Choosing the Best Waterproof Turnout Blanket for Horses

Having a reliable waterproof turnout blanket for horses is one of the most important types of horse blankets you can have if your horse spends time outside and you live in an area that gets wet and cold weather. These come in durable, waterproof fabrics that not just repel rain and snow, but help block the wind and keep your horse clean and dry even during the muddy season.

Horse turnout blankets are designed to hang a bit lower on your horse, coming down on the sides with large tail flaps. This design helps repel water away from your horse to keep them drier and offer more of a wind barrier. Many turnout blankets also have large shoulder gussets for added freedom of movement while in the pasture. Our modern blanket material technology offers some of the best breathability and waterproofing available to keep your horses from sweating without compromising them staying warm and dry in bad weather. This guide will explain more about our innovative fabric technology for turnout blankets.

Finding a horse turnout blanket that stays put during a horse's wild antics in the field is made easier when you choose a blanket that fits well. Many of our turnout blankets have the Adjusta-Fit feature which allows you to adjust the shoulder placement for a more comfortable fit on your horse's unique build. You can also use a V-Free wither relief style for a flat or broad-shouldered horse, or the VTEK wither relief design if your horse has higher withers. Horses with an upright head carriage work well with our Cutback wither, or you can use a traditional fit to work on a variety of horses.

If you're not sure what type of blanket fit would work best for your horse, you can use our easy Blanket Fit Finder or read this helpful guide to find out Which Blanket Fit is Right for my Horse. Choosing the right amount of warmth based on the weather conditions is simple with our handy Horse Blanketing 101 Guide.

Find a winter horse blanket from the brands you trust like Amigo, ArmorFlex, Horseware, Rambo, Dura-Tech, Shires Equestrian, Stormshield, and Weatherbeeta. Some blankets, like some of our ArmorFlex blankets, even come with a lifetime warranty!

Frequently Asked Questions About Turnout Blankets

What is a horse turnout blanket?

A horse turnout blanket is a waterproof blanket that horses can wear when they are outside, keeping them dry and warm during wet or windy weather. They are made to be durable enough for turnout and stay put even during a horse rolling or play. Waterproof turnout blankets are a great way to keep a horse clean during turnout as well, reducing the amount of time needed for grooming, especially in the muddy season.

Does my horse need a turnout blanket?

Your horse may need a turnout blanket for horses if they are outside in a paddock or pasture without secure shelter from the elements, or if you want to help keep them clean and dry.

Is a turnout blanket for winter?

A horse turnout blanket is designed for colder weather, usually from Fall to Spring, when temperatures drop enough that if your horse is standing in the rain, wet snow, or high winds with low temps, they could become chilled. However, there are also turnout sheets that do not have any insulation or "fill", and act as a rain sheet to protect them from the wind and rain, which can be useful in cooler temps when a warm blanket would be too heavy.

What is the difference between a turnout sheet and a turnout blanket?

The difference between a turnout sheet and a turnout blanket for horses is that a turnout sheet does not have any insulation and is just meant for keeping a horse dry, cleaner than if they didn't have a sheet on, and break some of the wind on cold days. A turnout blanket works the same but with different levels of insulation to add warmth or help them stay warmer on very cold days.

How to measure a horse turnout blanket?

To measure a horse for a turnout blanket, you just need a measuring tape and someone to hold your horse. Using a measuring tape, simply place one end at the center of your horse’s chest and have your friend hold it steady. Place the other end of the tape at the center of their tail, ensuring your tape goes across the widest part of their shoulder, barrel, and hip. The next closest inch your horse measures to the commonly offered sizes in horse blankets would be the size you order. For example, if your horse measures around 71", you would order a 72".