How to Choose a Winter Horse Blanket

As equestrians, we assume the topic of horse blankets is fairly straightforward. They are articles of fabric that keep our equines warm and dry whenever the weather is unpleasant... Not too hard, right?

But have you ever wondered, "At what temperature should I blanket my horse?" Or, "How do I know what size of blanket to get for my horse?" Or even, "What type of blanket should my horse be wearing?"

These are frequently asked questions horse owners debate about, turning a seemingly simple topic into something much more complicated. To help answer these questions, our equine experts have put together a complete guide on everything you need to know when gearing up for blanket season.

In this guide, we will cover the following topics:

As you begin on your journey to find the perfect blanket for your horse, it is important to understand the different types of blankets. Depending on where your horse spends their time, either a sheet, turnout blanket, or stable blanket may be more appropriate for them.

Sheets vs. Blankets

Sheets are articles of horse clothing that have no fill or insulation in them, similar to a windbreaker for humans. Some are waterproof for lightweight coverage during the winter months while others can be made from cotton blends for breathability during the warmer times of the year. Horse sheets are a great choice for moderate climates where horses need protection from the elements but don't need additional warmth. They are also suitable for clipped horses who need coverage during the day.

Blankets have fill between the outer and inner layers to provide the horse additional warmth during winter. Blankets can come in a variety of weights to accommodate horses living in different climates.

Turnout Blankets vs. Stable Blankets

Turnout blankets are designed to withstand the elements, keeping your horse warm and dry. They usually feature waterproof outer material, varying in denier and level of fill. The denier (usually 600D or 1200D) determines how thick the fabric is, with higher deniers generally being more durable and less prone to ripping. Turnouts are most appropriate for horses who either live or spend time outside.

Stable blankets are similar to turnout blankets, except they are not waterproof. For this reason, they are ideal for horses that live inside. Available in different deniers and fills, you can pick the style based on how hard your horse tends to be on blankets as well as how much warmth they need.

Every horse is different in how they hold heat. Just like humans, they can run hot or cold, and while some prefer to stand out in the elements, others would rather be tucked away inside. Knowing these traits for your horse will be imperative to dressing them correctly. There are helpful indicators that can inform your blanketing decision such as:

Even though each horse is different in how they respond to weather and blankets, some generalizations can be helpful, such as environmental temperature. For a complete guide on when or when not to blanket your horse check out our When To Blanket Guide!

Parts and Features of Blankets

Along with the style and weight of the blanket, there are blanket parts and features to consider. Some features offer more protection against the elements while others make it easier to remove or put on the blanket. Read on to discover how some blanket parts and features may be better for different horses or situations.

1. Front Buckles are adjustable so you can achieve the perfect fit on your horse. However, there are blankets that have "surcingle" closures that will not allow any adjustment. Some blankets may have standard buckles, while others feature "quick-clips" that allow you to undo the buckles quickly and easily for convenience.

2. Shoulder Gussets are standard on most blankets and are a must-have for horses with large shoulders. The additional fabric allows the shoulders to move comfortably and prevent rubbing as they walk, trot, or canter. Even horses with standard or small shoulders can benefit from shoulder gussets.

3. Neckpieces/Neck Covers offer further warmth and protection from the elements. Some attach directly onto the blanket while others may be incorporated into the blanket itself, such as a "combo" blanket. The removable neckpiece option is ideal for horses living in climates where the temperature can vary during the winter season.

4. Neck Styles can vary among blankets; however, the two most popular styles are standard-neck and high-neck. Standard-neck blankets come up right above the wither and typically have some padding or a fleece piece that prevents the blanket from rubbing on the horse's mane. High-neck blankets come up about mid-neck and are a good choice for horses with narrow shoulders and high withers. The higher design reduces pressure on the withers, which prevents rubbing and keeps them comfy all winter long.

5. Belly Surcingles prevent the blanket from rotating on the horse's barrel. Blankets can come with one, two, or three surcingles. Typically, the more surcingles, the more secure the blanket will be on the horse. This could be ideal for horses who like to escape from their blankets.

6. Leg Straps/Tail Cords help keep the blanket from rotating on the horse. They are typically made from elastic and are removable and adjustable to fit a wide variety of horses. If a blanket does not have leg straps, it may have a tail cord, which runs under the horse's tail and connects the ends of the blanket together. Tail cords work similarly to leg straps but are not as secure.

7. Tail Flaps can come in two sizes: standard and large. The benefit of having a larger tail flap is that it offers the horse more protection against wind or rain. However, if your horse is on the smaller side, a large tail flap could be too large and a standard flap may be more appropriate.

Denier refers to the thickness of each individual fiber used in the making of the blanket. Blankets with a higher denier have thicker fibers and therefore are more resistant to tearing and ripping. Some horses who are rough on their blanket may need a higher denier count to make it through the winter season, while blanket-friendly horses can get away with a lower denier.

The material can also influence how strong and durable the blanket is. For example, ballistic nylon is stronger than polypropylene nylon which is stronger than standard polyester nylon. If you have a horse who is a blanket wrecker, choosing a higher denier with high-quality fiber is your best bet for making sure your blanket survives the winter.

Blanket liners are layered underneath your existing blanket to provide additional warmth. They typically have a lower denier and are lined with polyfill in a variety of different weights. The beauty of adding a liner is that you can turn your blanket from one weight to another without having to purchase a new blanket. For example, with a 100-gram liner, you can transform a lightweight blanket into a medium weight and a medium weight into a heavy blanket. This versatility allows you to blanket according to the weather you are experiencing.

Some brands, such as Horseware and Weatherbeeta, specifically build some of their blankets to be compatible with liners. This allows you to clip in the liner so it doesn't shift around underneath the blanket, keeping your horse more comfortable.

When it comes to working around horses, you can never be too safe. They are half-ton animals with minds of their own, after all! Horse blankets and sheets can be particularly spooky, especially for young horses or those who haven't been handled much. The last thing you want is a loose horse galloping around with a blanket halfway on! To keep you and your horse safe when putting on and taking off a blanket, follow our simple step-by-step guide on how to put on and take off horse blankets.

Knowing the safest way to dress and undress your horse is important, as it helps you stay confident in your actions and helps the horse stay comfortable with the activity. Especially when it comes to fitting and trying on blankets, having a horse who is comfortable is crucial. Additionally, ensuring that blankets go on and come off safely gives more peace of mind for having others blanket your horse.

A well-fitting blanket should cover your horse's body and still allow them to move naturally. Evaluate these three points on the blanket to decide if it is a good fit.

Shoulders: The front buckle closures should coincide with the point of the horse's shoulder, while the neckline should rest above the shoulder. You should be able to run a hand along the chest and shoulders and not feel tension. If it is pulling along the shoulders then the blanket is too small, and if it is gapping then the blanket is too big.

Withers: Ensure that you can place a hand between the withers and blanket. A blanket that is too tight will rub the withers and be uncomfortable for the horse.

Length: A blanket should cover the horse's barrel and flank and should end just below the elbow and stifle. A blanket that's too small won't offer enough coverage, while a blanket that's too big is hazardous and may cause the horse to get hung up.

Buying blankets is only useful if you buy the correct size. Knowing how blankets should fit will help you when measuring your horse and ultimately lead you to your "glass slipper" blanket!

Measure for Blanket Size in 5 Easy Steps

1. Grab a friend and a soft fabric tape measurer.
2. Place the fabric tape measurer at the center of your horse's chest.
3. Unroll the tape measurer around the widest part of your horse's shoulder and angle it up to the farthest point of the horse's buttock.
4. Measure around to where the tail meets the buttock, approximately the middle of the tail.
5. This should be your horse's blanket size. If they are between sizes, it is usually a safe bet to round up.

For more information on measuring and sizing horse blankets, check out our complete How to Measure for a Horse Blanket Guide! For our visual learners, watch the video below to learn how to measure your horse for a blanket, ensuring you purchase the right size for your horse every time.

How to Clean and Store Horse Blankets

Once blanketing season is over, it might be tempting to just leave your blanket hanging until next season. However, properly caring for your blanket can save you from having to purchase a new blanket every year. Taking care of your blankets will help in the long run so read our full Blanket Care Guide for a more in-depth look into caring for and storing blankets!

Cleaning Horse Blankets

To clean your blanket, first brush off any excess dirt or debris that has accumulated on the exterior. From there, you can either wash the blanket by hand or launder it at home. For either method, make sure you use cool water or a cool wash cycle, and a blanket wash that is formulated to gently clean so it won't damage the waterproof coating. If you wash the blanket by hand, do not use a power washer, as it may damage the waterproof layer. Once clean, hang the blanket to drip dry.

Storing Horse Blankets

Once the blanket is clean and completely dry, neatly fold it into a breathable blanket storage bag. The branded bag that your blanket comes in offers great storage for after-season use! Try to avoid storing your blanket in any areas that may become damp or excessively hot.

Closing Thoughts

Understanding all the variations of blankets and sheets can be confusing and frustrating. Since there are so many options, it's hard to know where to start. We hope this guide has helped you in your endeavor. From sizing to storing, we are here for you! For any further assistance, feel free to contact our friendly customer service by emailing info@ridingwarehouse.com or by calling 1-800-620-9145. Have a great ride!

Further Reading

We understand that you may want to do more research on blanketing and related topics. That's why we compiled some great sources so that you can take a deeper dive!

• Penn State on When to Blanket a Horse
• Auburn University with an EZ Blanketing Chart
• Rutgers University on When To Blanket or Not to Blanket
• Total Equine Veterinary Associates on when To Blanket and Not to Blanket
• University of Colorado on When to Blanket or Not to Blanket
• University of Kentucky on Blanketing Do's and Don'ts