The health and wellbeing of your horse is incredibly important, and part of that is making sure that their blankets are clean. Horse blankets, whether they are turnout sheets, blankets, coolers, or stable sheets, need to be washed regularly if they are going to stay in good condition and keep your horse comfortable. But how often should you wash a horse blanket?
Understanding the Factors that Impact How Often to Wash
When it comes to washing horse blankets, there are several factors that you need to consider. These include the type of horse blanket, the weather, the activity level of your horse, and the type of fabric that the blanket is made from.
Type of Horse Blanket
The type of horse blanket you have will have a big impact on how often you need to wash it. Heavyweight turnout blankets, for example, will need to be washed more often than lightweight turnout blankets. This is because heavier blankets will tend to trap more dirt and moisture and will need to be washed more often to keep your horse comfortable.
Weather
The weather can also have an impact on how often you need to wash your horse’s blanket. During wet months, you may need to wash your horse’s blanket more often to keep your horse dry and to avoid any mildew or mold buildup. During the summer months, you may need to wash your horse’s blanket less frequently as the heat and humidity can help keep it clean.
Activity Level of Your Horse
The activity level of your horse is also important when it comes to washing their blanket. If your horse is very active and spends a lot of time running around in their turnout, they will need to have their blanket washed more often as they will be collecting more dirt and sweat. If your horse is more sedentary, you can get away with washing their blanket less often.
Type of Fabric
The type of fabric that your horse’s blanket is made from will also have an impact on how often it needs to be washed. Some fabrics are more prone to retaining dirt and moisture than others, so you may need to wash these blankets more frequently. Synthetic fabrics, for example, can be washed more often than natural fabrics as they tend to be more durable.
How Often Should You Wash a Horse Blanket?
Now that we’ve discussed the factors that will impact how often you need to wash a horse blanket, let’s look at some general guidelines for how often you should be washing your horse’s blanket.
Lightweight Turnout Blankets
Lightweight turnout blankets should be washed every two to four weeks, depending on the weather and activity level of your horse. During wet months, this could be increased to once a week if necessary.
Heavyweight Turnout Blankets
Heavyweight turnout blankets should be washed once a week, or every two weeks in dry weather.
Coolers/Stable Sheets
Coolers and stable sheets should be washed every two weeks, or more frequently depending on the activity level of your horse.
Caring for Your Horse Blanket
It is important to remember that even if you are washing your horse’s blanket regularly, you still need to take steps to care for it properly. Make sure that you are using the correct detergent for the type of fabric your blanket is made from and that you are avoiding any harsh chemicals. Additionally, hang your horse’s blanket to dry, rather than putting it in the dryer, to help keep it in good condition for longer.
Conclusion
Washing your horse’s blanket regularly is essential for keeping them comfortable and healthy. How often you need to wash your horse’s blanket will depend on the type of blanket they have, the weather, the activity level of your horse, and the type of fabric their blanket is made from. Generally, lightweight turnout blankets should be washed every two to four weeks, heavyweight turnout blankets should be washed once a week, and coolers and stable sheets should be washed every two weeks. Additionally, make sure to take steps to care for your horse’s blanket properly to ensure that it stays in good condition.