Choosing the Right Turnout Gear for Your Horse

If your horse spends time outside, having the right combination of turnout gear makes all the difference in keeping them warm, dry, and comfortable — no matter what the weather brings. Whether you need a fully insulated blanket for cold, wet winters or a light sheet for a rainy fall afternoon, choosing the right turnout gear is easier than you think.

Waterproof Turnout Blankets are built for horses that spend real time outdoors in cold, wet weather. These come in durable, waterproof fabrics that repel rain and snow, block the wind, and keep your horse clean and dry even during the muddiest stretches of the season. Turnout blankets hang lower on the body with large tail flaps and shoulder gussets, giving your horse full freedom of movement in the pasture.

Waterproof Turnout Sheets are a lighter option with no insulation, perfect for milder, wet weather when a full turnout blanket would be too warm. They can be worn on their own to keep your horse dry and clean, or layered over a stable blanket or liner for extra rain protection without adding bulk.

Turnout Neck Covers & Hoods add coverage for your horse's neck, matching your existing turnout blanket or sheet. They're especially useful for horses that are clipped, sensitive to wind and rain around the neck, or need a little extra protection to stay show-ring ready.

Turnout blankets and neck covers/hoods come in different levels of warmth based on the amount of insulation added:

• Sheet - 0 grams (no insulation) — best around 50-65°F, or as needed for a medium-to-full coat
• Lightweight - 80-200 grams of fill — best around 30-60°F
• Medium Weight - 200-300 grams of fill — best around 30-50°F
• Heavy Weight - 300+ grams of fill — best around 15-40°F

(Exact temperature depends on your horse's coat, plus fill technology and construction, which can vary by brand — see the full breakdown in our Horse Blanketing 101 Guide, or read How to Know When to Blanket Your Horse for more on picking the right weight for the temperature.)

Many of our turnout blankets also feature the patented Adjusta-Fit® system, which lets you customize the neck opening to help fit different widths and head carriages. For wither support, choose our V-Free® Wither Relief fit for horses with a naturally sloped shoulder, a moderately defined shorter wither, and a strong, well-muscled topline; our VTEK® Wither Relief fit for horses with an upright shoulder, a high, well-defined wither of moderate length, and a heavier bone structure; or our Cutback fit for horses with a naturally sloped shoulder, a low to flat wither, and a flatter topline, often paired with an upright head carriage or longer mane. Standard Euro and Contour Collar Euro fits are more versatile, accommodating both sloped and upright shoulder conformations to work well across most breeds and builds.

Not sure what fit or weight is right for your horse? Use our easy Blanket Fit Finder tool, read Which Blanket Fit is Right for My Horse, or check our Horse Blanketing 101 Guide to determine the right amount of warmth for the weather your horse faces.

Find turnout gear from the brands you trust, like Horseware Ireland, ArmorFlex, Schneiders Viking, Shires Equestrian, Stormshield, and Weatherbeeta.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turnout Blankets & Sheets

What's the difference between a turnout blanket and a turnout sheet?
A turnout sheet has no insulation and is meant to keep your horse dry and cleaner while breaking the wind on cool days. A turnout blanket works the same way but adds insulation to keep your horse warmer in colder weather.

Does my horse need a turnout blanket, a turnout sheet, or both?
If your horse is outside in cold, wet weather, a turnout blanket keeps them warm and dry. If the weather is milder — rainy but not cold — a turnout sheet is often enough. Many owners keep both on hand and switch between them as the weather changes through the season. Another option is adding a blanket liner underneath your turnout sheet for extra insulation, without needing a separate heavier blanket.

Do I need a neck cover or hood with my turnout blanket?
If your horse is turned out in bad weather, especially wind and rain, or if they're clipped or have a short coat, a neck cover or hood adds extra protection and warmth around the neck and poll to match your existing turnout blanket or sheet.

How do I choose the right weight turnout blanket for my horse?
The right weight depends on your horse's coat and how cold it gets where you live. A clipped or short-coated horse standing out in cold weather needs a heavier fill than a horse with a full winter coat in a milder climate. Our Horse Blanketing 101 Guide has a warmth and temperature chart to help you decide.

How do I measure my horse for turnout gear?
Using a measuring tape, place one end at the center of your horse's chest and the other at the center of their tail, running the tape across the widest part of the shoulder, barrel, and hip. Round up to the nearest commonly offered size — for example, a 71" measurement means you'd order a 72".