat |
| Extra Heavyweight | Subzero - 15˚F | --- |
| Heavyweight | 15˚F - 30˚F | Subzero - 15˚F |
| Midweight | 30˚F - 50˚F | 15˚F - 30˚F |
| Sheet | 50˚F + | 30˚F + |
Improving current coat condition... (promote shedding)
| Warmth of Blanket | Short Coat/Clipped | Medium/Full Coat |
| Extra Heavyweight | Subzero - 20˚F | Subzero - 15˚F |
| Heavyweight | 20˚F - 40˚F | 15˚F - 30˚F |
| Midweight | 40˚F - 60˚F | 30˚F - 45˚F |
| Sheet | 60˚F + | 45˚F + |
Blanket Care Instructions
Laundering: Remove detachable leg straps; fasten all Velcro, bellybands and attached leg straps securely before laundering. Wash stable blankets in warm (not hot) water with mild detergent. Do not use bleach. See special instructions below for washing waterproof turnout blankets. Do not subject nylon blankets to high temperatures. Line dry or tumble dry on low setting.
Waterproof Blanket Maintenance: To maintain the waterproof breathable functionary of your turnout be sure to follow these recommended care instructions: Keep it clean, but avoid over laundering, freshen blankets by frequently hosing off accumulated dirt.
While laundering waterproof blankets, use recommended non-detergent blanket washes, such as Nikwax Tech Wash/Rug Wash, Nature's Blend or comparable products. Caution: Detergents, fabric softeners and bleach degrade the waterproof breathable coating and shorten the life of the blanket.
Maintaining the integrity of the waterproof outershell: Do not attempt to sew on waterproof materials. Should snags or small punctures occur, they are easily repairable and will in no way affect the performance of the blanket. Simply obtain StormShield® Repair Tap, which is available on request for guaranteed blankets or available for purchase. Revitalizing the DWR coating: As time passes, if water stops beading up on a portion of the outershell, the durable waterproof coating may be revitalized by washing in warm water, tumble drying on low setting, or applying moderate heat to the outer covering using a hair dryer or warm (not hot) water. Please use caution, washer and dryer temperatures vary and high temperatures may shrink or melt the nylon outer covering or binding.
Storage: The best choice for long term storage is a sealable airtight container where blankets will be protected from dampness, direct heat and varmints. Never store soiled blankets between seasons. Take care of your investment by laundering and making repairs first. Make sure the blankets are clean and thoroughly dry before storing.