Navajo blanket on a horse?

Question

Okay I bought a Navajo blanket but I was wondering if I should probably put another blanket underneath it or can I just put a saddle over the blanket with no other blanket? Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Depends upon a couple of factors.  First, if it's a REAL Navajo (I own a couple, one was willed to me.).  With REAL Navajos, I've known folks who have had round Quarter Horses and have just used a one double Navajo and never sored up a horse.

I normally have had more of a running QH types in my barns and TBs, so I ALWAYS used a pad under the blanket.  Also I really HATE getting them sweaty because a REAL Navajo now is worth several hundred dollars and up depending upon their ages.  Nowadays the real ones never make it out to the barn, they are at home.

Answer 2

Really depends more on the saddle you use.

Answer 3

If your saddle fits well enough, that blanket should be just fine.  A well fitted saddle shouldn't need much padding beneath it, just something to absorb the sweat so it doesn't soak into the saddle leather.

Answer 4

The blanket will be too thin.  You will want to put something like a felt pad underneath it for more protection for your horse.  I like the 1" thick felt pads you can get at www.sstack.com or www.teskeys.com and I put my colorful blanket on top of it to keep it clean.

Answer 5

It depends on how thick the blanket is, but I am going to say that you will need to put another blanket underneath it.  I used a neoprene pad under my Navajo blankets.  This made it more comfortable for my horse, and was also easy to clean up.  A regular Navajo blanket is not going to be thick enough under a Western saddle.

Answer 6

really depends on how your saddle fits your horse. a well fitted saddle does not need a blanket at all. Its simply there to keep the sheep on the bottom of the saddle clean.

My saddles fit my boys  and I use a navajo under them.  The wool blanket helps with cooling their backs when its sweaty, and has alot of cushion for its thickness.   To wash them, I use 1/4 cup of Arm and Hammer super washing soda ( its a borax) in a tub of water.  let it sit a few hours and then rinse well.  Dont use Laundry detergent on natural wool.  It removes the lanolin and make the wool felt up more and become brittle.

Answer 7

i'd put a towel under it to stop sweat seeping into it, they really stink when that happens. but due to that fact that western saddles are already lined with fleece (usually) it should be fine. unless it hasn't got a very good topline, then put another blanket underneath

Answer 8

If you have a saddle that REALLY fits your horse, one Navajo is enough, some even use two, but if you are having to compensate for an ill fitting saddle to prevent your horse's back from being sore, then you will need to use a foam or hair pad of some sort, then your Navajo on the top...If you just bought your Navajo, you probably paid a lot for it...personally, I would put it on the back of the couch or on the wall and get something else to go under my saddle.

Answer 9

it depends. If you are using a heavy rough saddle you may want to put a soft thick pad underneath. i dont like blankets at all they look somewhat unfinished but I am very particular about those things. I hope this helps.

Happy Trails!!!