HORSE BLANKET

A horse blanket (100) comprising a lower edge (110) at least partially defining a cut out (124), and a flap (138) having a loose edge (136) that overlaps the lower edge (110), the flap (138) being configured to pass through the cut out (124) to wrap against the belly of a horse (116) when the blanket is secured to the horse.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to horse blankets, otherwise known as horse rugs, such as turn-out rugs, stable rugs, and fly rugs/sheets. In particular, the invention relates to a horse blanket of the type which is secured under the belly of the horse when in use, i.e. when worn by the horse.

BACKGROUND

Horse blankets, otherwise known as horse rugs, vary in both shape, style and material depending on the intended use. However, generally, horse blankets are designed to lay over the horse's back and to extend down the sides of the horse so that the hemline extends below the horse's elbow at the front end of the blanket and below the stifle at the rear end of the blanket. Horse blankets are generally secured under the belly of the horse, for example with straps, with a portion of the blanket being wrapped under and against the horse's belly.

Factors such as the environmental conditions in which the horse blanket is to be used and the length of time the blanket is to be worn determine which type of horse blanket is most suitable. A type of horse blanket known as a turnout rug offers various levels of outdoor protection against the various environmental conditions to which the horse is exposed, providing both protection from wet weather and thermal insulation in colder conditions. Turnout rugs may therefore have a waterproof or water-resistant outer fabric layer, and an insulating filling material. Indoor blankets, known as stable rugs, provide warmth, comfort, and protection from debris when the horse is stabled. Horse blankets are generally constructed from suitable materials that help to protect the horse and maintain the condition of the horse by providing either a micro-climate within the blanket itself, which helps prevent loss of heat, or assists in moisture wicking and cooling after exercise. Another type of horse blanket known as a fly rug, or fly sheet, is a lightweight blanket that serves to keep flies off of the horse's coat during warmer summer months. Such rugs are also sometimes called sweet itch rugs, as they help to alleviate sweet itch in horses, which is caused by biting insects. Fly rugs are generally constructed from lightweight, breathable materials that are able to keep the horse cool and as such provide an improved level of comfort to the horse. Fly rugs may also be provided with waterproof layers, such as a waterproof top layer over the horse's back to keep the horse dry, thereby providing a waterproof fly rug. Ultimately, horse blankets help to maintain the condition and health of a horse and to improve its comfort and wellbeing.

A major issue with existing horse blankets is the tension caused along the lowest edge, or hemline, of the blanket when the middle portion of the blanket is wrapped under the belly of the horse to secure the blanket on the horse. As the middle portion of the blanket is wrapped under the horse this pulls the hemline of the rug inwards and creates tension in the hemline. This causes the hemline to pull tightly against the horse's fore- and hind legs, which can cause rubbing, sores, hair loss, and blisters, while also restricting movement of the horse and generally causing discomfort. Tension in the hemline is further increased as the horse's forelegs stretch forwards when the horse walks. The horse's chest is also affected as the hemline becomes taught when the horse's forelegs stretch forwards, causing the material to move upwards and across the chest. The tension in the hemline also causes creasing and bulking of material behind the horse's forelegs and in front of the hind legs, further restricting mobility. Injuries sustained by a horse due to tension in the hemline of the blanket may ultimately affect the performance of the horse and its natural gait. Over a prolonged period this could result in stiffness, lameness, and devaluation the horse due to its inability to perform at optimum. This could also result in claims made for loss of use and/or long-term injury to the horse.

Various horse blankets have been developed in an attempt to address the problem of tension in the hemline, with some such blankets, such as that described in EP2353378 B1, featuring a gusset or pleat. While this solution is said to contribute to reducing the tension of the hemline, it also presents other issues such as the creation of bulk and added weight to the horse blanket, and the loose gusset material may also gather within the blanket and rub against the horse, causing friction and sore points behind the forelegs. Adding material to create the gusset also increases the overall length of the blanket when it is fully extended. As the pleated gusset opens out due to movement of the horse the blanket increases in length. The blanket then has no way of retracting once the gusset has opened, which causes the rear of the blanket to overhang the horse's tail. The excess material adds weight to the rear of the horse blanket, which creates further pressure to the front chest and the hemline, which in turn increases risk of friction related injury. The incorporation of a pleated gusset therefore brings with it its own problems.

Other blankets, such as that described in EP1469718 B1, incorporate shaped hemlines to alleviate tension, however the tension is only partially alleviated by such shaped hemlines, and twisting and distortion of the hemline still results when tension is created by movement of the horse's forelegs. This can cause parts of the hemline to either curl out, which exposes the horse blanket to the elements and lessens protection, or curl in towards the horse, which causes friction to the horse's legs.

A close anatomical fit of the blanket on the horse is also required to ensure that the protection provided by the rug is optimised in all environmental climates and to enable the blanket to provide a micro climate within the rug, helping to maintain the health, wellbeing and coat condition of the horse. Existing rugs often fail to provide a close anatomical fit and therefore fail to provide these benefits.

The present invention provides an improved horse blanket that addresses the various disadvantages associated with existing horse blankets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a horse blanket. The horse blanket may comprise a lower edge at least partially defining a cut out. The blanket may further comprise a flap. The flap may comprise a loose edge that overlaps the lower edge, the flap being configured to pass through the cut out to wrap against the belly of a horse when the blanket is secured to the horse.

The cut out may be defined, at least in part, by the lower edge.

The lower edge may have the cut out formed therein.

The loose edge of the flap may overlap or overhang the lower edge within the cut out.

The loose edge of the flap may comprise a front flap edge and a rear flap edge. The front and rear flap edges may overlap the lower edge within the cut out.

The lower edge may be discontinuous with the loose edge of the flap.

The flap may partially overlay or overlap the cut out in use. The flap may be partially disposed over the cut out in use.

The cut out may be located between a front portion of the lower edge and a rear portion the lower edge.

The front portion of the lower edge may extend or fall below an elbow of the horse and a rear portion of the lower edge may extend or fall below a stifle of the horse.

The cut out may partially define a front lower portion of the blanket and a rear lower portion of the blanket, the cut out being located between the front lower portion and the rear lower portion. The cut out may at least partially separate the front and rear lower portions of the blanket.

The front lower portion of the blanket may be disposed over an upper part of a foreleg of the horse when the blanket is worn by the horse. The rear lower portion of the blanket may be disposed over an upper part of a hind leg of the horse when the blanket is worn by the horse.

The front lower portion of the blanket may be disposed over (i.e. cover) an elbow of the horse when the blanket is worn by the horse. The rear lower portion of the blanket may be disposed over (i.e. cover) a stifle of the horse when the blanket is worn by the horse.

The flap may partially overlap or overlay the front and rear lower portions of the blanket.

The cut out may be situated adjacent or proximate to a flank or the belly of the horse when the blanket is worn by the horse.

The cut out may be defined, at least in part, by a raised portion of the lower edge. The raised portion may be a middle portion located between the front and rear portions of the lower edge.

The cut out may extend or rise to approximately the lowest level of the belly of the horse or higher when the lower edge is allowed to hang freely (i.e. before the flap is wrapped against the belly of the horse).

The cut out may extend or rise above the lowest level of the belly of the horse when the lower edge is allowed to hang freely.

The lower edge and the loose edge of the flap may cooperate to at least partially define or form a hemline of the blanket. The hemline may be discontinuous (e.g. it may not form a single continuous seam or edge that is physically continuous or connected along its length). The hemline may have discontinuities where the lower edge and the loose edge of the flap overlap.

The lower edge may be continuous. The lower edge may be discontinuous.

The flap may extend or fall below the lowest point of the lower edge when allowed to hang freely.

The flap may have a tapered profile that reduces in width towards its lower end.

The cut-out may have a tapered profile that increases in width towards its lower end.

The loose edge of the flap may cooperate with the lower edge to define a front notch in the hemline. The front notch may be located between the flap and the front lower portion of the blanket when the flap is wrapped against the belly of the horse.

The front notch may be located adjacent to or rearwards of an elbow of the horse when the horse is stood in the square halt position while wearing the blanket. The front notch may be located proximate to an elbow of the horse when the horse is stood in the square halt position while wearing the blanket.

The loose edge of the flap may cooperate with the lower edge to define a rear notch in the hemline. The rear notch may be located between the flap and the rear lower portion of the blanket when the flap is wrapped against the belly of the horse.

The rear notch may be located adjacent to or forwards of a stifle of the horse when the horse is stood in the square halt position while wearing the blanket. The rear notch may be located proximate to a stifle of the horse when the horse is stood in the square halt position while wearing the blanket.

The front and rear notches may provide a means for reducing tension in the lower edge of the blanket when the flap is wrapped against the belly of the horse.

The blanket may comprise a main part that extends across the back of the horse and down each side of the horse, the main part comprising the flap, and a skirt part attached to the main part, wherein the lower edge of the skirt part is the lower edge of the blanket.

The skirt part may be attached to the underside of the main part.

The main part may comprise a lower edge, the lower edge of the main part defining the loose edge of the flap.

The flap may be a protrusion in the lower edge of the main part.

The skirt part may comprise the front lower portion and the rear lower portion of the blanket.

The skirt part may be waterproof or water resistant.

Both surfaces (i.e. the top layer and the lining layer) of the skirt part may be constructed from waterproof or water-resistant material.

The skirt part may comprise a waterproof top layer and a waterproof lining layer, the top layer and lining layer both being surface (i.e. outer) layers of the skirt part.

The skirt part does may lack (i.e. not comprise) a filling material.

The main part may comprise a filling material, such as an insulating filling material.

The blanket may comprise a main part that extends across the back of the horse and down each side of the horse, wherein a lower edge of the main part forms the lower edge of the blanket, and the flap may be attached to the main part.

The flap may partially overlay or overlap the main part.

The blanket may further comprise one or more straps configured to extend or wrap under the belly of the horse to secure the blanket on the horse. The straps may overlay the flap when the blanket is secured to the horse to hold the flap against the belly of the horse.

The flap may be configured to wrap under the belly of the horse from one side of the horse to meet a second flap of the blanket wrapped under the belly of the horse from the opposing side of the horse.

The flaps (on each side of the blanket) may each comprise a hook-and-loop fastening strip for securing the flaps together under the belly of the horse.

The lower edge may be a first lower edge of the blanket. The blanket may further comprise a second lower edge, the second lower edge defining the loose edge of the flap.

The horse blanket may comprise a first side and a second side, the first side comprising the lower edge and the flap.

The horse blanket may comprise a first side and a second side, each of the sides of the blanket may comprise: a lower edge at least partially defining a cut out, and a flap, as defined above.

Also disclosed is a horse blanket comprising a first part having a lower edge, the lower edge having a cut out defined therein; and a flap having a loose edge that overlaps the lower edge of the first part, the flap being configured to pass through the cut out to wrap against the belly of a horse when the blanket is secured to the horse.

The lower edge of the first part and the loose edge of the flap may cooperate to define a discontinuous hemline of the blanket.

The flap may be attached to the first part.

The flap may at least partially overlap or overhang the first part.

The first part may be a main part of the blanket or a skirt part of the blanket.

The flap may be attached to the top edge of the cut out.

It will be appreciated that other formulations of the invention are possible based on the disclosure of the invention herein and that the above summary merely sets out some formulations that are non-limiting in nature.

Unless otherwise stated, the same or alike reference numerals denote the same or equivalent features throughout the drawings. Reference numerals that differ by 100 or a multiple thereof generally correspond to the same or equivalent features in each of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For brevity, features or aspects of the invention may be described in the context of a particular embodiment of the invention, but it should be understood that features described in the context of a particular embodiment may be applied to the invention as defined more generally, for example in the claims, without necessarily also requiring the inclusion of other features from that embodiment. Similarly, features that are described in the context of separate embodiments of the invention may be used together and/or be interchangeable wherever possible.

The term “horse” is intended to mean an equine animal, including ponies and foals. A horse blanket, or rug, is a garment for a horse that lays over the horse's back and extends down the sides of the horse. Horse blankets in accordance with the invention generally extend below the horse's elbow at the front end of the blanket and below the stifle at the rear end of the blanket when worn by a horse, thereby covering the upper portions of the horse's forelegs and hindlegs. The hemline (or lowest edge), of the blanket therefore generally falls below the horse's elbow at the front end of the blanket and below the stifle at the rear end of the blanket. Where the blanket is described with reference to a horse or a part of a horse in the description that follows, it should be understood that this refers to the arrangement of the blanket in use, i.e. when worn by a horse, generally while the horse is stood in the square halt dressage position.

Referring toFIGS.1atod, a horse blanket100in accordance with the invention comprises a front edge102and a rear edge104. The blanket100comprises two sides, a left side106and a right side108. Both sides of the blanket100may comprise corresponding features and may be configured in generally the same way. For brevity and clarity, only a single side of the blanket100is generally described below, but it should be understood that the second side may be configured in largely the same manner.

The blanket100, specifically a side106, or each side106,108, of the blanket100, comprises a first lower edge110and a second lower edge112. The first110and second112lower edges cooperate to at least partially define a hemline114of the blanket100. As used herein, the term “hemline” is used to refer to the lowest edge of the blanket100when the blanket100is worn by a horse116, whether freely hanging or wrapped against the horse's body. Each of the first110and second112lower edges defines at least a part of the hemline114of the blanket100. The first lower edge110defines a front portion118and a rear portion120of the hemline114, and the second lower edge112defines a middle portion122of the hemline114located between the front118and rear120portions. The front118and rear120portions of the hemline114defined by the first lower edge110pass across, or overlay, a foreleg and a hind leg of the horse, respectively. In other words, the front118and rear120portions of the hemline114defined by the first lower edge110include the portions of the hemline114that are located adjacent to, or disposed over, a horse's fore- and hind legs, respectively, when the blanket100is worn be the horse116and the horse is stood in the square halt position. The front portion118of the hemline114extends in a rearward direction to a point rearward of the foreleg, and the rear portion120of the hemline114extends forward to a point forward of the hind leg. The middle portion122of the hemline114is located between the horse's fore- and hind legs when the horse116is stood in the square halt position and forms the portion of the hemline114between the front118and rear120portions. The first lower edge110is discontinuous with the second lower edge112(i.e. they are separate and are not directly connected or affixed to each other) and together the first lower edge110and the second lower edge112define a discontinuous hemline114. As is described in further detail below, this relieves tension along the hemline114when the blanket100is secured under the belly of the horse116.

The first lower edge110extends from the front edge102of the blanket100to the rear edge104of the blanket100. The first lower edge110has a cut out124formed therein. In other words, the first lower edge110at least partially defines a cut out124in the blanket100. The cut out124is located towards the middle of the first lower edge110and is defined by a middle portion126of the first lower edge110. The cut out124is therefore located between a front portion128of the first lower edge and a rear portion130the first lower edge. The cut out124is defined by a raised portion of the first lower edge110that is raised above the levels of the front128and rear130portions of the first lower edge110. The cut out124is located adjacent or proximate to the horse's belly when the blanket100is worn by the horse116. In the blanket100illustrated inFIGS.1atod, the top edge of the cut out124(i.e. the portion of the first lower edge110defining the top edge of the cut out124) extends to approximately the level of the lowest point of the belly of the horse116when the first lower edge110is allowed to hang freely. The cut out124is generally located between the fore- and hind legs of the horse116when the horse116is stood in the square-halt position. For example, the cut out may extend from a point on the first lower edge proximate to a foreleg of the horse to a point on the first lower edge proximate to a hind leg of the horse.

The cut out124partially defines a front lower portion132of the blanket100and a rear lower portion134of the blanket100, with the cut out124located between the front lower portion132and the rear lower portion134. In use, the front lower portion132of the blanket100is disposed over (i.e. covers) an upper part of a foreleg of the horse116when the blanket100is worn by the horse116, and the rear lower portion134of the blanket100is disposed over an upper part of a hind leg of the horse116when the blanket100is worn by the horse116. In particular, the front lower portion132may be disposed over an elbow of the horse116, and the rear lower portion134may be disposed over a stifle of the horse116(i.e. the elbow and stifle on the same side of the horse116as the relevant side106,108of the blanket100). The front portion128of the first lower edge, which defines the lower edge of the front lower portion132of the blanket100, therefore extends below the level of the elbow of the horse116, and the rear portion130of the first lower edge, which defines the lower edge of the rear lower portion134of the blanket100, therefore extends below the level of the stifle of the horse116. In other words, the hemline114of the blanket100falls below the elbow at the front end of the blanket100and below the stifle at the rear end of the blanket100. The front128and rear130portions of the first lower edge may extend to the same level, i.e. they may be level with each other, as in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.1atod.

The second lower edge112defines the loose edge136of a flap138configured to pass through the cut out124and between the fore- and hind legs of the horse to wrap against the belly of a horse116when the blanket100is secured to the horse116. In particular, the flap138may be wrappable under the belly of the horse116to secure the blanket100on the horse116. The portion of the second lower112edge that defines the loose edge136of the flap138overlaps or overhangs the first lower edge110within the cut out124, and the flap138extends downwardly to partially overlay or overlap the cut out124. The flap138is therefore disposed, in part, over the cut out124when allowed to hang freely, and also when wrapped under the belly of the horse116. The flap138may therefore be said to overhang the first lower edge110within the cut out124. The loose edge136of the flap138comprises a front edge140and a rear edge142, and both the front140and rear142edges of the flap138overlap the first lower edge110within the cut out124. In other words, the loose edge136of the flap138overlaps the first lower edge110only within the cut out124. The loose edge of the flap136overlaps the first lower edge110only between the fore- and hind legs of the horse when the horse is stood in the square halt position. Specifically, the front edge140of the flap overlaps the first lower edge110at a point rearward of a foreleg of the horse116(e.g. rearward of an elbow of the horse) and the rear edge142of the flap overlaps the first lower edge110at a point forward of a hind leg of the horse116(e.g. forward of a stifle of the horse) when the blanket is secured to the horse116. The loose edge136of the flap138, being loose, is not affixed to the first lower edge110where the two overlap, which means that the loose edge136of the flap138can move freely over the first lower edge110. This means that when the flap138is wrapped under the belly of the horse116the tension in the loose edge136of the flap138is not directly transferred to the first lower edge110and tension in the hemline114is thereby reduced. The discontinuous hemline114formed by the first lower edge110and the second lower edge112/loose edge136of the flap138therefore provides a means for reducing the tension in the hemline114that is otherwise caused when the blanket100is wrapped under the belly of the horse116to secure the blanket100in place. The discontinuous hemline114comprises the front118and rear120portions defined by the first lower edge, and middle portion122defined by the second lower edge112/loose edge of the flap136, with discontinuities between these portions where the loose edge136of the flap138overlaps the first lower edge110.

Referring toFIGS.1eand1f, the blanket100comprises straps144a,144b,144cthat are arranged to wrap under the belly of the horse116to secure the blanket100to the horse116. The straps144a,144b,144coverlay the flap138to hold the flap138against the belly of the horse116when the blanket100is secured to the horse116, thereby providing protection to the horse116from mud, water, and debris. Where both sides of the blanket100comprise a flap138, the straps144a,144b,144coverlay both flaps to hold them against the belly of the horse116. One side108of the blanket100may be provided with straps144a-c. Each of the straps144a-cmay have a fastener174a-cprovided at a distal end thereof. The other side106may be provided with corresponding fasteners146a-cconfigured to secure the straps144a-cin place by engaging with the fasteners174a-cprovided on the straps, thereby securing the two sides106,108of the blanket100together under the belly of the horse116. The fasteners174a-cprovided on the straps144a-cmay be a T-bar or other hook-like fasteners, and the fasteners146a-cprovided on the other side of the blanket100may be configured to receive the T-bar or other type of fasteners174a-cprovided on the straps144a-cto secure the straps in place. Alternatively, both sides of the blanket100may be provided with straps that are fastened together under the belly of the horse116, with the straps provided with fasteners to secure them together. If both sides106,108of the blanket100comprise a flap138, the flaps may be of sufficient length such that they meet when wrapped under the belly of the horse116, and the flaps may be provided with complementary hook-and-loop fastening strips (e.g. VELCRO®) so that they can be secured to each other under the belly of the horse116, thereby preventing relative movement of the flaps, which in turn reduces rubbing and bagging or otherwise undesirable displacement of material that could cause discomfort to the horse116. Straps144a,144band/or144cmay be detachable from the blanket100, as may fasteners146a,146band/or146c. This has the advantage that any metal fasteners or other metal components of the straps or fasteners may be removed from the blanket100prior to washing or laundering the blanket100, thereby avoiding damage to the washing machine. The detachable nature of the straps144a-cand fasteners146a-calso means that the number of straps may be selected according to the requirements of the blanket. For example, it may be decided to dispense with the central strap144band use only straps144aand144c. Each of straps144a,144b,144c(and fasteners146a-c) may be secured to the blanket100by threading a respective fabric flap attached to the blanket100through a hoop (e.g. hoop176b) provided on the strap (or fastener). The fabric flap may then be folded up against the side of the blanket100and secured against the side of the blanket100by engaging a hook-and-loop fastening strip provided on the fabric flap, specifically on the side of the fabric flap that rests against the side of the blanket100when the flap is folded up, with a complementary hook-and-loop fastening strip provided on the side of the blanket100, for example on flap138. A second fabric flap may then be folded down over the first fabric flap and secured against the first fabric flap by engaging a hook-and-loop fastening strip on the second fabric flap with a complementary hook-and-look fastening strip on the first fabric flap. The blanket may therefore be provided with strap/fastener attachment points (e.g.178b) for attaching each of straps/fasteners to the blanket, the attachment points each comprising the fabric flaps and hook-and-loop fastening strips described above for detachably securing the straps144a-cand/or the fasteners146a-cto the blanket100. This provides a secure means for attaching the straps144a-cand fasteners146a-cto the blanket100in an easily detachable manner.

The flap138may have a tapered profile that reduces in width towards its lower end so that the flap138is wider (as measured along the length of the blanket100) at its upper end than at its lower end, and the cut-out may have a tapered profile that increases in width towards its lower end so that the cut out124is wider at its lower end than at its upper end. The flap138is generally shaped so that it avoids contact with the fore- and hind-legs of the horse116when wrapped under the belly of the horse116in use so as to avoid rubbing and causing injury or discomfort to the horse116, and the tapered profile aids in drawing the blanket100snugly against the horse116along the length of the horse's torso.

The second lower edge112, specifically the loose edge136of the flap138, and the first lower edge110cooperate to define a front notch148, or void, in the hemline114when the flap138is wrapped against the belly of the horse116. The front notch148is formed between the flap138and the front lower portion132of the blanket100. The loose edge136of the flap138and the first lower edge110of the blanket100overlap to form an apex at the top of the front notch148. In other words, the front notch148comprises an apex at its top end where the loose edge136of the flap138and the first lower edge110overlap. The loose edge136of the flap138, specifically the front edge140of the flap138, defines a rear edge of the notch and the first lower edge110of the blanket100defines a front edge of the notch. The front notch148is located adjacent to or rearwards of a foreleg of the horse116when the horse116is stood in the square halt position while wearing the blanket100. In particular, the front notch148may be located proximate to (i.e. adjacent to or slightly rearward of) an elbow of the horse116when the horse116is stood in the square halt position while wearing the blanket100. The front notch148helps to avoid rubbing and friction in the elbow region of the horse116when the blanket100is wrapped under the belly of the horse116and further relieves tension in the hemline114by extending the length of the hemline114. The front notch148also prevents bulking of material behind the horse116's foreleg.

Similarly, the second lower edge112, specifically the loose edge136of the flap138, and the first lower edge110may cooperate to define a rear notch150, or void, in the hemline114when the flap138is wrapped against the belly of the horse116. The rear notch150is formed between the flap138and the rear lower portion134of the blanket100. The loose edge136of the flap138and the first lower edge110of the blanket100overlap to form an apex at the top of the rear notch150. In other words, the rear notch150comprises an apex at its top end where the loose edge136of the flap138and the first lower edge110overlap. The loose edge136of the flap138, specifically the rear edge142of the flap138, defines a front edge of the rear notch150and the first lower edge110of the blanket100defines a rear edge of the notch. The rear notch150is located adjacent to or forwards of a hind leg of the horse116when the horse116is stood in the square halt position while wearing the blanket100. In particular, the rear notch150may be located proximate to (i.e. adjacent to or slightly forward of) a stifle of the horse116when the horse116is stood in the square halt position while wearing the blanket100. The rear notch150helps to avoid rubbing and friction in the stifle region of the horse116when the blanket100is wrapped under the belly of the horse116and further relieves tension in the hemline114by extending the length of the hemline114. The rear notch150also prevents bulking of material in front of the horse's hind leg.

A further advantage of the front148and rear150notches is enhanced breathability and improved airflow around vital regions. The front notch148increases breathability in the region where the horse's vital organs are situated. The rear notch150provides breathability and airflow around a male horse's sexual organs and a female horse's milk supply to her foal.

The flap138may extend below the lowest point of the first lower edge110when allowed to hang freely, and as such may extend below the lowest parts of the front132and rear134lower portions of the blanket100when allowed to hang freely. This extended length of the flap138compared to the front and rear portions of the hemline114allows the flap138to extend further around the belly of the horse116and permits the two flaps from either side to meet, thereby improving the coverage and protection of the horse116by the blanket100and improving the fastening of the two sides106,108of the blanket100together.

As illustrated inFIGS.1atod, the blanket100may comprise a main, or top, part152that extends across the back of the horse116and down each side of the horse116and, a lower, or skirt, part154attached to the main part152. The skirt part154may be in the form of a single panel, and may therefore be referred to as the skirt panel or lower panel. The main part152comprises the flap138(and, if present, the flaps on both sides106,108of the blanket100). In particular, the main part152comprises a lower edge (and in fact may comprise left and right lower edges on the respective sides of the main part) that forms the second lower edge112of the blanket100, and the loose edge136of the flap138is therefore at least a portion of the lower edge of the main part152. In other words, the lower edge of the main part152defines or forms the loose edge136of the flap138. The flap138is formed as a protrusion in the lower edge of the main part152. The main part152may be in the form of a single panel and may therefore be referred to as a top or main panel.

The skirt part154is attached to the underside of the main part152and the main part152partially overlays the skirt part154. The skirt part154may, for example, be attached to the underside of the main part152along a stitching line156, which may extend along the length of the blanket100substantially horizontally. The lower edge of the skirt part154forms or defines the first lower edge110of the blanket100. In other words, the lower edge of the skirt part154is the first lower edge110of the blanket100. The skirt part154comprises the front lower portion132and the rear lower portion134of the blanket100, and the lower edge of the skirt part154forms the front and rear portions of the hemline114of the blanket100.

The front edges of the main152and skirt154parts may cooperate to define, at least in part, the front edge102of the blanket100, and the rear edges of the main152and skirt154parts may cooperate to define, at least in part, the rear edge of the blanket100. The main152and skirt154parts of the blanket100may be fastened or secured together along their front and rear edges. In other words, the front edges of the main152and skirt154parts may be secured together, as may the rear edges of the main152and skirt154parts. For example, an edge binding or edge tape may secure the main152and skirt154parts together along their front and rear edges. This helps to keep the rug close-fitting and secured in place by ensuring that the flap138also keeps the front and rear edges of the blanket100in place when secured under the belly of the horse116. Binding the front and rear edges of the two parts152,154together also causes the flap138to exert inward pressure along the entire length of the blanket100, thereby ensuring a snug fit against the horse116, and also prevents the front and rear ends of the main part152below the stitching line156that secures the main152and skirt154parts together becoming snagged or caught.

The skirt, or lower, portion of a horse blanket is often in contact with the ground when the horse is in the field, either lying down or rolling, and must typically be robust and waterproof to prevent the blanket becoming waterlogged and heavy. It is also susceptible to splash back from loose earth lifted by the horse when in motion. The two-part construction of a main part152and a separate skirt part154allows the skirt part154and the main part152to be manufactured from different materials, thereby optimising the properties of each part of the blanket100. In particular, the skirt part154, or lower panel, may be waterproof or water-resistant, and may therefore comprise waterproof or water-resistant surface layers. In other words, both sides of the lower panel154may have waterproof or water-resistant surface, or outer, layers. Referring toFIG.2a, the lower panel154may be constructed from, i.e. may comprise, a waterproof or water-resistant top layer256(i.e. outward-facing surface layer), and a waterproof or water-resistant lining layer258(i.e. inward-facing surface layer). The top layer256and the lining layer258may each be formed from waterproof or water-resistant fabric, such as a woven fabric. Having waterproof or water-resistant surface layers on both sides of the lower panel154is advantageous because both sides of the lower panel154may come into contact with the ground and may therefore become wetted or soiled. The lower panel154may also lack a filling material between the surface layers to make it thinner, lighter weight, and resistant to water uptake. The lower panel154may also be constructed from reinforced material to improve its strength and robustness. Limiting reinforcement and full waterproofing to the lower skirt portion of the blanket100results in the horse being less restricted in its movements than would otherwise be the case if the entire blanket100were fully waterproofed and reinforced.

In contrast, referring toFIG.2b, the main part152of the blanket100may to comprise a waterproof or water-resistant top layer260(i.e. outward-facing surface layer), and a lining layer262(i.e. inward-facing surface layer) that is not waterproof or water resistant and is instead constructed from a lining fabric, which may be breathable and may have anti-static and/or anti-bacterial properties. The use of a lining fabric on the inside surface of the main part152improves the comfort and condition of the horse. Unlike the skirt portion of the blanket100formed by the lower panel154, it is not necessary to use waterproof or water-resistant materials on the inside of the main part152of the blanket100as this part does not come into contact with the ground during normal use of the blanket100. The main part152may also comprise one or more filling materials264, such as insulating filling material, between the top260and lining262layers if the blanket100is intended for use in cold conditions. The insulating filling material264may for example comprise a thermo-bonded polyester filling material.

Referring toFIGS.3atoc, a horse blanket300in accordance with the invention may instead comprise a main part366that extends across the back of the horse316and down each side of the horse316, the lower edge of which forms or defines the first lower edge310of the blanket300. In other words, the lower edge of the main part366may be the first lower edge310of the blanket300. The main part366may therefore have the cut-out324defined therein, i.e. formed in the lower edge thereof. The flap338may be attached to the main part366so that the flap338partially overlaps or overlays the main part366. The main part366may, in particular, partially overlap the front332and rear334lower portions of the blanket300, which are formed by portions of the main part366. This overlap ensures that the horse316is well-covered by the blanket300and that parts of the horse316are not inadvertently exposed when the flap338is secured under the belly of the horse116and is pulled inwards. The main part366may be constructed from multiple panels and need not be formed as a single panel or sheet of material.

The cut out324may extend above the lowest level of the belly of the horse316when the first lower edge310is allowed to hang freely, and at least a portion of the cut out324may lie adjacent to a flank of the horse316when the blanket300is worn by the horse316. In other words, the top edge of the cut out324may lie adjacent to a flank of the horse316in use.

The blanket300shown inFIGS.3a-cis a waterproof fly rug, or fly sheet, and the main part366comprises a waterproof top layer380that extends across the horse's back and which overlays a mesh under layer382. The front end of the main part366is also provided with a liner layer384on the inside for improved comfort for the horse316. The flap338is made from a mesh fabric similar to the under layer382of the main part366. Of course, the design principles illustrated byFIGS.3a-cmay be applied to other types of blanket, such as turn-out rugs.FIGS.3aand3balso show the blanket coupled with optional neck cover or neck protector386and optional tail flap388.

Referring toFIGS.4ato4c, a similar blanket400to that illustrated inFIGS.3atodis shown, comprising a main part466that extends across the back of the horse416and down each side of the horse416, the lower edge of which forms or defines the first lower edge410of the blanket400, and a flap438attached to the main part466so that the flap438partially overlaps or overlays the main part466. However, in contrast to the embodiments previously described, the flap438is attached to the top edge468of the cut out424. As such, the first lower edge410of the blanket400is discontinuous, and is formed in two parts: a front portion470and a rear portion472. A cut-out424, or raised portion, is nevertheless still defined in the discontinuous first lower edge410of the blanket400through which the flap438may pass to wrap under the belly of the horse416, as illustrated inFIG.4c. In other words, when the blanket400is constructed, the first lower edge410at least partially defines the cut out424through which the flap438passes to wrap under the belly of the horse416. Top layer480of blanket400also differs from top layer380of blanket300in that it is not waterproof and is made from a mesh fabric.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure also includes other combinations of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly, or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. The claims may therefore be reformulated to relate to any disclosed combination of features described herein, and the invention need not be defined as per the appended claims.