How Do You Store A Winter Horse Blanket?

You should store them up off the ground with a blanket rack, bar, or bag during blanket season and in a sealed container during the off-season. At the end of blanket season, you can wash and re-waterproof them yourself, or send them to a professional horse blanket washing service.

How do you wash and store a horse blanket?

Wash the blanket on the gentle cycle in cold water, using only a mild, horse blanket specific detergent (make sure to avoid fabric softener, especially if your blanket has a waterproof coating). To dry the blanket, hang it outside on a sturdy clothesline or over a fence.

How long do horse blankets last?

Quality horse blankets can last you upwards of 10 to 15 seasons with proper maintenance. Over-washing your blanket can ultimately damage the waterproof material, limiting its lifetime to only a few years.

At what temperature should you put a winter blanket on a horse?

Here are some general guidelines: Body Clipped Horses: Start blanketing when the temperature gets below 60°F, or anytime it is rainy or windy. Moderate Hair Coat Horses: Start blanketing when the temperature goes below 40°F. Heavy Hair Coat Horses: Start blanketing when the temperatures go below 30°F.

Do you cross the belly straps on a horse blanket?

Typically, the straps will cross underneath the belly. It is important to make sure the straps cross in the center, not too close to the front legs or too close to the stifles. Not crossing straps may lead to many wide, open areas, and dangerous spaces for a horse to slip a hoof through.

Why do you cross horse blanket straps?

Leg straps can be dangerous if the horse lies down and a hock gets caught in them. So, adjust them to cross through each other and hang about six inches above the hock. Passing the straps through the loop of the other and fastening it to the same side allows them to hang between the legs instead of on them.

Should blankets be stored in plastic?

Fabric should ‘breathe’ when in storage. This tip is Important for natural fibers like wool. The best place to store bedding is in open areas where adequate airflow gets to the fabric. Avoid plastic storage bags that trap moisture and are breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

How do you keep bugs out of stored blankets?

Blanket Storage Chests
Chests provide enough protection from bugs, dust, and moisture and are very practical. A cedar blanket storage chest is the best choice for long-term storage. Cedarwood oil is a natural moth and insect repellent, which means that your blankets will be kept safe from harmful insects.

How do you care for a horse blanket?

How to Care for your Horse Blanket

1. Remove excess dirt, mud and hair from your blanket.
2. Remove all detergent build up from your detergent dispenser.
3. Place your blanket in a mesh wash bag to contain all the straps and buckles, protecting them from being damaged and protecting your machine.

How often should you wash a horse blanket?

Horse blankets and sheets not only can be washed but should be regularly cleaned, at least once a year to help prolong their effectiveness. Some blankets can go in your washing machine, some will need to be hand-washed or professionally cleaned.

Is it better for a horse blanket to be too big or too small?

A blanket that is too small can restrict movement, cause rubs and be generally uncomfortable for the horse. A blanket that is too loose can increase the risk of getting caught up in straps, allow rain and snow in around the neck area and not stay in place very well causing rubs and chafing.

How do you know if your horse is cold in the winter?

Here are some of the top ways you can tell:

1. They are shivering.
2. Their temperature is below 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit. (37.6 Celcius)
3. They don’t have enough fat.
4. They don’t have a good winter coat.
5. They are huddling together with other horses.
6. They don’t get enough to eat.

How can you tell if a horse is cold?

Common signs of your horse being too cold are:

1. Shivering. Horses, like people, shiver when they’re cold.
2. A tucked tail can also indicate that a horse is trying to warm up. To confirm, spot-check her body temperature.
3. Direct touch is a good way to tell how cold a horse is.

What temperature do horses feel cold?

In the absence of wind and moisture, horses tolerate temperatures at or slightly below 0° F. If horses have access to a shelter, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -40° F. But horses are most comfortable at temperatures between 18° and 59° F, depending on their hair coat. What size shelter do you need?

How tight should horse blanket be?

It is essential that a blanket should fit well on the withers and shoulders so that your horse can move freely underneath the fabric without the blanket slipping back. Adjust the buckles and ensure you can still slide your hand down the neck of the blanket.

Do horses like to be hugged?

Horses aren’t just for humans to show one another affection. Did you know that horses hug too? Just make sure that you’re on the horse’s good side before hugging them, and remember that if they start licking you or breathing on you it is often because they appreciate your company.

What happens if horse blanket is too big?

Too Large: A blanket that is too big for your horse can move around on his body, causing a potentially unsafe situation if he steps on it or gets his leg caught in a strap. A loose blanket is also less effective at keeping out winter weather.

Do you have to use leg straps on a horse blanket?

Consider forgoing the hind leg straps.
Straps that pass around a horse’s hind legs pose the greatest entanglement risk. If your horse’s blanket stays put without these straps, you may want to remove them entirely.

What are the two main types of horse blankets?

They come in two varieties: turnout and stable. Turnout sheets and turnout blankets are waterproof and designed to be worn when your horse is outside, while stable sheets and stable blankets are not waterproof and meant to be worn when your horse is inside.

Can I store blankets in garbage bags?

Heavy duty trash bags can, in some cases, actually be useful in packing. They tend to be best for large and bulky items such as: Comforters, Bedding, Pillows and Large Blankets. It is also important to remember that they are not as sturdy as a cardboard box.

Can you store blankets in boxes?

If possible, don’t use cardboard boxes to store your blankets; they won’t protect against the dust, moisture and temperature fluctuations like plastic tubs can. See-through plastic containers also have the added benefit of making it easy to locate your blankets.