The 9 Best Horse Blankets

Reviews

The Derby Originals 600D Deluxe Waterproof Horse Saddle

The Derby Originals 600D is a winter turnout blanket that is waterproof. It is constructed with 250 grams of polyfill insulating material encased in 600D nylon. The absence of a rear seam in the nylon lining boosts the material’s water resistance.

It contains adjustable twin buckles and elastic leg straps that may be fastened securely. The blanket is available in three colors and eleven sizes, making it perfect for your horse regardless of his height. Additionally, there is Velcro on the chest of the blanket.

Although the Derby Originals 600D Turnout Horse Blanket does a fantastic job of keeping your horse warm and dry, it is quite delicate and can be shredded or destroyed by horses who are playful.

If your horse enjoys rolling or playing with other horses in the paddock, you may need to seek for something more durable.

Pros

• Good value
• Breathable and warm
• Adjustable shoulder straps and closures

Cons

• Not heavyweight

 

Original Shires Tempest Rain Sheet

The Shires Tempest Original Lite Turnout Blanket is somewhat less expensive than the Derby Originals and features the same 600 Denier waterproof outer material.

Adjustable double buckles, cross surcingle, tail strap, and tail flap provide comfort and a proper fit for your horse. The waterproof exterior is permeable, so it will not suffocate your horse and will enable perspiration and moisture to escape the body.

It is also machine-washable, however you should brush off any extra dirt before washing it. Due to the fact that this is a sheet blanket, there is no stuffing.

The blanket is lighter than those with lined fillings. It allows for better mobility and yet protects against the rain, but it may not be thick enough or warm enough to withstand the cold weather and icy nights.

It is one of the best horse blankets for the money, as long as you do not want thermal filling, due to its affordability and adequate weather protection.

Pros

• Ultralight and breathable
• 600D waterproof exterior
• Adjustable shoulder straps and closures

Cons

• No warm stuffing

 

SteedBox Winter Turnout Blanket for Horses

The 81-inch SteedBox Winter Turnout Blanket for Horses is a complete turnout blanket. It features a 250-gram thermal filling to shield your horse from chilly weather.

It also features a 1200D waterproof outer lining that is strong and sturdy, making it extremely difficult for even the most active horses to rip.

Additionally, its endurance is maintained with taped seams and reinforced stitching. SteedBox asserts that the blanket’s stitching is 100% waterproof.

The triple-strapped belly band ensures that the blanket is firmly fitted to your horse, preventing it from flapping and remaining in place.

The entire set includes a nylon carrying bag that makes it simple to store and travel to the stable or another place. This blanket is pricey, but it is robust and resilient.

It would be better acceptable for all horses if the Velcro area of the belly straps covered more of the straps, but it is otherwise a high-quality blanket.

Pros

• Durable and thermal
• 1200D durable blanket
• Includes transport bag
• Triple adjustable abdominal straps

Cons

• Expensive
• The velcro on the belly strap might be longer.

 

AJ Tack Distributors Horse Turnout

The AJ Tack Wholesale Horse Turnout Blanket is a 75-inch turnout blanket that is affordably priced. The 400-gram content of the green blanket will keep your horse comfortable in even the coldest conditions.

It is constructed with a 1200 denier waterproof outer layer, making it durable and resistant to any winter weather situations.

Because the stitching has been strengthened and there is no central seam, this blanket is sturdy and durable and will not be easily torn or damaged.

The jacket does an excellent job of shielding from the weather, but it is bulky and hefty, making it rather constricting in comparison to others.

Pros

• Adjustable
• 1200D nylon surface
• 400 g polyfill inner
• Good value

Cons

• Restrictive

 

Durable 1 Wood 1200D Waterproof

The outside fabric of the Snuggit 1200D Waterproof Turnout Blanket is 1200D. This not only protects against inadvertent snags, such as when your horse brushes against a tree or goes too near to a fence, but it can also guard against scratching and biting, although a determined horse will typically destroy any jacket you wear.

The blanket is permeable and devoid of insulation, making it ideal for use in the rain but not against the cold. Although the Tough 1 Timber 1200D Waterproof Turnout Blanket is sturdy and resilient, even against chewers, it is a bit pricy, and you will need to add an additional layer if you desire additional warmth.

Pros

• 1200D hardened fabric
• Waterproof safeguards
• Very arduous

Cons

• Expensive
• Absence of thermal protection

 

Weatherbeeta Comfitec Necessary

The Weatherbeeta Comfitec Essential Blanket is a 1200 denier ripstop outer shell rain sheet blanket that is resilient and protects against damage from trees, plants, and even horse teeth.

Additionally, it features a 220-gram polyfill thermal liner, which is fairly thin compared to others but makes it suited for horses who rapidly overheat. This is further demonstrated by the outer fabric’s breathability.

This blanket is cozy and useful, however, it is extremely pricey and does not offer neck protection. However, it is adjustable, so it may be worn on any horse.

Pros

• 1200D exterior coating
• Breathable
• 220 g of lightweight polyfill

Cons

• Expensive
• Lack of neck protection

Conclusion

Although the perfect blanket will vary based on circumstances such as the horse’s condition and the surrounding weather, so for the best horse blankets, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) picks the Derby Originals 600D Turnout Horse Blanket. A fair price for a high-quality blanket with 250 grams of polyfill inner covered in a 600D waterproof shell. The Shires Tempest Original Lite Turnout Blanket is a less expensive option that provides adequate protection against rain and dampness.

Buyer's Guide

Numerous elements, such as the weather and living circumstances, as well as your horse’s age and condition, must be considered while choosing a blanket for your horse, including the horse’s age and health.

You can give additional warmth within, waterproofing outdoors, or a mix of both. Below you will find a guide to selecting the ideal blanket for your horse, including information on the many types and designs of blankets, which material to choose, and details on denier and the minimum number of deniers required for a blanket to be deemed heavy-duty.

Using this guidance, you can evaluate which blanket is optimal for your horse in the present weather circumstances, as there is no blanket that is optimal for all horses in all weather situations.

Horse Blanket Types

We begin by examining the many sorts of blankets:

Stable Blankets – Stable blankets are very basic blankets that your horse wears when stabled for comfort, warmth, dryness, and security.

These blankets are not required to be waterproof, and a blanket of medium weight should offer sufficient protection under these conditions.

It is typical for horse owners to have blankets of various weights and patterns. This allows you to switch from one blanket to another, for example, if the weather becomes cooler, but it also allows you to switch blankets if one becomes soiled and requires washing.

Fireproof Blankets – The turnout blanket is a blanket that your horse wears when it is outside of the stable. This term often refers to blankets with a warm filling and a waterproof outside, therefore they are typically utilized during the roughest and coldest months of the year.

Numerous owners choose between a medium-weight and a heavy-weight turnout blanket. This allows you to provide suitable weather and temperature protection based on the season.

Rain Sheets –  The rain sheet is created for the sole goal of providing protection from the rain, based on the premise that it does not have to be really chilly while it is raining.

It is nicknamed a rain sheet because it lacks insulation, unlike blankets, which are meant to provide warmth. Additionally, a rain sheet may be utilized to waterproof your horse’s current sheets or blankets.

Because it is lightweight and simple to grasp and put over your horse, it is great for seasons characterized by uncertain weather and sudden downpours.

Coolers – While a rain sheet is meant to guard against precipitation, a cooler is designed to protect against severe cold. It is often composed of fleece or wool and covers the entire body.

Wool is preferred because it naturally wicks moisture away from the horse’s body while keeping him warm. A real cooler will not have a waterproof covering and can be paired with a rain sheet to provide complete protection when necessary.

One-Fourth Sheet – There are also quarter-sheet blankets available. Covering the horse’s lower back and hindquarters, they are used in cold weather to protect and warm the muscles when stable blankets are removed.

Your horse’s muscles must warm up to be effective, therefore if you ride your horse in chilly weather, the quarter sheet is applied after the stable blanket is removed.

Weight

The blanket’s total weight can affect the blanket’s warmth, as well as the amount of comfort or discomfort it provides your horse.

Typically, the weight of the blanket’s filling, measured in grams, is indicated. A blanket with a fill weight of 100 grams is typically referred to be lightweight, but a blanket with a fill weight of 200 grams or more is considered to be of greater weight.

It is important to note that the fill weight is not the only aspect that impacts the warmth and protection of a blanket. Some fill materials are of higher quality than others and can perform the same function while weighing less.

Thickness

Another frequent measurement is the blanket’s thickness. This is measured in denier and may be represented as D; a 600D blanket, for example, has a thickness of 600 denier.

The thickness of the blanket often influences its strength and tenacity or its durability.

A thicker blanket, for instance, can withstand knocks, scrapes, and scratches better than a thin one.

Your horse will require a bigger blanket if it enjoys playing with other horses or if it is in a paddock with more aggressive horses. 600D and 1200D thicknesses are the most frequent. As with weight, the denier measurement is not the sole determinant of toughness.

The material, as well as its stitching or design, also affects how well it withstands rough handling.

Size

Unless you already have perfect measures, you will need to measure your horse to ensure you order the correct size. With a fabric tape measure and a second person’s help, the procedure is much facilitated.

Place one end of the tape measure at the horse’s chest and run the other end around the broadest section of the shoulders and to the horse’s rearmost buttock.

If you measure to the base of the horse’s tail, you should be able to determine what size blanket your horse requires.

Choose the bigger size if your horse falls between two sizes.

Adjustable Straps

A blanket should be fastened securely but not too tightly. Even if you measure precisely and purchase the correct blanket dimensions, you will benefit from the ability to alter the blanket to your horse’s specific measurements.

Straps and rings that are adjustable allow you to do just that. Look for front buckles that are adjustable if you like a snug fit.

Adjustable buckles may be quick-clip, which are simple to use but add a potential failure point to the blanket, or standard, which take both hands to adjust but are less likely to become damaged or destroyed.

Surcingle fasteners are an alternative to buckles with an adjustable fit. These rings are fixed and cannot be altered.

If your horse is of somewhat uniform size and has standard proportions, or if you know the exact dimensions of a certain blanket, these can be effective.

Additional Ingredients

Tail Flaps – A tail flap is a flap that covers the tail of your horse. It is meant to shield the tail and prevent rain from being blown under the blanket by wind from the back. The two-piece construction still allows your horse’s tail to move freely.

Typically, tail flaps are offered in regular or large sizes. Larger flaps provide additional protection, but may hinder a smaller horse.

Leg Straps – Leg straps secure the blanket to the legs of the horse. This prevents it from spinning and being wrapped around the horse. A twisted blanket does not provide the necessary protection and might make the horse extremely uncomfortable.

A tail cord, which goes under the tail and joins the ends of the blanket, is an alternative to leg straps. Both styles serve the same purpose, but you or your horse may prefer one over the other.

Singletons – The belly surcingle is another device used to avoid rotation and compression of the blanket. Typically, there are two or three of these components on the underside of the blanket, and they are quite efficient at stopping horses from escaping.

The Advantages of a Horse Blanket

The function of a horse’s blanket is to shield it from adverse weather conditions. They protect horses from the cold and the rain. Even if your horse is stabled, they should be regarded important if he has been clipped and the weather becomes chilly.

Some say that horses do not require blankets in the winter since the horse as a breed has spread over the world and adapted to local climates. It is also true that many horses can thrive in cold and rainy environments.

However, your horse has not acclimated to its current environmental conditions. This is especially true if your horse is stabled and if you own a horse that is not native to the area in which you reside.

This is also true if you reside in areas where the temperature often drops below 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

In spite of this, it is ultimately up to you, as a horse owner, to choose if your horse requires an additional blanket during cold or rainy weather.

When Should I Cover My Elderly Horse?

Consider a blanket for an elderly horse, particularly if it has lost weight and is thinner. If your horse is shivering, it is likely that a blanket would be beneficial.

You may layer blankets to offer the required degree of insulation for your horse, so begin with a lightweight blanket, switch to a cooler if the weather becomes really cold, and keep a rain sheet on hand in case of sudden downpours.

Should You Blanket A Wet Horse?

This question has no clear or singular answer. In some instances, it should be acceptable to blanket a wet horse. Ensure the blanket has a permeable inner lining before doing so. If so, it should securely wick moisture away from the body.

Utilize a fleece cooler, since it naturally wicks away moisture and keeps your horse dry. Wool dries as this occurs, however fleece remains wet, therefore fleece is not a suitable alternative in this instance.

If your blankets do not have a permeable inside and are not manufactured from a wicking material such as wool, you will need to dry your horse before covering it with a blanket; otherwise, they will remain damp.

How long do blankets for horses last?

How long a horse blanket lasts depends on the blanket’s kind and quality, as well as how well it is cared for and how often it is used. A quality waterproof coat should last for one year.

This can be retreated and used for another year, but it may be less costly and easier to purchase a new waterproof blanket.

Those without a waterproof exterior may last longer, especially if your horse is gentle with them and you maintain them properly between usage.