When to Use a Turnout Neck Cover

Even the best turnout blanket or sheet doesn't always cover every inch your horse needs protected. Adding a waterproof turnout neck cover can be the extra layer that keeps your horse's neck and poll dry and warm when the wind, rain, or cold really sets in.

Turnout neck covers come in a range of styles to match your existing turnout blanket or sheet. It's important to choose a neck cover that pairs correctly with the blanket or sheet you already own, since closure systems vary by brand and style — some attach with snaps, others with hook and loop. Picking a matching neck cover gives your horse's turnout wardrobe a clean, coordinated look and makes it easy for barn staff to know which piece pairs with which blanket.

Turnout neck covers come in two main options: a 0-gram neck cover designed to pair with a turnout sheet, offering a barrier from wind, rain, and snow without adding warmth, and a 220-gram medium weight neck cover designed to pair with a medium weight turnout blanket for added insulation on colder days.

Choose our V-Free® Wither Relief neck cover for horses with a naturally sloped shoulder, a moderately defined shorter wither, and a strong, well-muscled topline; our VTEK® Wither Relief neck cover for horses with an upright shoulder, a high, well-defined wither of moderate length, and a heavier bone structure; or a Cutback style 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. Our Euro and Contour Collar neck covers are more versatile, accommodating both sloped and upright shoulder conformations to work well across most breeds and builds. Some styles also feature the patented Adjusta-Fit® system, letting you customize the neck opening for horses of different widths and head carriages.

Not sure which neck cover matches your turnout blanket or sheet? Use our easy Blanket Fit Finder tool or check our Horse Blanketing 101 Guide to help pick the right fit and weight for your horse. Pair your neck cover with a Waterproof Turnout Blanket or Waterproof Turnout Sheet from the same fit and weight family for a seamless, coordinated fit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turnout Neck Covers

Does my horse need a turnout neck cover?
If your horse is turned out during bad weather, especially when cold, wind, rain, or snow can come at a moment's notice, adding a turnout neck cover is an easy way to give them more coverage from the elements. If your horse is body clipped or has a short coat, a neck cover can also help keep them warmer and slow down winter coat growth.

What's the difference between a 0-gram and a 220-gram neck cover?
A 0-gram neck cover has no insulation and is designed to pair with a turnout sheet, acting as a barrier against wind, rain, and snow without adding warmth. A 220-gram medium weight neck cover adds insulation to match a medium weight turnout blanket, keeping your horse's neck and poll warmer on colder days.

How do I know which neck cover fits my turnout blanket?
Match your neck cover's fit and brand to your turnout blanket whenever possible — many of our neck covers are designed to pair with a specific blanket line's wither relief style and closure system.