This is just a brief selection of typical questions about our horse cooler (or horse blanket, horse sheet, whatever other names you give it) that we ran into, at shows, in stores, on our website, from customers or just talking to friends. For a discussion of the various names in horse apparel and some better definition on how they are usually applied please see the section below on Equestrian Apparel.

If you do not find answers to your own on the entire website feel free to ask us directly: info@bamboohorsecooler.com

Q: I have used a wool blanket for the last 12 years.  Why would I change to a bamboo blanket? 
A: We used wool blankets on our horses, and still do - mainly to keep a horse warm on a cool night.  We live in sunny California, so it doesn't get too cool. One of the differences between the bamboo cooler and a regular blanket is that the bamboo fabric really wicks the water or sweat away from the horse’s body, dries quickly, it looks (and feels) great – if I am at a show, that matters! – and I can take it home and put it in the washer (cool water) and dry it in the dryer if needed. (All of this being said, it doesn't take much space to pack it either.) I have one friend who even takes it with her for endurance riding. She just roles it up on the back of her saddle during the rides.    

Q: For my horses I use wool coolers, because they are so durable. I have tried switching a few times, but I go right back to my trusty wool cooler. My question is: how does a bamboo cooler hold up to the wear and tear of horses?  
A: This was one of our biggest concerns too, in the beginning. Our research indicated though that bamboo fiber is considered to be one of the toughest, naturally elastic fibers to date – we then simply strengthened it a little more by adding a bit of nylon. Through our recent tests we have come to the conclusion that it should easily withstand the rigors of horses and their riders. Because it is so stretchy we have seen it survive  tests that have snapped some of the more conventional fibers compared (cotton and wool, for example)

Q: I am looking for a new show cooler. My last one was a velour cooler, what is the difference? 
A: A bamboo cooler is much softer and more durable.  It drapes on the horses holding to every curve. It is soft like cashmere and is naturally lustrous. Bamboo fiber is an incredible experience! (At home I am using towels and clothing made from bamboo fiber)  

Q: How does the bamboo cooler work?  What makes it so different?
A:  The bamboo horse cooler absorbs moisture incredibly fast, three times faster than cotton. The unique quality of the bamboo fabric is that it pulls the moisture into the middle of the blanket, leaving the outside of the blanket dry. This - along with anti bacterial qualities - makes it really ideal for a cooler. As a side effect, it does not stain very easily and it does not develop odors even when in heavy use (odors being caused by bacterial growth usually). On top of this, it is environmentally friendly.

Q: Is it really washable?
A: Yes the bamboo horse blanket is washable (I know this will come as quite a relief to many). Use cool or warm water! And dry on medium to low temperatures.  Other benefits of bamboo fabric are that it is stain resistant and washing also does not remove the natural antibacterial qualities, according to tests ran in Japan. Also there is no metal hardware on it, so it will not damage your machine.

Q: Do you have any other colors for your cooler?
A:  We are working on it. Feel free to suggest the colors (or designs) you would like to see available! For now our options are limited to the 4 different ribbons that you can choose between (Leopard, Greek, Horse & Rider and Mosaic).

Q: What gave you the idea to make bamboo blankets for horses?
A:  I love horses, I grew up with horses. This - combined with the fact that I want only the best for myself and my horse - led fairly naturally to the combination of the two. I was given a bamboo towel as a gift, and was really amazed at how well it worked once I got around to trying it. And it went on from there.  It has been an incredible experience and now I always checking out what other bamboo products are becoming available. 

Q: I have Arabian horses, will it fit them?  
A: Yes. No problem. 

*** In fact, this horse blanket should easily fit the following horse breeds: Thoroughbred, Arabian, Andalusian, Friesian, Tennessee Walker, Quarter horse, Welsh ponies and cobs, Azteca, Appaloosa, Golden American Saddlebred, Hanoverian, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Morgan, Peruvian Paso, Trakehner and all of those in between.

Q: I have a Clydesdale, will it fit?
A: We had one customer who loved the cooler so much that they bought if for their Clydesdale. They had to remove the straps, and put on longer ones and lower on the blanket, to make it fit. He says it is tight, but it works great!  So the answer is if you are willing to do a little work you might be able to make it fit even for some of the larger horses.

Q: How do you put on a horse blanket?
A: The proper technique for putting a horse blanket, sheet, cooler, or rug on - without spooking your horse - actually begins with how you fold it:

1. Unbuckle the blanket. You can leave it on your horse or lay it on the ground or floor. If it is on the ground lay the blanket so the outside is facing up. Spread the straps out straight so they can be folded into the blanket as you go. (also if on the ground be aware that it may pick up debris)
2. From the withers fold the front 1/3 of the blanket back towards the folded edge. Straighten out any shoulder gussets.
3. From the rump fold the back 1/3 forward so the lower edge meets the center.
4. Fold the two halves together. The bundle can now be folded together another time and packed in a trunk or bag for storage.

Now the blanket should be hanging in a narrow band over the back of your horse, you can either fold it in half and gently pull it from your horse; or fold it so the right and left sides meet in the middle and fold it one more time then take it off the horse.  In all cases you want to end up with the blanket folded in such a way that when you put it back on the horse you start with it as a narrow band over the back of the horse, then you unfold the back 1/3, then the front 1/3, adjust it on the horse, making sure that the hair is going the right way underneath it, then connect the strap. Please remember to let your blanket dry sufficiently before storing it away. 

If you haven't found you question here, or the answer, please email info@bamboohorsecooler.com .

Thanks,
Katya