How to Repair a Horse Rug

Every horse owner knows that horse rugs get damaged by normal wear and tear and by horses that tend to rip their blankets. However, a damaged horse rug does not mean you need to get a new one--it is possible to repair a horse rug in many cases. Horse rugs are expensive, so it is worth while to learn how to repair them when they rip or tear.

Things You'll Need

  • Heavy-duty thread
  • Scissors
  • Waterproof fabric glue
  • Needle
  • Iron
  • Waterproof patches
  • Horse rug waterproofing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the horse rug. Before beginning any repairs on your horse rug, clean it thoroughly. Hang the rug over a fence or in a wash stall. Use a stiff brush to remove as much mud and hair as possible. Put the rug in the washing machine according to the manufacture's instructions. Always use a detergent that is mild and does not contain scents; horses have sensitive skin that could become irritated by harsh detergents. If you do not have access to a washing machine that can take a horse rug, clean the rug by hand. This method is harder, but will still get the job done. When your rug is hanging on a fence or in a wash stall, thoroughly soak it with a hose, then scrub it with a stiff brush and mild soap. Rinse it well. After washing the horse rug in the washing machine or by hand, hang it outside until it is completely dry.

    • 2

      Access the damage. Lay the horse rug out flat and inspect the damage. HorseMart.co.uk states that when inspecting a rug's damage, make sure any tears do not go completely through the rug.

    • 3

      Apply an iron-on patch to the rip in the rug. Most small tears in a horse rug can be easily repaired by an iron-on patch. Use a patch that is waterproof and made of durable material. Also try to use a patch that matches the color of the rug, because this will look better after the repair is done. Cut the patch so that is fits over the rip. Turn the rug inside out and place the patch over the tear. Then use a hot iron to seal the patch onto the rug and let it cool.

    • 4

      Sew the rip. Larger and deeper rips will need to be repaired with sewing. Use a heavy duty thread, matching the color of the horse blanket, and a needle that can go through the blanket's tough material. Turn the blanket inside out and sew from the inside, because this will make the outside of the repair neater. If you are handy with a sewing machine, use it to do the sewing. According to EquineCompare.co.uk, a sewing machine will create a stronger stitch than sewing by hand. Seal the stitching with a rug waterproofing substance, or even better, apply a waterproof patch over the stitching. Sewing can also be used to repair straps that have been ripped off.