How to Fasten a Horse Blanket With Leg Straps

Fastening a horse blanket correctly is important for your horse's comfort and safety. Straps on all portions of the blanket should be adjusted tightly enough to keep the blanket in place and prevent the horse from getting a hoof or horseshoe caught in the straps, yet loosely enough not to pull tightly on the horse or chafe the belly and legs. Correctly adjusting the straps on your horse's blanket will ensure protection from harsh weather while keeping the horse safe and comfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse blanket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie your horse securely in an area that is safe and free of clutter or objects the horse could bump into if startled. Bring the folded blanket to within range of the horse, 10 to 20 feet, so the horse can watch you unfold the blanket. Use caution if your horse is not familiar with blankets.

    • 2

      Carrying the unfolded blanket toward the horse, hold it toward him so that he can smell the blanket and look it over. Talk to the horse and reassure him that you're not going to hurt him.

    • 3

      Rub the blanket on the horse's shoulder so he gets the idea you're going to put it on him. Lay it over his back as you would a saddle or saddle blanket, then gently arrange it over his body.

    • 4

      Fasten the front straps first, buckling them across the chest so the blanket is draped from the horse's withers down to the front of the chest. Leave enough slack in the front of the blanket so you can easily fit both hands between the blanket and the horse's shoulders.

    • 5

      Fasten the girth straps next. Cross the straps diagonally under the horse's belly, if your blanket is designed for this, so that the right rear and left front straps are connected. Repeat this for the left rear and right front straps.

    • 6

      Adjust the straps and buckles so the blanket is contoured around and under the horse. Tighten or loosen the straps as necessary so that a couple of inches of free space remain between the straps and the horse's belly. Tie a knot in one of the straps to shorten it if it's too long for your horse.

    • 7

      Fasten the back leg straps last. Adjust the straps so they hang loosely around the insides of the upper portion of your horse's back legs. Tighten the straps as necessary to ensure they don't hang down to the hocks. According to Weatherbeeta Blankets, the chest straps should be secured on approximately the middle adjustment, and the top of the tail flap should be at the top of the tail.