The Complete Handbook of Horse Blankets & Sheets
A Practical Reference for Professionals, Businesses, and Serious Equestrians
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
A complete reference for choosing, fitting, and maintaining horse blankets and sheets—based on function, not fashion.
About this book
This is not a catalog or a list of 'bests.' It is a practical reference manual for anyone who manages horses professionally or takes their care seriously. It begins with the basics: what a blanket does, how it works with the horse's physiology, and why fit and material specifications matter far more than color or branding. It then moves into a detailed breakdown of the types—from stable sheets to heavyweight turnout rugs—and the specs that actually change performance, like denier, fill weight, and seam construction.
The handbook covers the entire lifecycle of the product. It provides step-by-step instructions for fitting a blanket to a horse, including how to adjust for shoulder and hindquarter movement without risking rubs. It explains seasonal needs, with concrete examples for different climates and living situations. You will learn how to layer blankets, how to diagnose a poor fit before it causes a sore, and how to extend the life of your investment through regular cleaning, waterproofing re-treatment, and minor repairs.
For those looking to turn their knowledge into income, the final chapters are dedicated to the business side. We explore the resale market, the demand for professional cleaning and repair services, and the potential for private-labeling your own line. We also cover the future of the industry, including new materials and regulatory concerns, and point to the types of expert resources you should consult to stay current. If you buy, use, or sell horse blankets, this is the handbook to keep in the tack room.
Reader Reviews
Susan Green
★★★★★I manage a barn with 30 horses and I wish I'd had this years ago. The chapter on fitting is worth the price alone—it explained why my cheap blankets were always shifting and what to measure to get it right. It's written like a textbook, which I appreciate, but I docked a star because the glossary could have included more visual diagrams. Still, it's a solid, no-nonsense reference.
Sandra Sanchez
★★★★★Finally, a handbook that treats me like a professional, not a first-time buyer. I've been in the equine industry for 15 years and I still learned a ton about denier ratings and waterproofing technology. The business chapter is particularly sharp—it gave me practical ideas for a repair and cleaning service I've been thinking about. This is my new go-to recommendation for my clients.
Edward Gonzalez
★★★★★This is definitely the most comprehensive book on the subject I've found. It doesn't tell you what to buy, which I appreciated—it gives you the criteria so you can make your own informed choice. I gave it 4 stars because the dry, academic tone makes it a bit of a slog to read cover to cover, but as a reference manual to consult for specific problems, it's outstanding.
Patricia Lopez
★★★★★As an eventing trainer, I deal with a lot of different horses in varying conditions. The section on layering and when to use a sheet versus a blanket was exactly what I needed. The writing is clear and authoritative, and the concrete examples make it easy to apply. I've already used the maintenance tips to extend the life of my two most expensive blankets. This belongs in every serious tack room.
Charles Garcia
★★★★★Good, solid reference. It's refreshing to read something so thorough that isn't just a brand advertisement. My only gripe is that I'd like to see a few more photos, especially for the troubleshooting section on strap repair. But the text is accurate and well-organized, so I can't complain much. I'll be keeping this in the barn office.
Brian Lewis
★★★★★It's a useful book, but I found it a bit heavy-going in the middle. The chapter on types and specifications is incredibly detailed, which is great, but it felt a little dry. I appreciated the common-sense approach in the choosing chapter, though. I just wish it had been a bit more engaging. It stays on the shelf for reference, but I can't say I enjoyed reading it straight through.