Horse Blanket Management: How To Repair, Clean, and Store Horse Blankets

As soon as blanket season ends, take the time to check over your blanket. It’s better to do it as soon as possible than to wait until you need the blanket again.  

If you can repair small issues early, you can prevent larger damage that may not be fixable. Or if you do need a significant repair, take the time over the summer instead of needing to buy a new blanket at the last minute for a cold snap. 

You’ll want to look for:  

• Tears and holes in the fabric 
• Loose or broken stitching 
• Damaged buckles and straps 
• Worn surcingles 
• Leaking waterproof coatings 

Storing blankets that are dirty can lead to mold and lingering stains, and it can also attract rodents. It’s best to clean your blankets before storing them, so they’re fresh and ready when the cold weather hits. 

Start by shaking off debris and removing loose hair and mud with a dandy brush, shedding blade, or utility vacuum.  

Removing hair is vital; otherwise, it can damage your washing machine. 

Check the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them closely. Only use blanket-safe detergents and avoid fabric softeners that may affect waterproofing.  

If you don’t have a barn washing machine or you have a bulky blanket, you may want to take your blankets to a laundromat to use a heavy-duty washer. Alternatively, you can work with a professional blanket cleaning service in your area. 

Most manufacturers recommend air-drying horse blankets. Whether you’re hanging it over a fence or on a blanket rack, make sure the fabric is completely dry before packing it away to avoid the accumulation of mold. 

If you notice a small tear, close it immediately after cleaning the blanket to prevent it from becoming a larger tear that’s harder to repair. You can also use duct tape in a pinch.  

Smaller tears can be closed by hand stitching or with a sewing machine, using a straight stitch and zig-zag stitch. You can also use an iron-on or denim patch for larger tears and holes.  

If a strap or buckle is damaged, replace it—if your horse steps on a dangling strap it can tear the blanket and possibly injure them.  

You can re-waterproof turnout blankets to extend their lifespan. If you have an expensive blanket or one that needs a complex repair, and if you lack the skills to do it yourself, consider using a professional blanket repair service. 

Fold a clean, dry blanket neatly and store it in a breathable blanket bag or a plastic bin with ventilation to prevent mold.  

Choose a cool, dry location that’s out of reach of rodents and insects. Avoid damp basements and direct sunlight. 

To keep your blankets organized, try:  

• Labeling blankets by horse or by size 
• Separating blankets by type, such as turnout, stable, and cooler blankets  
• Storing matching neck covers together 

If you need to make repairs to multiple blankets, keep records so you can remember what was done for each one. 

Not every blanket can be salvaged. If you’re not sure if your blanket can last another season, here are signs that it needs to be replaced: 

• The material is showing extensive wear 
• The waterproof coating is no longer effective 
• Broken hardware is beyond repair 
• The blanket no longer fits due to changes in the horse’s body 
• The repair time and/or cost is higher than the cost of replacement 

Routine blanket maintenance, which includes cleaning, prompt repair, and proper storage, can extend the product’s life. It can also save you money and ensure you’ll have horse clothing ready for use if cold weather suddenly arrives. 

Yes, wash your horse blankets before storing them away, and throughout the year as needed. This will preserve the material and prevent mold.

Yes, especially if you address them before they start fraying or become large. You can hand-sew, use a sewing machine, apply duct tape, or apply an iron–on or denim patch.

After cleaning and air–drying, fold neatly and place in a breathable blanket bag or plastic bin with ventilation.

Pour a small amount of water on the blanket to see if it beads up and rolls off or soaks in. If it soaks in, your blanket needs to be re-waterproofed.