01/28/2022
Blanketing is never an easy subject to discuss. You really responded to a post I wrote not long ago on the subject. Here’s the link, in case you missed it.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=486705259491187&set=a.5046540568692803
I see a variety in the ways people fasten the rear leg straps and this is what I’m going to talk about today. There’s a right way… a wrong way… a so-so-way... and my favourite way... So, here goes.
In the top left photo, we see the leg straps ‘linked’ like a chain. This is the preferred method of fastening. Why? Because if adjusted to fit the horse, they will not make contact with his leg in any way, not while he’s standing and not while he’s in movement. Common sense tells us that this will be the most comfortable to the horse… and it is also safest for us, as the strap can be fastened and unfastened from the same side as where we’re standing. When linked, if one strap comes undone, unless the horse is wildly playing around, it will stay looped up on the other strap and not drag along the ground. To fasten this 'link', clip the nearside strap on as usual, then go to the offside and feed the strap through the first one before fastening. It's quick, easy and once you get used to it, takes only a moment.
The top right photo shows a way that I’m seeing quite a bit of, criss-crossing the leg straps from one side to the other. This method is more restrictive of the blanket and yes, you have to go from one side to the other to fasten and undo them. On young or unreliable horses, this isn’t the safest way. On straps that don’t have swivel fasteners, when we criss-cross them, the buckle adjustment is now against the horse, rather than away from him.
The worst scenario, of course, is to do neither method, to just fasten the rear of the strap and let the strap hang down and rub the inside of the horse’s thigh with each step. It hurts me to think about it. Let’s vow to do better, because we still see this 'method' a lot!
My favourite way, however, is to remove the leg straps entirely. If my blanket isn’t already fitted with a 'filet' strap that goes from one rear corner of the blanket to the other, underneath the horse’s tail… I can use one elastic leg strap for the purpose, just shortened to the max. This method holds very well, in all but the wildest eighty-mile-per-hour winds… and it greatly lessens my need to fiddle with snaps and bare hands when it’s so cold that metal sticks to us on contact. The method keeps the blanket surprisingly straight, if you're wondering. The blanket goes on and off without undoing the filet strap and I’m a happy camper.
By the way, I've discovered over the years that a horse whose blanket is always hanging off one side, despite even leg straps, is usually himself moving crookedly. He needs an evaluation with a trusted bodyworker and then, straightening exercises under saddle to put his weight more evenly on all four legs... which is what so many other of our posts here on Keystone are about.
Just remember that when blanketing, always fasten front to back. The chest fastenings, then the neck piece (if applicable), the belly surcingles and finally, the leg straps. On removal, we do the opposite, going from back to front. It is the safest way and of course, echoes how we fasten coolers and sheets with closed fronts, for those inclined to argue.
Make sure you clip up the leg straps before pulling the blanket... a few bad wrecks with flimsy straps wrapped around hind legs and tails has taught me this lesson. It would seem that I'm a slow learner.
In closing, be mindful of static build up when using nylon blankets. This is mainly a problem for those of us living in very dry climes. When removing them, undo all straps, fold the blanket in half to the back, skip your forearm under and sweep the blanket off to the rear, in the direction of the coat. Don’t stop to pet your horse UNTIL you’ve set your blanket down and grounded yourself out on something inanimate. You’ll feel the little zap… then you’re good to go.
Your horse, especially if he or she is sensitive or still somewhat distrustful, will thank you. Blankets removed this way are ready to be put on easily in one swing, without mucking around.
