How to Take off a Horse Blanket

Horse blankets are an important part of maintaining a horse's health. The blankets must be taken care of and handled properly to protect the horse throughout the colder months as well as from flies and other insects. The blankets have many designs and purposes so the instructions will vary from model to model, but the ideas are the same.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Approach the horse quietly from the side. Be sure to stick to each horse's normal routine, such as placing your hand on its back or talking to it.
2. Unlatch the back straps, careful not to catch anything in the horse's tail hairs. Be sure to remain on the horse's side. Walking behind a horse is extremely dangerous.
3. Undo the belly straps, or surcingles, and tie them to the blanket if possible. Some blankets have a single strap and others are an entire area of fabric with several clasps, so pay attention to the type of blanket you have before attempting to remove it.
4. Undo the breast straps. Once again, some blankets have a single strap and others are more complex.
5. Check to make sure all attachments are loosened and nothing is stuck to the animal's hair or coat.
6. Slide the blanket towards the horse's rear until it comes completely off. Make sure it moves in the same direction as the horse's hair.
7. Check the blanket for damage, especially the straps, before hanging it in a place that is dry and out of reach of the animals. If you are taking it off for more than a few hours, let it air out and then fold it and store it in a water-proof container.

Tips & Warnings

• If the horse is untrained or unused to the process, be sure to do everything slowly and gently so as not to scare the horse. If the horse becomes upset, cease the step and wait until the horse has calmed down.
• Working with horses is dangerous. Know the animal's routine and have another person present if you are the least bit uncertain about your safety.