The horse blanket, ever a topic of discussion. So, we are throwing our hat in the ring. Here are a few tips to help prevent injury and an emergency call to your veterinarian.
HORSE BLANKET SAFETY TIPS
1. ADJUST STRAPS APPROPRIATELY
Belly straps should only allow enough slack for your hand to easily slide between the belly and the band. Anything more than that, and a horse may get its foot caught while kicking or rolling. If you look at your horse from the side and you can see several inches of light in between the strap and the belly, chances are it is too loose. Leg straps should have about 4-5 inches of slack, enough to guide your hand through width wise. Any longer and the horse risks getting a leg caught in the strap when getting up when rolling, or at a hard gallop in the pasture.
2. MAKE SURE BLANKET FIT
A blanket that is too large invites a horse to get tangled up when it rolls. It may also slip to one side, causing a trip hazard or allows them to get caught up on a fence post, gate, round bale feeder, or low tree limb - among other things. Blankets that are too small can cause compression or rubbing sores.
3. MISSING STRAPS
Don't use blankets with missing straps. A missing leg strap allows the blanket to slip to one side, inviting the hazards mentioned above, or creep up the back of the horse and possibly up over the head.
