Blanket Material
What is denier, and how do you know if a blanket denier is good?
Denier is a unit of measurement that informs on the thickness of individual yarns that are used in the makeup of fabrics. The numbers indicate the amount of yarns within each thread e.g. 600 denier contains 600 yarns within each thread. Traditionally the higher a denier count is, the thicker and more durable a fabric will be. A lower denier count means the fabric will be softer and offer less durability.
When considering the strength of a turnout blanket, a higher denier blanket usually offers a higher strength of fabric and more durability. For example, a blanket that has a 1200D polyester outer is twice the strength and twice as durable as a blanket that is made with 600D polyester. However, it is important to note that this does not translate directly across different fabrics. Each fabric is inherently different in strength. This is why it is possible for a 1000D ballistic nylon to have a lighter denier than a 1200D polyester but produce a stronger, lighter and more durable turnout.
Knowing which denier to choose depends on the horse that will be wearing the blanket. It is advised that the living conditions of a horse (length of turnout period, quality of grazing area, fencing used, etc) and whether they are hard on blankets (excessive rubbing, scratching, tend to tear blankets in the past, turned out with other animals) should be factors for consideration when choosing a fabric and denier.
What linings are used in Horseware Ireland blankets?
Polyester & Microfiber are the most popular types of lining used in Horseware Blankets.
Horseware polyester linings are breathable and offer a smooth inside hand-feel, keeping a horse’s coat smooth & shiny while the polyester linings used across our Rambo Turnouts & Stable Blankets are anti-bacterial and anti-static. Most commonly used in turnouts, some stable blankets and for lining the shoulders of fly & stable sheets.
Microfiber lining offers a cotton-like hand-feel. Breathable and secure, it is commonly used on stable blankets.
What are the differences between Rambo, Rhino and Amigo turnout blankets?
The main differences between the Horseware Ireland turnout brands are the outer fabrics that are used in each range.
The most common type of outer materials used in Horseware Blankets are explained below:
Rambo® blankets are made from 1000D or 1680D ballistic nylon, a fabric that was first developed for flak jackets to be worn by World War II airmen.
One of the toughest fabrics on the market, it offers incredible longevity and its slippery hand-feel means other horses cannot get a grip on it with their teeth.
1000D ballistic nylon is 87% stronger than polypropylene used in Rhino blankets and 132% stronger than standard 1200D polyester.
Rhino® blankets are made from 1000D polypropylene outer. Polypropylene is a stronger alternative to the widely used polyester turnout material.
Rhino blankets are unique as they are constructed differently to other turnout blankets – they’re made using a waterproof layer between the outer section and the fill of the blanket known as a barrier layer, this barrier layer is still effective if the outer layer becomes damaged.
1000D polypropylene is 30% stronger than standard 1200D polyester and 193% stronger than standard 600D polyester.
Amigo® Bravo 12 blankets are made from strong 1200D polyester. 42% stronger than standard 600D polyester outers.
What factors make Horseware Ireland blankets durable and hard wearing?
The denier, weave and coating of the material used on the outer fabric are major factors for consideration. Equally, the construction of the blanket plus aspects such as stitching and hardware (front closures) are important when creating the toughest blanket possible.
Some construction features used in Horseware Ireland blankets that help increase toughness & durability are:
- Bindings on Horseware blankets are finished with twin needle stitching offering a secure, durable finish to the blanket’s edge.
- Bar tacking is a reinforced stitching style used at key pressure points such as the tail flap, hood & liner loops and tail strap. They are used to offer extra security and reinforcement that aims to stand up to a variety of wear and environmental conditions.
- Computer stitching is used on all strap webbing such as the front straps and side surcingles. These are attached to the blanket using reinforced computer stitching to offer maximum durability.
- Stainless Steel fastenings: Our Rambo®, Rhino® & Amigo® Bravo 12 v-front fastenings, and also our Rambo® male/female buckles and slider, are constructed using stainless steel for long lasting wear.