Unfortunately, we are coming upon the time of stable sheets and jackets, when beautiful sunny, warm days turn into brisk and chilly mornings. The question arises: what fabric is best from my equine partner on these upcoming chilly days? Here at Saratoga Horseworks, we have your covered with everything from wool to fleece to diamond knit to keep your horse warm and comfortable. We are also experts on how all of our fabrics preform the best, so let us share some of our knowledge with you!
The good ol' traditional chilly weather “go to” when it comes to clothing our equine friends! What features has made wool stand the test of time?
The Diverse Abilities of Wool
There’s a reason why wool is a common staple in any barn when the temperature begins to drop, its usages are endless! Most importantly wool has a love/hate relationship with water, for us as horse owners this is a wonderful ability. Wool loves water vapor, meaning any sweat on the horse’s body will be pulled away to make sure they don’t catch a chill on a cold day. When it comes to liquid water wool repels it, making it water resistant. Perfect for keeping your horse dry if we happen to get a fall sprinkle or winter snow! It’s breathability also enhances its powers making sure your equine friend doesn’t get too warm. The icing on the cake is wool happens to naturally be stain, odor and fire resistant (though we don’t recommend you jump through any hoops of fire). Wool is definitely the superhero of horse garment fabric!
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Our Wool Pick
Hawthorne Wool Dress Sheet: Not only is this dress sheet perfect for a classic look at horse shows, the functionality of the wool makes this a truly “one-of-a-kind” garment. Shown here in Navy Blue with Camel trim and Gold Standard Piping.
What’s the big deal about fleece? Not only is fleece functional but it is more economic than wool while housing many of the same powers. Here at Saratoga Horseworks we offer two different types of fleece both with their own superpowers.
Saratoga Horseworks is the only horse garment manufacturer to produce Polartec® fleece horse clothing! We carry two Polartec® fleece types the Classic 200 Fleece and the Power Air™. Both Polartec® fleece products are extremely functional at keeping your horses warm and dry during the chilly months. The yarn used is hydrophobic which means, much like wool is repels liquid water and attracts water vapor. Perfect for cooling off a warm horse on a chilly day or just in case we have a little fall sprinkle. Not to mention it is LIGHT, you get the warmth and performance of wool in a lighter more versatile fabric. The icing on the cake is that the fabric is super easy to care for, machine wash and dry, and you don’t have to worry about it pilling like normal fleece.
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Our Polartec® Pick
Polartec® 200 Fleece Riding Blacket: The perfect everyday riding blanket, made of high-quality fleece and is built to last. Designed to keep both you and your equine friend warm this winter. Shown here in hunter green with grey trim, white standard piping and black twisted cord.
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The Classic and Functional Saratoga Fleece
Our most economical yet, high-quality fleece. The Saratoga Fleece is thick yet breathable so it keeps your horse warm on the coldest days! It’s breathability also lends it to its quick drying time, perfect to save your horse from a winter chill after an intense schooling session. Not only does the Saratoga Fleece perform well but it also is easier to care for. No having to worry about shrinking or fading when you stick it in the machine to wash and dry. The Saratoga Fleece’s functionality and durability lend it to being an every day barn favorite. It’ll be our little secret that your new A-circuit ready barn garment is this functional durable fleece!
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Our Saratoga Fleece Pick
Now we are not supposed to pick favorites but the diamond knit fabric sure takes the cake. Not only is it lightweight and stretchy it is multi-functional athletic fabric that is excellent at pulling sweat away from your horse’s body. It is an excellent light-weight substitute for fleece or wool, perfect for fall days or if you are lucky enough to head south for the winter. The best part is it is easy to maintain, treated with 3M Scotchguard™ to resist stains and can be machine washed. Best part, you don’t have to worry about shrinking or fading. Not only is the Diamond Knit functional and easy to maintain it is dressy enough for a show garment. We think it’s so nice we included it in the Signature line.
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