As the winter chill sets in and snowflakes continue to fall, we think about how to keep our equine companions safe, warm, and well-fed. For many horse owners, that means deciding whether or not to use blankets. Regardless of your stance on blanketing, if you’re combining them with hay nets—whether it’s a round bale net or a hanging hay bag—there’s an important safety consideration to remember.
The Potential Risk: Blanket Buckles and Hay Nets
When using blankets and hay nets together, there’s a possibility that snaps, buckles, or clips on the blanket can become tangled in the netting. This could lead to:
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Damage to the blanket or the hay net
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A spooked or panicked horse
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Potential injury, though rare
Most hay nets are designed to break under extreme pressure, reducing the risk of serious harm. However, even a minor mishap can lead to costly repairs or an unnerving experience for your horse.
A Simple, Affordable Solution
The good news is that you can easily prevent these issues with a budget-friendly trick: rubber tubing. Here’s how it works:
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Cut a section of rubber tubing—old bicycle inner tubes work perfectly for this.
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Slip the tubing over buckles, clips, or snaps on your horse’s blanket. Even large buckles, like those found on popular Amigo blankets, can be covered this way.
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Slide the tubing forward or backward as needed when putting on or adjusting the blanket.
This quick fix keeps blanket hardware from catching on your hay net. It’s a tried-and-true method that works well, even in freezing temperatures.
Why Rubber Tubing?
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Inexpensive: You can often find old bike tubes for next to nothing—or buy new ones for about a dollar.
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Durable: Even in freezing weather, rubber tubing holds up for several months.
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Easy to Apply: No special tools or expertise needed—just cut and slide it on.
Keep Your Horses Happy, Safe, and Warm.
Whether you choose to blanket or not is entirely up to you—both sides have pros and cons. This tip is simply about making your winter horse-keeping routine safer and more enjoyable if you choose to blanket while using hay nets.
We hope this simple hack keeps your equines snug, secure, and content all season long.
— The Nag Team