The terminology, fit, function, and ever-changing technology of horse blankets are enough to overwhelm any buyer. When you set out to find the best blanket for your horse, every option sounds incredible! But, sometimes you can end up with more or less blanket than your horse needs to stay warm and dry—leaving your pocketbook feeling a little less hefty and your savvy-shopper ego a little deflated.
Find Your Horse’s Blanket Match
Answer a few quick questions to find which climate category fits your horse, then jump to our blanket picks.
MODERATE, DRY
Your horse is living the life of winter luxury; mild temperatures with little moisture is his wintertime reality. If he has a natural hair coat, he’ll likely need only a nighttime sheet or light-fill blanket; but if he’s kept clipped and slick through the winter, he’ll be more comfortable in a light- to medium-weight (up to 180 grams of fill) blanket.
When he’s kept inside or has limited turnout, you can save some money with a lower-denier blanket. In general terms, denier is a measurement of fabric density; the lower the denier, the less dense the fabric. A nylon outer liner (210- or 420-denier) will stave off odor, and a poly outer (300- or 600-denier) will be breathable, so your horse won’t get too hot. If he’s easily bored and takes it out on his blanket, opt for a higher-denier option for added resilience.
SmartPak: The Ultimate Horse Stable Sheet keeps a natural-coated horse clean and cozy in his stall. The breathable, 210-denier rip-stop shell and soft lining work alone or layered under a heavier blanket, and shoulder gussets improve the fit. More info: $154.95; smartpakequine.com.
Cashel: The Lightweight Turnout Winter Blanket has a tough, water-resistant 1,200-denier ripstop shell and 100 grams of fiberfill—just right for mild days. A slightly higher neck, shoulder gussets, and a reflective safety strip round it out. More info: $149.99; cashelcompany.com.
Equinavia: The Arktis TransitionFlex Turnout Blanket is a two-in-one for up-and-down temperatures: a 1,200-denier ripstop shell plus a removable, 200-gram half blanket over the back and loin. Neoprene wither protection and an extended tail flap add comfort. More info: $159.99; equinavia.com.
MODERATE, DAMP
Your horse spends his time outdoors. He’s also likely to get wet this winter, but it’ll just be from rain since it’s rarely cold enough for snow. To keep him dry, you’ll want a blanket with a seamless back that won’t leak and has at least 2,000-millimeter waterproofing. A tail flap will add protection to his hind end, but isn’t mandatory. You may want to consider a detachable neck cover to keep his neck dry. A sheet or light- to medium-weight (280-gram polyfil or less) blanket will provide adequate warmth for mild temperatures.
A low-denier nylon (210- or 420-denier) or poly (300- or 600-denier) outer lining will be durable enough to withstand his living conditions. If he’s a known blanket destroyer or will sometimes be turned out with his buddies, you’ll want to invest in a higher-denier option for more durability.
WeatherBeeta: The ComFiTec Prelim Standard Neck Medium pairs a waterproof, breathable 1,200-denier ripstop shell (tested to 2,000mm+) with 220 grams of polyfill. Taped seams and a smooth lining help keep him dry and rub-free. More info: $114.99; weatherbeeta.com.
Weaver: The Premium Turnout Blanket (Medium Weight) has a waterproof, breathable 600-denier ripstop shell and 200 grams of fill. Sewn-in D-rings let you add a matching Weaver neck cover when the rain blows sideways. More info: $129.99; weaverequine.com.
NRS: The NRS Turnout Horse Blanket combines a waterproof, breathable 1,200-denier shell with 250 grams of poly fill, plus a tail flap, fleece wither protection, and shoulder gussets for freedom of movement. More info: $124.99; nrsworld.com.
COLD, DAMP
Your horse is tough! Winters are undoubtedly long and wet experiences for both of you. To withstand snow, sleet, or any other variable moisture, your horse will need a seamless-back blanket with at least 2,000-millimeter waterproofing. A tail flap isn’t necessary, but he’ll appreciate its extra protection and warmth. A heavy- to extra-heavy-weight with poly (200 to 400 grams) or fleece (280 grams) inner fill will provide the warmth he’ll need in sub-freezing temperatures.
Choose a durable blanket with a high-denier outer liner; it’ll be thicker to withstand harsh winter conditions. Nylon (840- or 1,680-denier) can handle abrasion well and resists odor from mold, mildew, and fungi—especially important in damp weather. Poly (1,200- or 1,800-denier) is another outer-liner option that’s breathable and especially effective at wicking moisture.
Classic Equine: The 10K Cross Trainer Horse Blanket with Hood (#CXB1019H) has an attached hood to keep his neck covered when sleet sets in. Its waterproof, breathable 1,200-denier ripstop shell, waterproof seam tape, and 300 grams of fiberfill are made for cold, wet turnout. More info: $259.99 to $279.99; nrsworld.com.
Horseware Ireland: The Rambo Original Turnout 400g is Horseware’s long-running flagship. Its waterproof, breathable 1,000-denier ballistic nylon shell is super-tough, 400 grams of fill keeps him warm through serious cold, and it’s backed by a 10-year guarantee. More info: $384.95; horseware.com.
WeatherBeeta: The ComFiTec Prelim Turnout 360g delivers heavyweight warmth on a budget: 360 grams of polyfill under a 1,200-denier ripstop shell with a PFC-free waterproof coating tested to 2,000mm+. More info: $119.99; tractorsupply.com.
COLD, DRY
Although he may not have to handle much rain or snow, wind and sub-freezing temperatures will have your horse a little chilly. If he lives largely indoors, a heavy to extra-heavy stable blanket will provide adequate warmth; look for poly (200 to 400 grams) or fleece (280 grams) inner-lined options. If he’s an outdoor horse, he’ll be most comfortable in a waterproof blanket with these same features.
A thick weave will ensure that his blanket has the durability to withstand whipping wind and drafts. An 840- and 1,680-denier nylon or 1,200- and 1,800-denier poly outer should be enough protection. However, if he’s turned out with his buddies, he’ll need a stronger blanket to keep his cover intact and doing its job.
SmartPak: For the stalled horse, the Ultimate Horse Stable Blanket has a breathable, 210-denier rip-stop shell and a soft, warm lining. Use it on its own or layer it for extra warmth. More info: $164.95 to $174.95; smartpakequine.com.
SmartPak: Turned-out horses get the Ultimate Horse Turnout Blanket, with a Teflon-coated, 1,680-denier waterproof shell that sheds mud and resists rubs and tears. It comes in light, medium, and heavy weights and is backed by a 10-year durability guarantee. More info: $279.95 to $299.95; smartpakequine.com.
Weaver: The Premium Turnout Blanket (Heavy Weight) wraps him in 300 grams of fill under a waterproof, breathable 1,200-denier ripstop shell, with extra-large shoulder gussets and reflective tracers. More info: $149.99; weaverequine.com.
