Services

Proper blanket care is crucial to ensure your horses remain healthy and comfortable in changing weather conditions. Our services can help simplify this task for you significantly. We offer convenient drop-off and pick-up locations, and shipping options for your blankets. We utilize environmentally friendly cleaning, disinfecting, deodorizing, and reinforcing water resistancey techniques. Moreover, we specialize in expert high-quality repairs and alterations using industrial-grade sewing machines.

WASHING

As the warmer months of late March, April, and May approach, it's wise to start preparing for cleaning and storing your horse's wardrobe. Allowing dirty blankets to sit for extended periods can lead to ammonia buildup from manure and embedded dirt, weakening the fabric and making it more susceptible to tears while reducing its water repellency.

Detergents should never be applied to horse clothing as they may contain chemicals, color dyes, and fragrances that can irritate your horse's delicate skin. Our shop exclusively uses products endorsed by reputable blanket manufacturers, such as NIKWAX and HORSEWARE brand products. NIKWAX has been a trusted name in waterproofing and safe washing solutions since 1977, known for being the sole waterproofing product without any fluorocarbons. 

We have extensively tested numerous products. If a product does not meet our standards on our personal blankets, we will not apply it to yours. After much testing, we believe we have found the perfect blend of products to ensure your utmost satisfaction. Our cleaning process involves using only environmentally friendly, mild soap, and disinfectant to safely clean your blankets while also preserving the environment from harmful toxins.

All items are laundered following the manufacturer's guidelines. While not all blankets need to be washed in cold water, those made of cotton or wool should always be washed in cold water to minimize shrinkage. Rest assured, the care label on your blanket will be carefully reviewed and the instructions meticulously adhered to.

We exclusively utilize factory-customized industrial machines designed specifically for horse blankets. These machines eliminate the need for agitators or hand scrubbing, which could compromise the DWR (durable waterproof repellent) coating of the blanket's exterior fabric.

Additionally, all items are line-dried outdoors or inside a controlled-temperature environment when needed due to inclement weather.

REPAIRS 

Our repair process is meticulous and considerate. While we have the ability to repair any blanket, we always keep our customer's budget in mind. We take into consideration factors such as the blanket's age, type, and the extent of the damage. Sometimes, the condition of the blanket might not be evident until it's cleaned. If you anticipate that your blanket may need repairs exceeding our $50 option, kindly inform us in advance or speak with us directly. This way, we can examine the blanket before washing it and prevent you from incurring unnecessary costs if we deem it not worth repairing.  Typically, major damages can be addressed for $80 or less.

For a detailed breakdown of repair costs, kindly refer to our prices page. Even heavily damaged blankets can typically be repaired at a reasonable price. Additionally, we offer custom alterations such as adding or removing hardware and converting to any front closure system. Feel free to inquire about any additional services you may require!


Let's talk Waterproofing!!

When you buy a new turnout sheet or blanket labeled as waterproof, what does this really mean? 

Many companies assert that their products are completely waterproof, but some fall short of this claim. The only blankets that are genuinely waterproof feature a waterproof barrier fabric sandwiched between the outer fabric and the lining fabric, like the Rhino by Horseware. In contrast, all other blanket brands are generally water-repellent or water-resistant.

The new "waterproof" blanket you recently bought is designed with two layers of waterproofing: internal and external. The internal waterproofing layer is integrated into the fabric before it reaches the blanket manufacturer, typically using materials like vinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, or fluoropolymers. When you examine the inside of the blanket, the outer fabric will seem to have a rubber-like layer on its underside. The only way to notice wear on this layer is when the blanket starts leaking through the interior lining or becomes saturated in heavy rain. Since this layer is concealed inside the blanket against the lining or fill, it cannot be visually inspected for wear. The next time your blanket gets a tear in the liner and you wish to check the rubber-like layer's condition, examine the underside of the external fabric.

The exterior of a new blanket is coated with an industrial-grade spray-on water repellant, similar to those found in sports stores. This treatment not only provides a light water-resistant layer but also shields the fabric from extreme temperatures, UV damage, scrapes, and excessive wear in the first months of wear. This treatment is not as strong as the interior layer and typically lasts between 3 months and 2 years depending on the manufacturer. An easy method to check its condition is by observing if it beads when wet. Reinforcing this layer is beneficial because it helps to protect your blanket's exterior fabric and internal waterproofing of your blanket from UV rays, ultimately prolonging the blanket's lifespan.

Your blanket care experts can assist in revitalizing this layer. Each professional has their preferred method, and while these methods work to different extents, none will be effective on a blanket with a completely worn-out inner layer. Several blanket companies offer warranties that include waterproofing issues and will replace the blanket if it has been maintained properly. If your blanket is leaking within the first couple of years of use, reach out to the manufacturer for assistance.

View of the underside of this Rambo from a large liner/fill tear of the rubber-like layer that has already started to deteriorate. This blanket will NOT be waterproof.

What does it mean when your blanket service says waterproofing? 

Well, they are not applying waterproofing, they are using a water-repellant. This treatment can be applied as a wash-in or a spray surface coating on the outer material, enhancing water resistance and helping water repel and run off the blanket. However, it does not prevent water from penetrating the fibers, it only coats them. The effectiveness depends on how dense and tight the weave of the fabric is and how long of an exposure to rain. It is only meant to support the original waterproofing by the manufacturer and cannot replace a deteriorating coating on the blanket's interior.

When the internal coating begins to deteriorate, your blanket will likely show signs of leakage. Neither you nor your blanket servicing company can determine when this coating stops functioning unless there is a tear in the blanket, revealing the underside of the outer fabric. The duration varies and is influenced by the fabric quality and how much the blanket is used. Regrettably, once the interior layer fails, it cannot be replaced.

That leads us to the fabric. Certain fabrics are prone to leaking regardless of treatment. The material of the fabric and the tightness of the weave determines this. Cheaper blankets are crafted from less secure fabric with looser weaves, making them more susceptible to leaks compared to the pricier ballistic nylon and polyester fabrics, which have tighter, denser weaves that resist water penetration. It won’t matter what coating you are reapplying on some fabrics, some will leak no matter what.

Factors that can compromise the manufacturer’s waterproofing and water repellency include but are not limited to:


• Washing your blanket with harsh laundry detergents
• Putting them in a dryer

• Leaving them dirty for extended periods

• Allowing them to remain dirty and sitting the sun

• Your horse rolling in the mud and rubbing against the ground

• Rips, snags, tears, and any repairs made to the blanket.


Summing it up briefly: when it comes to the fabric of your blanket, waterproofing may not truly mean waterproof. The effectiveness varies based on the fabric type, weave density, rain duration, intensity, and whether your horse rolls with its blanket. No one can guarantee that your horse will not get wet; we can only try and help.