Horse Blanket & Sheet Articles
How to Choose a Horse Blanket
Best Winter Horse Blankets of 2026
By Lindsay
Last Updated January 7, 2026
• 8 min read
Horse blankets come in a huge range of weights and sizes, with a wide variety of features designed to suit the needs of equines and owners alike. Their purpose is to block out dirt, wind, rain, and cold temperatures in all kinds of environments.
However, do you know if your horse needs a blanket in the first place? And at what temperature? If you are unsure how to answer these questions, please take a look at our guide to choosing a horse blanket first.
Your fellow horse owners here at Riding Warehouse have a blanket option for you—whether you are searching for a light stable blanket, heavy waterproof turnout sheet, or something indestructible that your blanket-wrecker can't wreck. The crew's carefully curated buying guide of our favorite horse blankets has something for every rider on any budget. We looked at a combination of materials, waterproofing, durability, and price to determine the hand-picked choices in this collection!
Most Waterproof Winter Horse Blanket
WeatherBeeta Plus Dynamic Turnout HighNeck Blanket
"This blanket is perfect for my round, stocky guy! The high cut shoulder gussets and extended high neck with the padded channel makes sure his withers and shoulders aren't getting rubbed. It's durable with its 1200D triple weave outer, helping it hold up as he plays with his neighbors while keeping him dry.
- Alisha, General Manager - California USA
The last thing equestrians want is to have their horse's blanket get soaked through after even the smallest amount of rain. Fortunately for us, the WeatherBeeta Plus Dynamic Blanket is specially crafted to keep your horse dry no matter what the winter throws at you! The 1200 denier triple weave outer features a waterproof and breathable Guard-Tec coating, made to withstand the rigors of rain, snow, and mud. Equines will stay comfortable in wet winter conditions with thoughtfully designed memory foam wither relief pads, created to prevent uncomfortable rubbing.
| Key Features: |
1200 Denier Triple Weave Outer Shell 220g Polyfill Insulation Guard-Tec Waterproof and Breathable Coating Large Tail Flap and Removable Neck Coverage |
Best Medium Weight Horse Blanket
Equinavia Arktis Extended Neck Turnout Blanket
"I love the cut of this high-neck turnout because it takes the pressure off my mare's withers and easily accommodates her large shoulders. The material feels sturdy enough for her pasture shenanigans as the oversize tail flap offers extra coverage for surprise rain showers. It's a perfect medium-weight blanket for moderate California winters!"
- -Katie, Web Content - California
A well-fitting blanket that gives horses the room they need while still keeping them warm and cozy? The Equinavia Arktis Extended Neck Turnout Blanket has captured our attention! Thoughtfully designed with 200 grams of polyfill and a higher neck (a great option for those higher-withered horses), the Arktis is crafted to offer your horse more warmth as temperatures drop. Even more equine comfort is provided by the smooth poly taffeta lining, as an oversized tail flap shields your horse from the elements as the winds change.
| Key Features: |
1200 Denier Outer Shell 200 Grams Polyfill High Neck for Added Warmth Great for High-Withered Horses |
Best Heavy Winter Horse Blanket
LeMieux Arika Storm-Tek Rug Turnout Blanket 350G
"The exterior is tough enough to fend off his neighbors (thank goodness), so I know he'll be protected from the elements all winter long after his haircut. I love that it comes with so many customizable options and that Riding Warehouse added the black color! So striking and conveniently my barn colors."
- Amanda Garcia, Sponsored Rider - California
The search for a blanket that holds up while also keeping your equine companion cozy and dry during the winter months ends here. LeMieux's Arika Storm-Tek Turnout features a 350g thermobonded fill and is compatible with all LeMieux liners, giving you the ability to tailor warmth to your horse's needs as temperatures drop. Plus, with the two-part pantent system including an independent skirt and self-righting central panel, your horse can frolic to their heart's content without having their range of motion restricted.
| Key Features: |
Tough 1200 Denier Waterproof Outer 350g Thermobonded Fill Antibacterial and Antistatic Interior Prevents Rubs Angled Front Closure System with T-Bar Buckles |
Most Durable Winter Horse Blanket
Horseware Rambo 1680D Plus Turnout Blanket 250G VL
"My horse has always been a "casual" blanket destroyer thanks to his sensitive skin and constant itching on fence posts. After he tore through all his blankets, I decided to invest in a Rambo. The durability is incredible! He tested it at every opportunity and it never showed a scratch."
- Delaney, Web Content - Georgia
When you have a blanket-wrecker horse, durability can move to the top of the requirement list when searching for a new blanket. That's why the Horseware Rambo 1680 Plus Turnout Blanket is a go-to among the RW Crew! With a robust 1680 denier ballistic nylon outer shell, this blanket is designed to withstand the roughhousing of horses who are ultra-tough on their winter wear. Three crossed surcingles and a Safety Surcingle System keep everything in place, while allowing the ability to break away in case of an emergency. To top it all off, this blanket is backed by the Rambo Turnout Guarantee, so you can rest easy knowing your Rambo has a decade of coverage for waterproofing, breathability, and hardware.
| Key Features: |
250g Thermobonded Fiberfill 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon Outer Shell Three Cross Surcingles and Safety Surcingle System 10 Year Rambo Turnout Guarantee |
Best Blanket for Turnout
Shires Highlander Plus High Neck Turnout Blanket
"As the weather has gotten cold up north I've been grateful for a waterproof yet breathable blanket from Shires. The young horses have also been testing the durability, and so far this blanket has passed the test!"
- Mia Farley, Sponsored Rider - Kentucky
When it comes time to let your horse stretch their legs in turnout during the winter months, having a reliable blanket to keep them covered provides some added peace of mind! That's why the Shires Highlander Plus Blanket is our top selection for a trusty turnout blanket. Not only does the 1200 denier waterproof outer shell keep your horse dry and protected from the elements, but it will also hold up to any roughhousing with their buddies. The thoughtful addition of large shoulder gussets and a high neck allows frolicking equines the freedom of movement they need to run and play while reducing discomfort on sensitive pressure points. Finished with cross belly surcingles and a removable tail cord, the Highlander Plus is also a great choice for horses with high withers.
| Key Features: |
1200 Denier Outer Shell 200 Grams of Polyfill Large Shoulder Gussets for Freedom of Movement Great Option for High-Withered Horses |
Most Cozy Winter Horse Blanket
WeatherBeeta ComfiTec Ultra 1800D Turnout Blanket
"If cozy is what you want your horse to feel, this blanket is it! The fleece lining at the top of the neck is such a cozy sweet touch and the memory foam at the withers is luxury as well. I LOVE how easy it is to get on and off with clips...Seriously, what more could you want? 110% recommend this blanket."
- Danielle, Marketing - Georgia
We'd be remiss not to mention the impressive durability of the 1800-denier WeatherBeeta ComfiTec Ultra Blanket. However, in addition to its exceptional resilience, this blanket also offers horses the ultimate in winter blanket comfort! A Teflon EcoElite coating keeps the blanket fully waterproof and breathable. The luxuriously comfortable memory foam wither pad prevents rubbing while a special Freedom System with darts and forward gussets gives horses the room they need to run, roll, and play to their heart's content. Complete with a removable neck cover, along with an elasticated neck system, the Ultra is customizable to your horse's unique needs through the rigors of winter!
| Key Features: |
1800 Denier Outer Shell 220 Gram Fill Removable, Waterproof Neck Cover Memory Foam Wither Relief Pad Specialized Freedom System |
Best Draft Horse Winter Blanket
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Standard Blanket
"I really appreciate the fit of this blanket, as it's roomy enough to fit my stout Percheron mare who can be tricky to fit with her deeper chest and overall sturdiness. She's got all the room she needs to move without any rubs!"
- Lindsay, Web Content - California
The largest of our equine companions will stay warm and dry this winter in comfort with the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Standard Blanket. Designed to hold up to the rigors of winter playtime, this blanket features a strong 1200 denier outer. A waterproof Guard-Tec coating protects horses from the elements. Complete with thoughtful features including shoulder gussets and adjustable leg straps, this blanket is not only ideal for the more standard-sized horse, but also boasts the adjustability to keep your draft horse cozy, too.
| Key Features: |
1200 Denier Ripstop Outer Shell Lightweight 100g Fill Smooth 210T Lining Prevents Rubs Shoulder Gussets & Adjustable Leg Straps |
Best Blanket for Quarter Horses
Centaur TG1 Waterproof 1200D Turnout Blanket
"The neck design provides excellent coverage without rubbing against my Quarter Horse's mane, which has been an issue with other blankets. It fits well through the shoulders and back. The back straps are solid and haven't stretched out, and the front clips are durable and easy to fasten. Great quality and fit for stockier builds."
- Sydney, Western Trail - California
Making sure to select a blanket that fits your horse well without causing uncomfortable rubs is important, and sometimes finding an option for those stockier-built quarter horses can be tough. Knowing all this, the TG1 Turnout Blanket from Centaur takes the cake as our top pick to keep these hard-working equines covered through the winter! The 1200 denier rip-stop polyester outer ensures durability, while an anti-bacterial and anti-static lining maintains breathability and comfort. A scallop cut bottom offers horses both extra coverage and the mobility they need for comfortable movement. Finished with a high-visibility reflective detailing on the leg and tail flaps, you can rest easy knowing your trusty steed is comfortable and protected!
| Key Features: |
1200 Denier Rip-Stop Polyester Outer 100 Gram Fill Scallop Cut Bottom High Visibility Reflective Detail |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on a horse blanket?
Your price point will depend on what you are specifically looking for when it comes to blanket features, level of warmth, durability, and materials. Higher denier and fill blankets, or blankets with improved technologies, tend to come with a higher price due to the materials used. In our experience, well-known blanket brands are worth the investment if you want your blanket to last you season after season. In the end, your horse's comfort is of utmost importance. If you try one of our blankets and are unsatisfied for any reason, please pass along your feedback to customer service!
When should I replace my current horse blanket?
A quality horse blanket can survive many years and seasons with proper maintenance. It is best to follow the manufacturer's care instructions to help prolong the life of your blanket. Should your blanket become damaged beyond repair due to wear and tear, the blanket should be replaced. Over time, your blanket might lose its waterproofing properties and need to be refreshed with a waterproofing product.
What if the horse blanket I purchase does not fit?
It can sometimes be difficult to know what blanket size will be best when ordering online (especially if your horse is in between sizes), as fit varies from brand to brand. You are welcome to try your blanket purchase on your horse to check its overall fit; we suggest brushing your equine and putting a thin bed sheet over them first to keep the blanket clean in case you need to exchange it for an alternative. Our team is happy to help you in case you have any blanket fit questions!
Closing Thoughts
Choosing a horse blanket for the winter or show season can be overwhelming, especially if you are unsure what you are looking for. We hope this buying guide has helped narrow down the options, so you feel more confident in your blanket purchase. Should you have any lingering questions or concerns, please reach out to us at info@ridingwarehouse.com or 1-800-620-9145 for assistance. Our goal is to help both you and your equine stay warm and dry this winter!
