Keep blankets clean, dry, and off the floor between seasons.
When winter is over, properly folding and storing your horse blankets can help protect them from moisture, mold, pests, and unnecessary wear. It also makes your tack room more organized and ensures your blankets are ready when cold weather returns.
The best way to store horse blankets is simple: clean them, let them dry completely, make any necessary repairs, fold them neatly, and store them somewhere clean and dry.
Here's how to do it.
How to Fold a Horse Blanket
Knowing how to properly fold a horse blanket makes it easier to store blankets on shelves, in storage bags, or in totes without straps and hardware becoming tangled.
Before folding, make sure your blanket is clean and completely dry.
Step 1: Fold the Blanket in Half
Lay your horse blanket flat on a clean surface.
Fold the blanket in half along the spine so the two sides line up and the belly straps are facing you.
Step 2: Tuck in the Straps
Bring the belly straps up and tuck them neatly inside the folded blanket.
Make sure leg straps, tail cords, buckles, and other hardware are secured so they don't become tangled or catch on another blanket.
Step 3: Fold the Front and Back Toward the Center
Bring the front of the blanket toward the middle.
Then fold the back of the blanket toward the center so the two sections meet or overlap slightly.
This creates a smaller, more manageable shape for storage.
Step 4: Fold the Blanket Again
Fold the bottom portion of the blanket upward to create a compact rectangle.
For lightweight sheets, coolers, and smaller blankets, you may be able to fold the blanket once more.
The finished blanket should be compact enough to fit neatly into a blanket storage bag, tote, or shelf without loose straps hanging out.
Tip: Keep buckles and straps tucked inside the folded blanket. This prevents hardware from catching on other blankets and makes stacking much easier.
How to Store Horse Blankets
Once your blankets are folded, choose a storage method that keeps them clean, dry, and protected.
For long-term storage, avoid keeping horse blankets:
- While damp
- Directly on the barn floor
- In areas exposed to moisture
- Where rodents can easily reach them
- Under heavy tack or equipment
Blanket bags and storage totes work well for off-season storage, while racks and hanging organizers are convenient for blankets you're actively using.
Wash Blankets Before Storing Them
Always clean horse blankets before putting them away for the season.
Dirt, sweat, manure, and horse hair can cause odors, attract pests, and become harder to remove after sitting for months.
Before washing:
- Brush away loose dirt and hair.
- Fasten hook-and-loop closures.
- Secure straps and buckles.
- Check the blanket's care instructions.
- Use a horse blanket wash appropriate for technical fabrics.
Turnout blankets require extra care because improper washing can affect their waterproof and breathable properties.
Make Sure Blankets Are Completely Dry
Never fold a damp horse blanket and put it into an enclosed storage bag or tote.
Trapped moisture can contribute to mildew, odors, and damage to the blanket.
Allow blankets to air-dry completely according to their care instructions. Check seams, bindings, straps, and other thicker areas that may take longer to dry.
Inspect and Repair Blankets Before Storage
Before folding your blankets, check for:
- Tears or holes
- Loose stitching
- Broken buckles
- Worn leg straps
- Damaged surcingles
- Worn tail cords
- Areas where waterproofing may be failing
Making repairs before storage means your blankets will be ready to use when temperatures drop again.
If a turnout blanket is no longer repelling water effectively, consider re-waterproofing the horse blanket according to its care instructions.
Horse Blanket Storage Ideas
Blanket Storage Bags
Horse blanket bags are a great choice for off-season storage. They keep individual blankets contained and protected from barn dirt while making it easy to organize your collection.
Label each bag with the horse's name, blanket size, and blanket weight.
Blanket Racks and Bars
Blanket racks and bars work especially well during winter when blankets are in regular rotation.
They keep blankets off the floor and allow airflow, which is helpful for blankets that need to dry before being stored.
Hanging Blanket Organizers
Stall-front bags and hanging organizers are useful when tack room space is limited. They take advantage of vertical space while keeping each horse's blankets organized and easy to reach.
Storage Totes
Plastic totes can provide convenient, stackable off-season storage.
Just make sure every blanket is completely dry before putting it into a closed container.
How to Organize Horse Blankets
If you have multiple horses or several blanket weights, label each storage bag or tote with:
- Horse's name
- Blanket size
- Blanket weight
- Blanket type
For example: 78" | Medium Weight | Turnout
You can also organize blankets by type, keeping sheets, lightweights, medium weights, and heavyweights together.
Horse Blanket Storage Checklist
Before putting your winter blankets away:
Wash blankets according to their care instructions.
Allow blankets to dry completely.
Inspect for tears and damaged hardware.
Make necessary repairs.
Re-waterproof turnout blankets if needed.
Fold blankets neatly.
Tuck straps and hardware inside.
Label storage bags or totes.
Store somewhere clean, dry, and protected.
Keep Your Horse Blankets Ready for Next Winter
Proper horse blanket storage comes down to a few simple steps:
Clean. Dry. Inspect. Repair. Fold. Store.
Taking a little extra time to properly fold and store your horse blankets at the end of winter helps protect your investment and makes it much easier to find exactly what you need when blanket season returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fold a horse blanket for storage?
Fold the blanket in half along the spine, tuck the straps and hardware inside, bring the front and back toward the center, and then fold the blanket again to create a compact rectangle.
What is the best way to store horse blankets?
Clean and completely dry your blankets before folding them and placing them in a blanket bag, tote, or other protected storage area.
Should you wash horse blankets before storing them?
Yes. Cleaning blankets before storage removes dirt, sweat, hair, and other debris that can cause odors, stains, or attract pests.
Should horse blankets be folded or hung?
Both methods work. Folded blankets are convenient for long-term storage, while racks and bars are useful for blankets you're actively using.
Can you store horse blankets in plastic totes?
Yes. Plastic totes can work well for off-season storage as long as the blankets are completely dry before the container is closed.
Racks, Bars & Storage
Keep blankets clean, dry, and off the floor between seasons.
Not sure what your horse needs?
Talk to a real person. We have been making and fitting horse blankets in Chagrin Falls, Ohio since 1948, and our team can walk you through weight, fit, and sizing.
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