Hail, Ye Olde Horse
Blanket!
The horse blanket has been around for many years. As long
as cowboys and Indians have existed, so has the use of the horse
blanket. A welcome addition to any true-blue western cowboy's
stock of horse paraphernalia, the horse blanket can be useful and
pleasing to the eye as well.
Most story books about horses and cowboys or Indians will
include a reference to or a picture of a horse blanket. It is
also a work of art for collectors and to western museums.
Where to buy a horse blanket is not a problem as there are so
many outlets available both online and in the 'real' world, so to
speak. A selection could be as close as your local feed
store. Many magazines that advertise western or Indian
related items will carry horse blankets. Some of the bigger,
well-known flea markets also are sure to have someone dealing in
horse blankets. Some of the companies that sell western items
and equipment are American Saddlery, Cottage Craft, Classic Equine,
Horsewear, and Cowboy Brand.
A horse blanket was used in the Wild West days of gun fighting,
in theaters with plays about western days, in farms and ranches
around the globe. Soldiers who fought wars on horseback used
the horse blanket. There are rodeos across the United States,
and you won't see a rodeo without seeing a horse blanket. It
is well-known to people who don't even ride horses. You can
find them sold at travel stops and tourist stores, although some
may only be decorative and less functional to the real cowboy or
cowgirl. A restaurant that advertises steak as one of its
main attractions might have a statue on display with a horse and
its trusty blanket.
The fibers in a good horse blanket will wick away the sweat from
the horse's back. Cooler blankets help keep the horse
comfortable while they wait in the heat of the sun or in a hot
building, such as an auction building or a barn with poor
airflow. The horse blanket is easy to care for and only looks
better as it ages, although excessive wear will merit replacement
for your horse's benefit. A torn or holey blanket is sure to
have less ability to do what it is meant to do.
The horse blanket is a staple for the hard-core cowboy or frequent
rider. It is a help to ranch hands when they have to stay out
in the weather during round-ups of livestock. Even if the
horse doesn't need the blanket, the rider might. It makes a
nice pallet to shield the rider from the ground should they spend a
night by the campfire! It's certain to pad the head better
than a rock should a nap be necessary during work breaks. It
may even be used as a changing curtain should a lady rider or work
hand be mixed among the men folk! (No peaking,
fellows!) You could place it under your basket and dinnerware
to protect your picnic from the insects crawling around by
spreading it over the ground or a nearby rock while you eat.
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