Discover the Different Types of Horse Blankets

Horse blankets come in a variety of styles to suit different climates and needs.

There are three main types of horse blankets: sheet blankets, turn-out blankets, and lightweight blankets.

Sheet blankets are lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for indoor use or in mild climates.

They are often used as a layering piece under a heavier blanket for added warmth.

Turn-out blankets are designed for outdoor use and provide extra warmth and protection from the elements.

They are typically made with a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep the horse dry and comfortable.

Lightweight blankets are ideal for spring and fall when the weather is mild.

They are often made with a mesh or mesh-like material to allow for airflow and moisture wicking.

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Horse blankets are made up of a lining, fill, and shell. The fill weight determines how warm the blanket is.

The shell's material determines the blanket's water resistance and toughness, or denier, which makes it better suited for indoor or outdoor conditions. Horse owners can choose between different types of horse blankets based on their specific needs.

A stable blanket is designed to keep horses warm while they're inside a stall or traveling in a trailer. These blankets come in a range of weights, from lightweight to extra-heavyweight.

Cooler/Dress Sheets are a great option for horses that need to stay warm after a winter ride. They can be crafted from fleece, wool, or a blend of materials, and are designed to draw moisture away from the horse's body.

These blankets can also be used as an underneath layer when blanketing, and are helpful when trailering to keep the chill off your horse. Many horse owners use them for an elegant touch when competing.

There are various types of chest buckles, belly bands, and leg straps to choose from, as well as full-neck horse blankets and those with cut-back withers. Some horse blankets even have a tail flap for added protection.

Here's a chart to help you find the right blanket weight for the temperature and your horse's coat type:

Stable blankets are designed to keep horses warm while they're inside a stall or traveling in a trailer. They come in a range of weights, from lightweight to extra-heavyweight, allowing you to choose the right amount of insulation for your horse.

Turnout blankets are a must-have for horses that spend time outdoors, offering protection from cold, wind, and rain. They're waterproof and come in two types: standard and combo, with the combo having a detachable hood.

A standard turnout blanket covers from the withers to the tail, while a combo blanket covers from just behind the ears down to the withers. This is important to consider when choosing the right blanket for your horse.

Turnout blankets are available in different weights to accommodate different temperatures, ranging from lightweight to extra-heavyweight. This means you can choose the right amount of insulation for your horse.

Their waterproof shells and tough construction make them more durable than stable blankets, ensuring they hold up in rugged outdoor conditions.

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Choosing the right blanket for your horse involves considering several key factors. A horse's breed is a significant factor, with hardier breeds like Clydesdales and Icelandic horses typically requiring less insulation.

Horses with thinner coats, such as Thoroughbreds, need warmer blankets to stay comfortable. Young horses are still growing into their winter coats and may need extra warmth.

A horse's body condition also plays a role, with easy keepers typically staying warmer and needing only a sheet or lightweight blanket. Leaner horses, or hard keepers, generally benefit from additional insulation.

Here are some specific factors to consider:

To determine the right blanket size, you need to measure your horse. It's a good idea to get someone to help you with this.

Stand your horse squarely on a level surface, making sure it's not on an incline or uneven ground. This will give you an accurate measurement.

With a flexible tape measure, measure from the center of the horse's chest (over the high point of the shoulder) to the rear of the hind leg (level with the point of the buttocks). This is the length you'll need to measure.

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If the size you measure is not available from the manufacturer, round up to the next size. It's always better to have a bit of extra room, rather than too little.

Here's a quick reference to help you remember the key points:

Choosing the right blanket for your horse can be a daunting task, but by considering a few key factors, you can narrow down your options. Hardier breeds like Clydesdales and Icelandic horses are naturally better equipped to handle cold weather, often needing less insulation.

Breeds with thinner coats, like Thoroughbreds, typically require warmer blankets to stay comfortable. Consider your horse's coat length too - horses with a full winter coat have built-in insulation, but body-clipped horses lose this natural insulation and need a heavier blanket to compensate.

Young horses are still growing into their winter coats, and older horses lose their ability to regulate body temperature with age. If you have a young or senior horse, he may need extra warmth in the colder months. Horses with more body fat, known as easy keepers, tend to stay warmer and may only need a sheet or lightweight blanket.

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Leaner horses, or hard keepers, generally benefit from additional insulation. If your horse's immune system is weakened while he recovers from sickness or surgery, he may need a warmer blanket than usual. Healthy horses, on the other hand, can often manage cooler weather until it dips below their LCT.

A waterproof turnout blanket is essential to keep your horse warm and dry, even in milder temperatures. Consider the climate where you live and the climate your horse is used to - if your horse moves from a place with mild winters to a place with extreme winters, he'll need heavier blankets than horses who are used to the climate.

If your horse has a thick winter coat and stays dry and protected from the wind, you might not need to blanket them at all.

In fact, unclipped horses with thick winter coats are naturally equipped to handle colder temperatures.

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You should be cautious about blanketing your horse during cold weather, though - monitor them closely for signs of overheating like sweating or warm skin.

If you do blanket your horse, be prepared to remove it as temperatures rise.

During transitional seasons like spring and fall, your horse may only need a blanket at night when temperatures drop.

Horse blankets come in a variety of options to suit different needs.

Lightweight sheets are a great choice for mild winter days, while heavy-duty turnout blankets provide extra warmth and protection for harsher conditions.

From the list of 10 best horse blankets, it's clear that there's a blanket to suit every horse and rider.

The Deluxe 5/A Baker Stable Sheet is a great option for indoor use. It provides a lightweight layer of warmth that's perfect for cooler days.

One of the standout features of this stable sheet is its comfortable fit. It's designed with fleece withers for added warmth and support.

The satin-lined shoulders of the Deluxe 5/A Baker Stable Sheet are a nice touch, providing a smooth and gentle fit.

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The Equiline Corby Full Neck is a great option for keeping your horse protected from the elements. This waterproof rain sheet features stirrup slots, which is a thoughtful design detail that allows you to keep your horse's stirrups in place while it's wearing the sheet.

It's also worth noting that the Corby Full Neck has taped seams, which helps prevent water from seeping in and keeping your horse's blanket dry.

The Equiline Corby Full Neck is perfect for keeping your tack dry while waiting ringside, making it a convenient option for horse shows and competitions.

The Equiline Atlanta Stable is a great option for horse owners. It features a 600 denier tear-proof polyester shell.

This blanket is designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use, making it a durable choice.

The mediumweight stable blanket is padded with 200 grams of thermal cotton wool wadding. This provides excellent insulation against the elements.

If you're looking for a blanket that's easy to carry around, consider a lightweight option.

The REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 is a great choice, weighing in at just 2 pounds 1 ounce.

It's also very compact, folding down to the size of a small pillow.

The Polarguard 3D insulation in this blanket provides excellent warmth without adding bulk.

The Kelty Cosmic 20 is another lightweight option, weighing just 2 pounds 12 ounces.

It's also very breathable, making it a great choice for camping in warm weather.

For mediumweight blankets, consider the 10 best horse blankets we've tested, which include options that are perfect for mild winter days. These blankets provide warmth without the bulk of heavy-duty turnout blankets.

A mediumweight blanket is ideal for temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F (-7°C to 4°C). This temperature range allows for optimal comfort without overheating your horse.

The lightweight sheets from our list of 10 best horse blankets can also be used as a mediumweight option, layered under a heavier blanket for added warmth.

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The 555 Gram Extreme Turnout blanket is a top-of-the-line option for horses that need extra warmth and protection. It's designed for extreme cold weather.

This blanket features a 2100 denier ripstop shell, which is a very tough exterior material that can withstand rough outdoor conditions. It's perfect for horses that are prone to getting into mischief.

With 555 grams of fill, this blanket is one of the warmest options available. It's designed to keep your horse comfortable in temperatures well below freezing.

The 555 Gram Extreme Turnout blanket also features waterproof breathability, which means it will keep your horse dry even in wet conditions. This is especially important for horses that are sensitive to moisture.

If you're looking for a blanket that can handle the toughest weather conditions, the 555 Gram Extreme Turnout is an excellent choice. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other options, but it's worth it for the extra protection and warmth it provides.

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Blanket weights come in a variety of options to suit different temperatures and horse needs. A lightweight blanket with about 100g of fill is suitable for temperatures above 50°F, while a heavyweight blanket with 300-400g of polyfill is necessary for temperatures below 20°F.

The fill weight of a blanket, measured in grams, directly affects its warmth. Polyfill and Fiberfill are two types of fill used in horse blankets, each providing a different level of warmth. A medium-weight to heavyweight blanket is recommended for temperatures between 20° and 30°F.

Here's a summary of blanket weights for different temperatures:

Choosing the right weight blanket for your horse can be a bit overwhelming, but it's essential to ensure they stay warm and comfortable.

The temperature of your horse's environment plays a significant role in determining the weight of the blanket they need. If temperatures dip below 50°F, a lightweight blanket with about 100g of fill is suitable. Below 40°F, a lightweight to medium-weight blanket with 150-250g of fill will keep your horse warm.

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The condition of your horse's coat is also a crucial factor. A horse with a natural coat will need more fill than one that's been clipped. For example, between 30°-40°F, a horse with a natural coat will need a medium-weight to heavyweight blanket, while a clipped horse will need a mediumweight to a heavyweight blanket.

Here's a chart to help you determine the right weight blanket for your horse based on temperature and coat condition:

Remember, the fill weight of the blanket, measured in grams, will determine how warm it will be. The higher the fill weight, the warmer the blanket will be.

The 5 A Baker Heavy Weight Turnout 400g is a great option for horses who need extra warmth and protection. It features 400 grams of insulation.

This heavy weight turnout blanket is perfect for colder climates or for horses with a thick coat that needs extra warmth. The 1500 denier polyester shell provides durability and water resistance.

The waterproof and breathable design of this blanket allows for moisture to escape, keeping your horse dry and comfortable. This is especially important for horses that are prone to sweating or have sensitive skin.