Blankets, sheets, and other coverings - hardware or fastenings need to give way

I often get an earful from customers about their pricy horse coverings that end up with a snap, clip, or strap or fabric going kaput.

When I suggest that maybe it was designed that way, I usually get a "really?!" with a side of skepticism.

Let's ponder for a moment all the things your horse can get tangled in, on, or around. I own ponies, and trust me, if there's a way to get stuck, they'll find it!

From failed blanket Houdini acts to somehow wedging a leg between themselves and the surcingle (and sometimes the strap doesn't even break!), to getting snagged on bucket holders, feeders, or fences.

As devoted animal owners, how much time do we truly spend scrutinizing the design and asking, "Is this safe for my equine or blanket escape artist?" From chest closures to belly straps and flaps, to slinkies and dreaded tail ropes, have we really thought about what will give? Is the hook breakable? Will that fabric loop's stitching surrender when needed?

There have been some clever innovations with magnetic closures, velcro, and wide belly bands with plastic clips. Yet, I've also seen designs with enormous metal rings on the side that make me go, "Huh?" Or metal rings at the chest positioned so oddly that they dig into the horse while it eats and are large enough to snag on just about anything on the farm—why?!

While no design is perfect, a few tweaks can reduce the odds (not eliminate them entirely, but reduce them):

- Treat your surcingle straps like your leg straps—cross them so if one decides to go rogue, the other won't be dragging on the ground, inviting your horse to rip it or get tangled.

- If your surcingle strap is long enough to double as a jump rope, tie a knot in it to prevent your horse from getting a leg caught.

- I've seen folks use socks with the toes cut out, pantyhose, or leg warmers slipped over the surcingle to minimize risk.

- Ensure your surcingle straps or clips can break. In a pinch, people have used a loosely tied piece of binder twine for the clip. Snaps or velcro work too.

Personally, I've added thin leather "tabs" or used thin leather as holders for D-rings, knowing they'll stretch, give, and break if needed.

So, next time you grumble about that piece of hardware breaking, maybe consider it was designed that way for a reason.