Tag: blanketing your horse

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How to wash horse blankets

how to wash horse blankets

If your horse loves to roll in the mud, you are no stranger to dirty blankets (or horses). You may have wondered what the best way to wash horse blankets at home inexpensively is. Also, clean horses don’t stay clean under dirty blankets.

As a mom to three horses and hobby farm owner, I know how expensive replacing blankets and regularly washing blankets can get. With the right products and techniques, you can make sure your horse blankets last without creating a hole in your budget. Here are some easy steps you can do at home to wash your horse’s blanket.

Steps to clean your horse blanket

  1. Let the blanket dry! Your washer will thank you.
  2. Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove the dry dirt and grime. If it is filthy, you may want to hang the blanket on a fence and hose it down. Use mild dish soap to get the stubborn muck stains out.
  3. Use a saddle pad and blanket wash detergent designed for animals to protect their skin and the blanket’s waterproofing.
  4. Hand wash your horse blanket in cold water or use the delicate cycle on your washer. If you use the washing machine, you can protect it by tying the buckles together and covering them with an old sock.
  5. Add a rinsing agent (not fabric softener!) to your fabric softener dispenser to deodorize and add anti-static conditioning. 
  6. Remove promptly and let dry.
  7. Waterproof as needed.

That’s it! You now know how to wash your horse blankets and it is ready for another round of rolling in the mud.

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3 items to check before blanketing your horse

As an equestrian, it is so hard to know when to blanket your horse during the winter. As a hobby farm owner with her horses at home, I found two articles describing what you need to look at as you decide to blanket or not.

The first article Should I Blanket My Horse In The Winter? by Dr. Lisa Nesson published on IronGate Equine Clinic made recommendations based on hair coat, types of blankets and their fit as well as the basic requirements for roughage, water, and shelter. She talks about the hair coat’s abilities to withstand cold weather without a blanket, which allows the hairs to trap insulating air to keep the horse warm. She even included an infographic to help readers decide when to blanket.

Does my horse need a blanket? Decision chart.
Inforgraphic from Auburn Infographic

The second article published by the Feed Room, When to Blanket a Horse: Ask the Expert, Marcia Hathaway, Ph.D., answers this question by setting out some keep points about shelter and weather conditions, as well as age and body score. She mentions that horses continue to grow their winter coat until December 22 and start to lose it as the days start to get longer near the summer solstice.

Horse Blanketing Checklist

Based on these two articles and my experience as a horse owner, I have listed three things you need to check before deciding to blanket your horse:

  • Examine coat condition – If your horse has a thin coat, put a blanket on.
  • Check age and health – If your horse is very young, very old or has underlying health conditions, put a blanket on.
  • Evaluate body condition – If your horse’s body condition is less than a 3 on 9, put a blanket on.

Now you know what to consider before blanketing your horse.

My name is Chloe. I’m a passionate equestrian, horse lover and hobby farm owner with three horses in my care. I’ve been riding (on and off) since the tender age of 6 and love to discuss anything horse-related. Feel free to connect with me at @eqnextdoor on Twitter or Equestrian Next Door on Facebook.