Can I use an old blanket as a saddle blanket for my horse?

Question

I got my first pony afew months ago after asking for one every year since I could so I'd say I have been hoping for about 28 years!
I have been riding her bareback but have now bought a secondhand saddle.
I can't afford to but a saddlecloth from the shop, so I was thinking of using an old towel against her back and then an old blanket folded over that. She gets quite sweaty so I guess I can wash the towel after I ride her and air out the blanket.
Does this sound like a good idea to any hosey peeps out there?

Answer 1

Congratulations!! Its about time you got the pony you have loved all of your life.!
Yes, I have used blankets often..Just be sure there are no seams/folds under the saddle... the first time out, stop and check it often, to make sure that it isn't bunching..
Ask at your feed dealer, to see if there are local auctions.. I get the best bargains at auction.. Or check on eBay.com .. You will find a lot of horse tack there..
these are inexpensive> http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-QUALITY-QUILTED-NUMNAH-saddle-pad-CHOOSE-COLOUR_W0QQitemZ130033700197QQihZ003QQcategoryZ57269QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Answer 2

Like you I waited 30 years before my dream of owning my own horse came true. I bought a cheap saddle pad for $15 and it worked fine. I ended up sewing some pockets on it to keep my keys, etc when we went riding. You don't have to spend big bucks to enjoy spending time with your new friend. If you do use a folded up towel or blanket, just make sure it doesn't bunch up under the saddle, this would be uncomfortable for your horse and could even cause her to get sores on her back.
I hope you have a great time with her, I know there is nothing like the feeling I get when I take my horse out into the bush for a long ride.

Answer 3

Another thing you can do is sew your own saddle blanket. Some people actually perfer this as opposed to buying one at a shop, because this way you can pick out a pattern that you want that nobody else will have.

Just make sure that whatever fabric you choose is a good durable one on top (such as cotton or nylon), and make sure that the underside of the blanket is something soft and absorbant like polar fleece.

The inside can be pretty much any material, but regular old good thick blanket stuffing should do the trick.

Answer 4

YES! Thats a great idea, cheaper than buying a simple cloth from the saddlery.

Just make sure its thick enough, more than 1 cm thick. And make sure when its folded its even on all parts of the horses back tat is under the saddle, or else the saddle will not be sitting correctly and the saddle will cause pressure points.

Good luck and have fun!!!

Answer 5

I think as long as you fold the blanket until it is quite thick and put a towel down you might be ok. Saddle blankets are really firm and thick so they protect the horse. Don't ride a long time with your blanket without checking your horse. Check for hot spots and wear areas. I would recommend you saving your money and getting a real saddle blanket as soon as you can though. you can pick one up for around $50 at IFA. Email me, I can give you some ideas.

Answer 6

The US Army used wool bed blankets folded in quarters for more years than we can count to saddle horses.

The trooper had a blanket for himself at night and saved some weight.

Wool will work best. When I was a kid we used good old rag rugs our pony pads.

Answer 7

Horse saddle blankets are made to fit and withstand the saddle. A blanket used for sleeping or towels are not made for riding use nor excess bodily material coming form a horse. Saddle pads are designed to allow air flow and help insulate sweat to dirt on a horse. Plus, certain padding for the saddle that also fits the horse's back. I recommend measuring your saddle and even bringing your pony to have it fitted. Note the return policy. If can't bring your pony, at least bring the saddle to have sale's associates in the Equine Department (as I do all the time at petmsart for stateline tack) to properly instruct and fit the right saddle pad. Bring pictures for any visual signs of possible discomfort if the pony is sway back or sore back/withers etc.

Saddle pads are there for more than just not allowing the saddle to cause rubbing injury. It is also there to help with weight adjustment, measurement of equal pressure on the hores as each horse's body measurement will be different (conformation). Also there to absorb shock from bouncing and movement inthe saddle. To help keep the saddle fitted to the horse and can be used as a coolant, depending on the brand/use.

Therefore, invest in a saddle pad. Which, stateline tack, saddlery and other places always has sales on various saddle pad brands. I got mine as cheap as $49.99-$8=70 originally cost $125.00 to $200as I am always looking for discounts, coupons and yard sales selling Equine related items. I even got brand new things with tags still on them for half price. Yard Sales rock!

Answer 8

in all honesty.....NEVER use anything that isn't meant for horses unless a vet/farrier says it's ok. it will cause the saddle to pinch the withers and that makes the horse uncomfortable and you'll end up creating bad habits. you can buy saddle blankets for like 20 bucks. you don't need a really nice one. plus make sure the saddle is properly fitted to the horse. that can cause pinching too and then it doesn't really matter what you use as a blanket. if you want a safe ride use proper equipment.

Answer 9

make sure its thick enough, and the material is absorbent, non irritating, and that it dosnt tend to slip out from under the saddle.
if you have a tractor supply near you they have saddleblankets for 12-25 dollars, nice ones. or you could go to your local fabric store and get some fleece+ stuffing and make your own. its really easy. the flece goes for about 4.99 a yard (you need just 1, plus you can pick any kind of cool pattern), and you can either buy stuffing for about 3-6 bucks, or you can use some from an old pillow or something. stich it up and u got it. a friend of mine makes them to sell in the local tack store and on ebay.

Answer 10

yep just make sure it thick enough maybe go to a second hand store n get a cheap blanket it just there to stop the saddle from rubbing on her thats all