Posts Tagged ‘laundering horse blankets’

Anyone who has made the decision to buy a horse will soon find out that there is so much to learn. One thing I had not really considered was the maintenance needed for all the equipment etc and below are some useful points I have discovered which you might like to share.
The purchase of a good quality horse blanket is important and the aftercare, because laundering equestrian blankets needs an industrial washing machine.
Your horse should be checked on a daily basis to make sure that their blanket is not pulling or rubbing. If you see any patches of broken hair this is usually a certain sign.
Folding your blankets, fleeces and rugs, in the correct way makes them so much easier and safer to put back on your horse or pony. The horse is also less likely to spook if you set a folded bundle on his back, carefully unfolding it than he would if you just dumped the blanket over his back and dragged it into position. 
Fold your blanket whilst taking it off the horse or after cleaning ready for the next use. A folded blanket seems much easier to carry. 
Start with the blanket, placed unbuckled on the horse, or take it off and lay it on the ground.Then put the rug so the outside is facing upwards. Spread the straps straight out so they can be folded into the blanket as you go.
Fold the back third of the blanket up towards the middle, then tuck in the leg straps and fold in the tail flap.
Then fold the front third part of the blanket back towards the folded edge. Then straighten out the shoulder gussets.
Fold the right side up so the lower edges meets the centre seam.
Then fold the left side up so the lower edge meets the centre, thus folding up the belly straps.
Put the two halves together. The bundle can then be folded together once more and packed in a bag for storage. Then just reverse the order of the folds which enables you to put the blanket back on the horse easily.
If your horse is kept outside a lot it will probably be good to have two outdoor rugs. An extra blanket allows you to swop one blanket to allow the other one to dry.

It is wise not to try to wash your horse blankets in your washing machine!
There are heavy duty washing machines that can be bought especially for “equestrian use”. This could be invaluable and if you share livery with other people at your stables it could well be a great investment if the cost is shared.