Choosing the Best Horse Blanket
Choosing the best horse blanket for your horse can make all the difference when it comes to your horse being warm, comfortable, and well protected from the elements. Whether you need a stable blanket or a waterproof horse turnout blanket, choosing the right winter horse blanket is even easier than you think!
Waterproof Horse Turnout Blankets are one of the most important types of horse blankets if your horse spends time outside and you live in an area that gets wet, cold weather in the fall and winter months. These come in durable, waterproof fabrics that not just repel rain and snow, but can block the wind and keep your horse clean and dry even during the dreaded muddy season.
Stable Blankets are nice and warm during cold temperatures when your horse is in the stall. These are not waterproof and have softer fabrics or quilted stitch patterns to hold in warmth while being more fitted to the horse’s body.
Horse Blanket Hoods and Neck Covers come in various styles to match stable blankets or turnout horse blankets. They offer additional warmth and protection from the elements if your horse is turned out, or if they are body clipped and need extra coverage.
Horse blankets come in different levels of warmth based on the amount of insulation added.
- Lightweight - 80-200 grams of fill
- Medium Weight - 200-300 grams of fill
- Heavy Weight - 300+ grams of fill
You can determine what level of fill you need for your horse based on if they have a full winter coat, a short or clipped coat, and if they are out in the elements or inside a barn during cold weather.
You can choose from open or closed front styles, belly bands, cross surcingles, or front surcingle closure with various hind leg strap options. Many of our horse 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.
This Horse Blanketing 101 Guide can help you determine what thickness you may need for your winter horse blanket. If you’re not sure what type of blanket fit would work best for your horse, you can use our easy Blanket Fit Finder tool or read this helpful guide to find out Which Blanket Fit is Right for Your Horse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Blankets
Do horses like to wear blankets?
Most horses do not seem to mind wearing horse blankets, especially during inclement weather as horse blankets help keep them dry and warm while also protecting them from the wind.
How to measure a horse for a blanket?
To properly measure a horse to find the right size horse blanket, you should first have the horse stand square and have someone help hold your horse. Using a tape measure (or some baling twine tied together if your horse seems uncomfortable), place one end at the center of your horse’s chest and have your friend hold it steady. Then walk back to the center of their tail with the tape measure or twine flush against the widest part of their shoulder, barrel, and hip, in a straight line. 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”. If they measure an 83” you would order an 84”.
When should you blanket a horse?
If your horse spends time outside during cold, wet, rainy, windy, or snowy weather, they would likely benefit from wearing a waterproof turnout blanket to help keep them warmer and dry. If you are trying to keep your horse’s coat short, clipped, or show-ring ready in the colder months, using horse blankets can help keep their coat smooth, and clean, and slow the growth of their winter hair.
How heavy of a blanket should I get for my horse?
The heaviness of a winter horse blanket can depend on the environment your horse is in and how thick its coat is. If your horse is clipped or has a short coat, they will need a warmer or heavier winter horse blanket to help them stay warm. You can use this handy blanket warmth and temperature chart in this Horse Blanketing 101 Guide to determine the best blanket for your horse.