Things You'll Need:
- Open front horse blanket
- Horse brush
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Step 1
Brush your horse thoroughly first. This prevents dirt from getting under the horse blanket and irritating the horse's skin.
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Step 2
Throw the blanket over the horse's back. Stand to the side of the horse and throw the blanket so that the front lines up with the front of the horse and the tail end is aligned with the tail. You can pull the blanket back and forth until it is perfectly adjusted.
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Step 3
Fasten the front of the blanket. These fasteners will be located across the chest of the horse under the neck. It may have Velcro, buckles, straps or a combination of these.
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Step 4
Touch and talk to the horse as you continue buckling. This lets the animal know where you are and be prepared for your touch as you fasten the buckles.
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Step 5
Fasten any belly straps. These are additional fasteners and are usually surgical straps. Not all horse blankets have them. They do not need to be particularly snug, but can dangle a few inches below the horse's stomach.
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Step 6
Finish with the tail strap. This hooks under the tail and can also hang loosely.
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Step 7
Monitor the weather. You cannot simply leave a horse blanketed until spring. If the horse gets overheated, it can get very sick. If you need a jacket, then your horse probably does too (assuming that it is accustomed to being blanketed or has been clipped). If it gets too warm for a jacket, then your horse may need her blanket taken off.
