Choosing the Best Horse Cooler Blankets and Horse Show Covers

Coolers are designed to wick away moisture from your horse’s body, whether sweat or water after a bath, speeding up drying time while preventing them from becoming chilled. They help keep your horse warm and dry when temperatures start to drop, you can also use them before and after tacking up to make sure their back and hip muscles stay warm, or ring-side as a horse show cover to keep dust off your horse and tack. Choosing the best horse cooler blanket or show cover comes down to your preferences and how you want to use a cooler.

Here are some of the main kinds of horse cooler blankets and horse show covers to help you decide which type of cooler would work best for you and your horse:

Fleece Coolers - are easy to care for, wick moisture, and will keep your horse nice and warm. Choose from standard coverage, extra coverage to cover the neck as well, and quarter sheets to use while riding.

Wool Coolers - are a great choice especially in really cold weather due to the heavier weight of wool fabric providing added warmth. Wool coolers are durable and great for wicking sweat or moisture away from the horse’s coat.

Quarter Sheets - are designed to be used during riding or exercise, keeping your horse warm over their sensitive back and hindquarters during cold weather. Usually made from soft fleece or with a waterproof layer, you can even get them in bright orange to use when riding outside for higher visibility.

Rain Sheets and Show Covers - are a staple item during wet weather. Made from waterproof nylon, you can throw a rain sheet on to keep your horse, tack, and riding gear dry if you’re caught in the rain, or to keep dust off without adding warmth from a heavier cooler.

Scrims and Anti-Sweat Sheets - are made from cotton or a cotton blend in a woven or knit design that wicks moisture extremely well. You can choose from the traditional Irish knit style or a woven waffle fabric in a variety of designs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Cooler Blankets and Show Covers

What is a horse cooler?

A horse cooler is made to wick away moisture after a bath or sweat after exercising, which speeds up the drying time while preventing your horse from getting chilled.

What is the best material for a horse cooler?

The best material for a horse cooler is usually either wool, fleece, or a cotton blend. These materials offer warmth while also being excellent choices for wicking away sweat or moisture from a horse’s body.

Why do horses need coolers?

Horses may need coolers or horse cooler blankets to keep them warm and dry during cold weather, or to speed up the drying time needed after a bath or when cooling out after exercise. Some riders like using horse coolers or Anti-Sweat Sheets as a horse show cover to keep their horses clean and warm while standing and waiting to go into the show ring.

Can I put a cooler on under my horse's blanket?

You can put a cooler under your horse’s blanket if you are looking to add an extra layer of warmth to your horse. Some horse cooler blankets are made with belly bands or surcingles and rear leg straps to help hold them in place.