Horse lovers - I'm ISO Saddle blanket pattern/info

[caroline192]

Hi all you horse lovers. I wanted to know about horse blankets - you know, the ones that go between the horse and saddle. I would love to make one as a gift, but I don't know enough about them. I was thinking of using wool and felting it. That would make it pretty smooth and more comfortable for the horse.

If any one has knowledge of a pattern and can suggest what type of wool I could use, and how big it should be, I would so appreciate it.

BTW, the reason I want to do this is because I will be moving to NC in December and my step-son's mother has a pregnant horse down there. SHE IS GIVING ME THE FOAL!!!!! I'd love to give her a blanket for her horses.

Thanks for your help.

[Nilliem]

Ok, I'm no horse expert, but I think http://www.horse.com/ this will give you an idea. If yo look to the left, and down, you'll see 'saddle pads' As for the wool, as long as its all wool, it will felt. You would probably want to know what kind of horse, for the size, because some are larger, some smaller. A simple all sc or hdc would be nice, if you striped it in different colors, or used a solid and variegated.

HTH

[caroline192]

Thanks, Anne.

[DavaJ]

I have ordered a couple patterns off here. And there is a horse blanket. It looks like there are 3 on there.
http://www.horsedodads.com/crochet.htm
If I am not mistaken it comes to your email pdf file.
Hope this helps.
Deb.

[CroJulee]

I have ordered a couple patterns off here. And there is a horse blanket. It looks like there are 3 on there.
http://www.horsedodads.com/crochet.htm
If I am not mistaken it comes to your email pdf file.
Hope this helps.
Deb.


That's the page I was going to suggest. I have a horse too and I'm going to attempt to make her a saddle blanket someday. I think I'd probably knit it though (probably using rug yarn).

Have fun with the little foal. They are sure fun!! One of God's best critters (horses)!!

[Amyjk]

Yay! Horses! My moms POA just had a foal 10 days ago. Boy, is he a pistol! He so small I can literally pick him up like a dog! LOL Anyways, I was just telling my mom that I could make her a blanket for my neice (she shows) and I was planning on using just Lion Brand wool because the felted wool pads are really only used as a second blanket....over another more padded blanket. If all you use is the wool pad and you are riding, well, your horse is going to get a sore back, and be a NOT so happy horse!

thought I'd share a pic of the ornery little guy! He's wearing a blanket because he's so small and it has still been quite chilly here.......

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2362923130_b6fbbac3f6.jpg?v=0

[CroJulee]

Yay! Horses! My moms POA just had a foal 10 days ago. Boy, is he a pistol! He so small I can literally pick him up like a dog! LOL Anyways, I was just telling my mom that I could make her a blanket for my neice (she shows) and I was planning on using just Lion Brand wool because the felted wool pads are really only used as a second blanket....over another more padded blanket. If all you use is the wool pad and you are riding, well, your horse is going to get a sore back, and be a NOT so happy horse!

Yep, and you don't want an unhappy horse!!
It's always been happy horse, happy rider for me. I'm lucky that my horse is almost always happy. She's around 25 years old but she loves to be ridden and I can't keep her slow enough. She loves running and she has a beautiful gait. Like gently rolling waves. It's amazing especially if you knew her before I got her about 6 years ago.
She was abused.

[HappyBunny]

The POA foal is adorable!! I have a Leopard App gelding...gotta love those spots!

Kim

[caroline192]

Thanks everyone. I don't know a ton about horses. If you think I shouldn't felt it, I won't. What fiber is best for a blanket? Would the Lion Brand wool be okay??

[niqita]

Went to a horse show once and the lady I knew had just bought a new wool pad she got dumped cause the wool is itchy and scratchy and the horse didn't like it and showed her that in return. She said never again will I use anything with wool in it!

[Amyjk]

Actually, wool makes GREAT horse blankets! But I wouldn't use that as the only pad. As I said above, most wool blankets are used ON TOP of another pad, usually a more 'cushiony' one. Wool pads are usually more decorative, like for show horses. I have used wool pads literally hundreds of times and they have touched my horses skin, and my horses couldn't care less.
I say go for it! I'm am sure she would LOVE a new, handmade wool pad. I know I would!

[HappyBunny]

If you aren't sure about making a saddle pad/blanket...why not make her a lap/buggy blanket? It's very similar to a lapghan but more rustic. She could use it in her home for herself or as a decoration. Might be a little more personal?

[caroline192]

Thanks for your input. I think I will go ahead with the project in wool and if she can't use it on the horses, it would make a cute small rug for in front of her door!!

Will post a pic when I finally get to this project and finish it.