How to Put on a Horse Blanket Safely:
Step-By-Step Guide

When it comes to working around horses, you can never be too careful. They are half-ton animals with minds of their own. Horse blankets and sheets can be particularly spooky, especially for young horses or those who haven't been handled much or worn a blanket before. Keep yourself and your horse safe when putting on and taking off a blanket by proceeding cautiously so the horse can learn that blankets are comfy and cozy, rather than scary! The steps below are a guide on how to approach a horse that may be feeling unsure of a blanket.

Although it seems straightforward enough, applying and removing a blanket out of order could be the difference between an easy blanketing experience and a potentially dangerous one. If you are inexperienced with working horses, we suggest having a friend help you hold your horse or even a trainer to work with you. Also, for learning equestrians or new horse owners, you may enjoy more of our other blanketing content:

• How to Choose a Horse Blanket
• When to Blanket a Horse
• How to Clean & Store Horse Blankets

Watch our helpful how-to video below for a full explanation of how to safely put on and remove your horse's blanket!

Putting On & Removing a Horse Blanket in 6 Easy Steps

Putting on or taking off a blanket incorrectly can potentially startle your horse, which can lead to accidents and traumatic experiences. A trauma response can be developed that then makes some horses more fearful of the blanket, which should be a happy and comfy thing for them! Following the safety precautions below can help keep you and any horse safe and fear-free:

If you have any hesitancy about blanketing your horse, don't be afraid to consult a trainer or coach for help. It might seem simple, but blanketing can be difficult for particularly sensitive or spooky steeds.

Steps to Put On a Horse Blanket

Before Starting: Whether your horse is in a stall or out in the pasture, it's best practice to halter them before putting on their blanket. If you have a difficult horse, you might opt to have a friend hold them while you blanket or place the horse in cross ties. Before you begin, make sure that all buckles and straps on the blanket are unbuckled so that you don't have to put it on over their head. This can spook many horses.

Step 1: Start by slowly and gently placing the blanket over your horse's back. Allow the horse to see it when approaching, and avoid sneaking up on them. It can be helpful to have the blanket neatly folded into thirds (more on this later) before you place it over your horse's back so that it is easier to swing over. Avoid throwing or heaving the blanket over your horse's back; this is likely to spook them. If they are very unsure, standing next to the horse while holding the blanket and giving them pets or scratches can do wonders to help them relax and feel more confident.

Step 2: Once the blanket is on the horse and fully open lengthwise. Secure the blanket's straps, moving from front to back. We do this in case a horse does spook and run forward. If the back or belly straps are fastened before the chest, then the blanket will fall behind the horse and tangle around their back legs in the event of a spook. This can cause even a confident horse to run away and become injured. With the front buckles, we want to make sure they are tight enough to hold the blanket up on your horse's shoulder, but not so tight that it restricts them. You should be able to fit a hand between the blanket and the horse's chest. If your blanket has clips, make sure they face inward. This is so the clips won't get caught on anything, such as a fence or hay nets.

Step 3: Fasten the belly surcingle straps second. As you reach under your horse, be wary of putting your head in a place where your horse could reach it with a hind foot. To keep yourself in a safe spot, stand perpendicular to the horse, facing their head, then reach under their belly to grab the strap with the arm that's closest to the horse. Once fastened, make sure that the surcingle straps are the correct length for your horse. You should be able to fit about five fingers between your horse's belly and the straps. If the straps are too tight, it can affect the horse's breathing when lying down. If they're too loose, they may entangle a leg while running or stomping.

Step 4: Finally, move on to the leg straps. Not all blankets will have leg straps, but if yours does, it's important to make sure the straps are adjusted correctly. The leg straps should be tight enough so that the horse can't get a leg caught in them while lying down, yet not so tight that they rub. You should be able to fit a hand between the strap and the horse's thigh.

We suggest linking the leg straps to help the blanket stay centered over the horse's back. To apply the leg straps correctly, take the left leg strap, pass it between the hind legs, and fasten it to the left-hand side. Then, take the right leg strap, pass it through the loop made by the left strap, and fasten it to the right-hand side.

If your horse's blanket has a tail strap, it will simply tuck underneath the tail. If adjustable, tighten so that the back of the blanket gently hugs their hindquarters. It should not be so tight that the blanket itself lays under the tail.

Step 5: Once the blanket is on, double-check that everything looks correct. All of the straps should be securely fastened, and any material should be lying flat against their coat. In the cold seasons, many horses end up spending a lot of time in their blankets, and a well-fitting, correctly placed blanket can keep them comfortable and warm.

Step 1: Repeat the process of putting on a blanket, this time in reverse. Start by unsnapping the back leg straps or untucking the tail strap. Make a practice of re-snapping them to the blanket so that they don't hang down or swing as you finish taking off the blanket.

Step 2: Unfasten the surcingle or belly straps. Once again, be cautious about your body position as you reach under the horse. Finish by unbuckling or unsnapping the front closure.

Step 3: Fold the blanket in rough thirds before removing it. Start by taking the very back of the blanket and folding it so that the edge is about halfway up the back. Fold the blanket once more so that it is in a neat pile. Slowly and gently slide the folded blanket off the horse.

Folding the blanket like this serves a number of purposes. The smaller folded blanket is less likely to spook your horse than a larger unfolded blanket. Folding the blanket will also ensure it looks neat and tidy hanging on the stall door or pasture fence. Finally, the folded blanket will be easier to swing over the horse's back the next time you put the blanket back on, especially if you're blanketing a tall horse!

Closing Thoughts

Whether you're blanketing your clipped show horse or your old pasture pet, knowing how to safely put on and take off a blanket is a skill every equestrian needs to know. At the end of the day, horses are large animals that could potentially injure you without meaning to (no matter the horse's age or experience). That is why we stress putting yourself in the safest possible position, so you can be prepared for when a horse spooks or kicks out.

We hope you found some helpful tips in this how-to guide. If you're now on the hunt for a new blanket or sheet, click the link below or check out our Best Winter Horse Blankets of the Year! As always, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team by calling 1(800)620-9145 or emailing info@ridingwarhouse if you need any further assistance. Happy blanketing!