Here is a quick guide on the basics of blanketing your horse.

Winter blankets come in a size range of 64 inches for small ponies to 90 inches for large draft horses. Blankets are measured by length from the middle of the horse’s chest to his tail. To measure your horse for a blanket, grab a friend and have one hold the tape measure in the center of your horse’s chest while the other measures along the side of the horse to his tail.

A standard blanket usually comes with two front straps, two belly straps, and two leg straps. The front straps should be snug, not loose, but not so tight as it restricts the horse from lowering his head to graze.

The belly straps should be crossed (front strap to back hook and back strap to front hook) and should have maybe an inch or two of space between them and the horse’s belly when you slide your hand through. Any looser and the horse has the potential of getting his foot caught in the straps.

The leg straps should also be crossed (left strap to right hook and right strap to left hook) Again, not too loose so there is no danger of the horse getting tangled in them. They shouldn’t be too tight either as this could cause rubbing on the legs.

Walk your horse around or let him go and watch him move to see how well the blanket is fitting.

(photo taken from Pinterest)

“A good man will take care of his horses and dogs, not only while they are young, but also when they are old and past service.”  – Plutarch

~ Saddle Up