• What is the difference between German and English leather?


German leather produces a slightly stiffer and more refined look. English leather is suppler than German leather and produces a softer look. Both are excellent leathers for bridle ware and tack.
• What is the difference between Shedrow and other name brand products?


Shedrow is Greenhawk's own private label brand. We have contracted with the largest and best quality minded manufacturers in the world to manufacture key products exclusively for Greenhawk. By doing this we are able to offer top quality products at exceptional prices. We contract directly with the manufacturer and eliminate the middleman (most smaller companies would usually be forced to buy their products from wholesalers – thus pushing up the final price to the consumer). By eliminating the middleman we are typically able to offer you savings of 30 – 50 % over similar quality products from higher priced brands.
• What are some of Greenhawk's own private label brands?


The following brands are manufactured exclusively for Greenhawk: Shedrow, Supra, Greenline, Mondega, Connemara, Elation and Gaitmaster. You can be assured of excellent savings and tremendous value when you buy these brands.
• What should I look for when buying a winter blanket?


There are many different theories about which style of blanket to use and when. Our experience suggests that there is no quick and easy answer. The best rule is to know your horse and to understand how they behave in their various environments. Some horses are extremely rough on their blankets while others can seem to get years out of their blankets. NO BLANKET CAN BE MADE 100% HORSE PROOF.

We recommend that you gauge your horse's environment accordingly and buy the blanket that best suits those needs. Lighter weight sheets and blankets are best suited for indoor or attended use, while heavier denier blankets are more appropriate for outdoor or unattended use. Many winter blanket yarn weights are measured in denier – essentially the higher the denier the stronger the material, and thus the more suitable that material may be for unattended or outdoor usage. Summer sheets and other types of horsewear are made from a variety of different materials – again the best that you can do is to gauge the environment accordingly, and buy the sheet according to your budget and durability requirements.

• What expectations should I have regarding the wear and tear of a horse blanket?
  
  Given the nature and size of a horse, and their respective environments - blankets and sheets are not guaranteed against ripping or tearing. Buckles and straps may break under certain stress situations, and are not guaranteed against breakage. Most tears or breaks are easily repaired at the local seamstress or cobbler.

• What is the process used to make Greenhawk blankets waterproof and breathable?


Blankets that are waterproof and breathable utilize a Dupont brand Teflon coating that is bonded to the outside of the blanket shell. This unique coating allows water vapor (perspiration) to pass through the blanket while simultaneously repelling rain and external water. Essentially when rain is in its liquid state it cannot pass through the coating. Holes or punctures in your blanket will allow leakage. We suggest periodically inspecting your blanket and making repairs where necessary. Scotch guard water repellant spray is available to waterproof your repairs. To ensure effective breathability – do not over blanket or overheat your horse. Excessive perspiration may not breathe off. Note: These characteristics apply only to waterproof and breathable blankets.

Although the outer shell material is waterproof, no blanket can be made absolutely 100% waterproof. Although all major stitching seams are taped for waterproofing, there are two areas of stitching that cannot be taped (the outer binding, and the areas of reinforcement on the lower surcingles and front straps). These areas are all on the lower part of the blanket to help reduce this concern. Horses left outside in severe rain or weather conditions may also experience wetness inside their blankets from rain or snow blowing in from the front or rear openings. As well, horses prone to rolling or horseplay are also good candidates for this problem.

Greenhawk's blankets have been designed with 18 years of research to minimize water leakage and tearing. Our waterproof and breathable blankets are the best on the market, and utilize the most expensive Dupont brand Teflon coating available. We guarantee that you cannot buy a finer made blanket anywhere at any price.

Note: In many parts of North America it is not necessary to buy a blanket with the waterproof and breathable coating (although it will do no harm if you do). This coating is most needed in areas that get a lot of rain. If you are in a part of the country that gets lots of snow but not too much rain then a high denier blanket will often suffice. Most blankets that are over 1000 Denier have such tight weaves that they will repel most water and snow.

• How should I wash my blanket?


For best results hand wash and hang to dry. If washed in a machine, use luke warm or cold water, and the gentlest washing cycle available. Avoid excessive washer or dryer heat. Always remove your leg straps before washing and ensure that any loose straps or surcingles on the blanket do not become caught in your washer. Again, for best results and to get the longest wear out of your blanket hand wash and hang to dry.
• What is the guarantee that Greenhawk offers on blankets and sheets?


As with any product purchased at Greenhawk your blanket or sheet is fully guaranteed against manufacturer’s defects in workmanship. Please note your blanket is not guaranteed against ripping or normal wear and tear (see above). Blankets returned to Greenhawk must be returned clean. Dirty blankets will be returned to their owners. If you have a concern about your blanket or sheet, please call your local Greenhawk outlet or our customer service department at 1-800-268-0484 or (905) 238-5502, or email us at admin@greenhawk.net
• How do l measure my horse for a blanket?


Measure from the middle of the chest, parallel to the ground, around the widest part of the hindquarter, to the middle of the tail. Measure in inches. For odd sizes take the next size up.










• Do you carry pony blankets?


Yes, we carry pony sizes in selected summer sheets and winter blankets.
• Should I oil my saddle/bridle before I use it?


Some manufacturers recommend maintaining your tack with a light oiling, but others do not. Unfortunately there is no hard and fast rule. Manufacturers who advise against oiling are generally worried that excessive oiling may rot the stitching. However other manufacturers argue that a light oiling helps to maintain the leathers suppleness and thus its overall life. If you decide to oil your leather products please note the following. Before oiling – ensure that the saddle and/or bridle fits your horse and that you are happy with it. Oiled tack or saddles cannot be returned. Be careful not to over oil the leather. Always ensure that the leather is clean and dry prior to oiling. Do not hang leather to dry near a heat source. Leather is a natural product and must be allowed to breathe. Use leather cleaner and conditioner designed for the purpose.
• Always inspect your tack prior to usage.


CAUTION: Always inspect your tack prior to usage for damage or faulty stitching. All leather products and tack will wear over time. Given that most tack and saddlery is handmade - there is always the opportunity for human error in the construction and stitching process. Leather is a natural product and thus will vary in strength and durability. All tack should be inspected for safety prior to each and every use.
• How do l measure seat size for an English saddle?


You measure from the saddle pin at the front side of the saddle diagonally across to the middle of the cantle (back of the saddle).
• How do l measure seat size for a Western saddle?


You measure from the center of the back of the horn to the middle center of the cantle.
• What is the difference between a chambon and degogue martingale?


The chambon is a training device that allows for good control and efficiency in flexing and setting the horse’s neck and head without rein pressure. The degogue is an extension of the chambon for mounted and ground work. It lowers the horse’s head. You can adjust it to bring in the nose and to flex the poll. You must add reins for the mounted work.
• What is the difference between standing and stall bandages?


Standing bandages are longer and wider (usually 6”) as well as having less give and a tighter weave. They are better suited for shipping and as a general-purpose bandage.

Stall bandages are narrower (usually 4”) and more flexible and have a more concentrated effect because of their length and width.

CAUTION: Be careful to never bandage your horse’s legs too tightly.

• What English style saddle would you suggest for someone just starting out to ride?


An All Purpose saddle is the most versatile and universal. The deep seat helps give a better sense of security. Our Thorowgood All Purpose saddle (either the Maxim or the Griffin) is an excellent all round model. The Maxim is ideal for beginners or casual riders, while the Griffin is terrific for more serious or advanced riders. Both are available in well-priced packages with all the fittings.
• What is the difference between the blue and brown salt licks?


Blue salt licks contain cobalt while the brown contain trace minerals.
• What colour breeches are worn in the hunter ring?


The colour will depend on which division and which circuit you are showing in. Typically at a schooling or Western division you are allowed to wear any light colour breech except for white. At Trillium and A circuit shows Khaki or Greenish Beige are the preferred colours.
• What type of leather boot is worn in the dressage ring?


A tall leather dress boot should be worn. In lower levels of dressage a field boot is acceptable.
• What colour and type of saddle pad is appropriate for what show?


For Hunter – a white shaped, fleeced or quilted saddle pad.
For Dressage – a large square white saddle pad.
For Jumper and Eventing– a square or shaped saddle pad in the preferred colour.
For Western – any saddle pad and colour.

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