How to Put On and Take Off a Horse Blanket

Horse blankets look smart, but also have a range of other uses.

Every horse owner should know how to put on a blanket. Even if your horse is hardy and does not normally need a blanket for warmth, you may need to use one when he is sick.



Different types of blankets are also useful for traveling, keeping your horse clean before a competition and helping to dry him off after a bath.



If your horse has never worn a blanket before, get an assistant to hold him the first couple of times you put one on.

Things You'll Need

• Horse
• Halter
• Blanket
• Assistant (optional)

Instructions

1. Tie up your horse.

   Take the blanket and fold it in half, bringing the back edge of the blanket up to meet the front straps.

   Place it over your horse's neck, fairly high up, taking care not to startle him with sudden movements.

2. Slide the blanket back into the correct position on the horse's back. Check that the front straps of the blanket will buckle.

   If you have put the blanket too far back and the straps won't meet, then take the blanket off completely and start again.

   Do up the surcingle straps under your horse's belly. If necessary, adjust the straps so that they lie snugly but not tightly. If the straps are too loose you risk your horse catching a back hoof.

3. Fasten the front straps. If the blanket has two front straps, the top one should be slightly looser that the bottom one.

   Fasten any leg straps. When correctly adjusted, leg straps should lie about half way down the horse's back thigh. Pass the two straps through each other to keep them away from the horse's legs.

4. Remove the blanket by unfastening first the leg straps, then the front straps, then the belly straps. Fold the blanket by pulling the back edge up to meet the front edge, and slide it off the horse.

   Unless it is damp, hang the blanket up still folded to make it easier to put on next time.

Tips & Warnings

• If your horse is new to blankets, try leaving it over his stable door for a few days so that he can get used to the sight and smell of it.

• Always take care when introducing something new to a horse, as they are unpredictable animals.

References

• Your Horse: How to Put on a Rug

Resources

• Horses and Horse Information: Why Not All Equines Need a Winter Stable Blanket