Your blanket is first soaked in a warm water tub to loosen the dirt; then it is washed with a phosphate-free and scent-free soap for a 1:45 hr cycle in a washing machine. Sodium bicarbonate is added to the wash to help remove that “horsey” smell. When your blanket is finished being washed, it is hung to dry. It usually takes between 12 and 18 hours to fully dry the blanket.

Wash

Fly and Rain Sheets

$15

Winter Blankets up to 300gm

$20

Heavy Winter Blankets 300+ gms

$25

Hoods

$10

Saddle Pads

$10

Repairs

Rips are patched and price is dependent on the size and time required to repair. If fill is missing from the rip it is replaced with a similar weight fill. Missing hardware is replaced at the cost of the hardware plus time to install. Repair time is based on $20/hr. with a minimum time charge of 15 min. ($5.00)

1. Clean your blanket regularly

   Your horse will roll, or lay down with the blanket on. The sand and dirt from the ground will get infused into the fabric of your blanket. That dirt can break down the weave of the fabric and weaken the integrity of the blanket – making it rip more easily. Alternatively over-washing can damage the waterproof material. If you suspect that your blanket is not as waterproof as it used to be there are marine-grade products that can be spayed to make it more water-proof but be sure to have it sprayed on a clean and dry blanket.

2. Don’t put wet/damp blankets in plastic bags

   Wet fabric, especially if infused with manure and dirt will mold. Not only does mold eat away at the fabric but it is almost impossible to remove that mold without ruining the integrity of the blanket fabric.

3. If there is a small rip get it fixed before it gets larger

   Horses being what they are will manage to find the only nail sticking out on the paddock rail or their playful paddock mates want to play a game of bite the blanket. A small rip can quickly turn into a large rip, or worse, a piece of fabric flapping in the breeze and freaking out your horse. Getting those smaller rips repaired in a timely fashion can prevent damage too severe to repair.

4. Make Sure your blanket fits properly

   Properly fitting your horse’s blanket is extremely important. In addition to making sure all your straps are fitted correctly, remember that all blanket manufacturers design their blankets a little differently. Some run big, some narrower, etc. An ill-fitted blanket will restrict your horse’s movement. If you buy a blanket that is too big it will constantly want to slide back and twist. An unhappy blanketed horse will soon find a way to remove that blanket – without your assistance. It is worth your time to find a blanket brand that has designed their blankets to more suitably fit your horse. Consider criss-crossing leg straps and having belly straps snug-not tight (one flat hand between the strap and the horse’s belly).

5. Timing is everything

   I can’t tell you how many times clients have pulled out their blankets the day they need it only to realize that the blanket is dirty or in need of repair. A panic ensues as weather conditions make washing/repair a crisis. Consider reviewing the condition of your blanket at the end of the season and get it cleaned/repaired before putting it away. That way when you need that winter blanket the day before it turns wintery, it will be ready for whatever mother nature plans.