Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Antisweat sheet.
An antisweat sheet is a hot-weather net or mesh sheet made of cotton or
a synthetic wicking fabric. It is used to prevent a stalled horse from breaking into a sweat
on very hot days. It can also be used as a hot-weather cooler after a workout or bath to en-
able a horse to dry.
Winter stable blanket.
A winter stable blanket needs to be warm and comfortable and
stay in place. Leg straps usually prevent shifting, a cut-back withers prevents mane rub-
bing, and a nylon lining polishes the coat. The blanket's exterior must be tough enough
to withstand a horse rolling and rubbing, and although it doesn't need to be waterproof, it
must be breathable (allow sweat to evaporate) to prevent overheating. The middle layer of
insulation can be light, medium, or heavy for various temperatures. A heavyweight blanket
is not necessarily heavy in weight but just provides maximum warmth. Generally, a stable
blanket is used in temperatures below 40°F.
Hood.
A hood is sometimes used in conjunction with a stable blanket on show horses
that are kept indoors and are short coated all winter.
Stable wraps.
In addition to blankets, you may wish to use leg wraps for your stalled
horse. They are not usually necessary unless the horse is in heavy work. Stable wraps (or
standing bandages), which usually extend from below the knee or hock down to the fetlock,
can be made of wool, flannel, or fleece, with or without a cotton quilt underneath. They
offer warmth and protection and might keep a horse in heavy exercise from “stocking up”
(accumulating fluids in the legs) as he stands in his stall. Stable wraps are not like exercise
wraps. The latter are designed for temporary support and are applied with a greater amount
of tension. Stable wraps are often left on overnight (but should not be on for more than 12
consecutive hours), so they must not interfere with circulation in any way. Stable wraps are
applied much like shipping wraps, in thick layers with moderate tension, except that stable
wraps end at the fetlock and shipping wraps cover the bulbs of the heels.
Cooler.
A cooler is a large square of absorbent or wicking material that is draped over
the horse's body for drying after a bath or cooling out after work, especially in cold weath-
er. Coolers are traditionally made of wool, but since those often require hand-washing in
cold water, new materials, including synthetic fleece, are available. A cooler is often held
in place only by straps at the brow band and tail and therefore is most suitable for a horse
drying out at a hitch rail or in cross ties.
