Accessories for Horse Blankets

Most turnout blankets only need a full wash once or twice a season unless mud, manure, or heavy sweat build up faster than that. Washing too often actually breaks down the waterproof coating quicker than dirt does, so spot cleaning between full washes is usually the better call.

• Light use: rinse and spot clean weekly, full wash at season's end
• Muddy turnout: hose off caked mud before it dries into the fabric
• End of season: full wash before long-term storage to prevent mildew

No, regular laundry detergent isn't a good idea for horse blankets because it strips the waterproof coating and can leave residue that irritates a horse's skin. A detergent made specifically for technical or waterproof fabrics preserves the coating and rinses clean without that soapy film.

The right size comes from measuring your dog's back length, from the base of the collar to the base of the tail, rather than guessing off their weight or breed. A coat that's too long rubs at the hips, and one that's too short leaves the lower back exposed to wind and rain.

1. Collar to tail: measure along the spine for the primary size number
2. Chest girth: measure the widest part of the ribcage for belly strap fit
3. Neck: check this against the coat's collar opening if a harness is worn underneath

Denier measures how tough and tightly woven the outer fabric is, while fill weight measures how much insulation is packed inside for warmth. A coat can be high denier for durability, like a 1200D ripstop shell, and still be lightweight on fill, or low denier and heavily insulated, so the two numbers answer different questions.

Small tears and rips can usually be fixed at home with a blanket repair kit rather than replacing the whole blanket. These kits typically include fabric-safe glue and patch material in matching colors, which works well for holes caused by snags, buckles, or turnout gate hardware.

• Clean the area: wipe away dirt and loose threads before applying any patch
• Match the patch: use a color close to the blanket shell for a cleaner repair
• Let it cure: give fabric glue the full drying time before turning the horse back out

Elastic leg straps are generally the better choice for horses that move around a lot in turnout, since the give in the material reduces rubbing and snapping compared to stiff webbing. Webbing straps still work fine for horses that stand quietly or for stable blankets that see less movement, and they tend to hold up longer under constant tension.

• Elastic straps: best for active turnout horses, more forgiving during movement
• Webbing straps: better for stable use or horses that don't roll or run much
• Padded versions: worth the upgrade for horses prone to leg strap rubs