Pirate Costume Ideas for Horses

Costume

• Begin by finding a sheet or horse blanket to use as the clothing for the horse pirate. An old white or striped sheet makes a good pirate shirt. Drape the sheet over the horse's back and fasten with a safety pin around his neck. A strap can be attached under the horse's stomach to secure the sheet in place.

  A horse sleazy is a great way to get your horse to wear a "shirt." A horse sleazy is similar to a horse blanket but is made from stretchy, spandex-like material and hugs the horse's shape. They are available in wild patterns and solid colors and are sold at many tack and horse supply stores.

Accessories

• Place a red sash around your horse's middle as a pirate belt. Use a red sheet and secure it by tying a knot or using a ribbon. Add a toy pirate sword to the sash belt to transform your horse into a real pirate.

  Make your horse a peg leg by adding one horse boot to one of his legs. You also can use a piece of brown fabric and secure it with Velcro or safety pins.

  Create an eye patch for your horse by using a blinker from a buggy-horse's bridle. Blinkers look like eye patches but don't completely block the horse's vision, which can be dangerous.

  Place a pirate hat from an adult pirate costume on your horse's head. Measure the hat and cut holes for the ears. Attach the hat to the halter to secure it.

Safety

• Before putting a pirate costume on your horse, make sure he is willing to wear it without spooking. If you are using the pirate costume for a show or contest, dress the horse in the costume, including all accessories, before the show. Put the costume on the horse at home and walk him around. If you are riding the horse in the costume at the show, ride him in it at home so he can get used to wearing it and the accessories. If your horse is scared or spooks, don't make him wear the costume, since he could cause harm to himself or others.