As a horse owner, you will know that there are many products you require to keep your horse healthy and happy from day to day. But when it comes to the winter months and colder weather, you’ll need to start thinking about purchasing accessories to keep your horse warm — and one of the best ways to do this is with a special horse blanket.
Just like humans, horses can detest the cold weather too, so buying the best horse blanket is very important. But with so many out there to choose from, how do you know which one to buy? What factors should you consider? How do you know if it is going to fit?
Fortunately for you, we have compiled a buying guide below giving you all the information you need to know before purchasing a horse blanket, including what you should be looking be looking for within one. We’ve even included some of our top picks out there on the market today.
So, if you’re ready to find the right blanket for your equine friend, keep reading on.
Best Horse Blanket – Comparison Table
| Image | Product Name | Features | Star Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1) Derby Originals Windstorm Premium Horse and Draft Winter Blanket | Sturdy blanket is made from durable and high quality materials Innovative, Modern Blanket Design - Designed For Both Indoor And Outdoor Use | 5 out of 5 | Buy On Amazon |
| 2) Tough 1 600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet | Features shoulder gussets and adjustable leg straps Crossed surcingle belly and large gusseted tail flap Great for that sudden rain shower at the show | 4.5 out of 5 | Buy On Amazon |
| 3) Tough 1 Soft Fleece Blanket Liner/Sheet | Adjustable bucket front Warm as wool without added fabric Great for warmth or as a cooler/liner | 4.5 out of 5 | Buy On Amazon |
| 4) AJ Tack Wholesale Horse Turnout Blanket | Premium heavy weight winter horse blanket Made with 1200 denier "Rip Stop" water proof and breathable outer shell No center seam, reinforced stitching | 4.6 out of 5 | Buy On Amazon |
| 5) HILASON 1200D Winter Waterproof Poly Horse Blanket | Toughmaster Brand Heavyduty 1200 Denier Polyester Waterproof Polygood Brand 400 gms High Grade Poly fillBreathable Ripstop Outer Shell. | 5 out of 5 | Buy On Amazon |
| 6) WeatherBeeta Comfitec Essential Standard Neck Lite Blanket | Features 100% Boa fleece at the wither to reduce rubbing and chaffing Outer material is made of a tough 1200D ripstop fabric Water repel shell coating to keep rain and mud out | 4.6 out of 5 | Buy On Amazon |
| 7) WeatherBeeta Comfitec Essential Combo Heavy Blanket | High warmth for those extra-cold winter days Outer material is made of a tough 1200D ripstop fabric Water repel shell coating to keep rain and mud out | 4.7 out of 5 | Buy On Amazon |
| 8) Tough 1 420D Waterproof Miniature Sheet | RipStop Nylon with waterproof lining Great for show, camping, trail riding Adjustable leg straps | 4.1 out of 5 | Buy On Amazon |
| 9) Dura-Tech Viking Horse Turnout Sheet | Designed with no back seam to guard against leakage Protect and keep your equine friend comfortable Adjustable to keep the blanket from sliding side to side | 4.4 out of 5 | Buy On Amazon |
What Is A Horse Blanket?
A horse blanket is a special type of blanket that keeps your horse’s back, body and neck covered and helps them to retain heat so they don’t feel cold outside. They are particularly important for older horses or those horses who are clipped to the body.
These blankets are usually made from wool, polyester or cotton and can be long lasting and durable to last many years of cold winters. They are also very versatile and can be worn wherever — whether your horse is in a stable, trailer or out in a field.
Turnout vs Stable Blanket
There are two main types of horse blankets — turnout blankets and stable blankets.
A turnout blanket is waterproof and designed to be used outdoors. They are designed for those horses living outside who need extra protection from the elements. These blankets are normally slightly more expensive because of the waterproofing element.
A stable blanket is more for horses who live indoors in a stable, because they are not waterproof. However, they do still keep your horse nice and warm in the colder months!
While a stable blanket or stable sheet can’t really be used outside because it isn’t waterproof, a turnout blanket can still be used inside.
What To Look For In The Best Horse Blanket
There are a few things you should look for in the best horse blanket so you can be sure you are getting the right one for your equine friend.
Size
You need to make sure your blanket fits your horse well, otherwise it will not do the job and it will be somewhat of a wasted purchase. To find the right blanket size for your horse, you should measure their body — their withers, shoulders and length.
The blanket should cover their entire body. Some blankets have tail flaps, too. You’ll also want to make sure all the straps and attachments fit your horse’s body.
Type of Blanket
As we have mentioned above, there are different types of blankets. You will need to decide whether you are going to buy a turnout blanket or a stable blanket for your horse. This will largely depend on whether you are housing your horse outside and whether they are going to need a waterproof blanket.
Insulation
If the blanket you buy isn’t going to be well-insulating for your horse, then there is not much point in buying it! A blanket with proper insulation will keep nay horse who loves to be outside both warm and dry no matter the weather.
Durability
A blanket that rips off and breaks isn’t going to work, and you might end up spending a lot of money on a blanket that ends up in the trash.
The strength of a blanket is identified by the term “denier”, which you may see shortened to the “D” in various blankets. This shows you how strong the fibres within the blanket are. The higher the denier, the thicker the blanket will be and the more durable it is likely to be. These blankets are also abrasion, tear and puncture-resistant.
However, low denier blankets can be good too. These are usually called liners and can be used with blankets. They are comfortable for horses but are not always as durable.
Ease of Cleaning
If you own a horse, you know it can be messy. Look for a blanket that can be cleaned easily when needed.
Now you know all about the different types of blankets and what to look for when buying one, take a look at the best horse blankets we recommend below for your pet. These are all available to you on Amazon.
The Best Horse Blankets — Reviewed
1) Derby Originals Windstorm Premium Horse and Draft Winter Blanket
This blanket from Derby Originals is a sturdy and durable blanket and is made from high quality materials designed to keep your horse warm. Perfect for use both indoors and outdoors, it features a soft but strong 210T inner lining, 300g of polyfil insulation that provides extra warmth without overheating, and a sturdy 1200D nylon exterior that is ripstop, breathable and waterproof, making this the perfect blanket for all weathers.
It has additional features such as quick-clip double chest buckles, adjust-to-fit neck straps, a safety reflective bodied design and contoured fit, as well as shoulder gussets for freedom of movement and a plush fleece protector sewn on over the wither to prevent the blanket from rubbing. There is an oversized tail cover that is designed to cover your horse’s tail and rump and protect against the cold, rain and snow, too.
It also comes in a range of different colors and sizes and has a 2 year warranty that protects against manufacturing defects. What’s more, there is reflective stitching covering the entire outline of the blanket, along with reflective material sewn onto the belly straps and tail cover of the blanket to help protect your horse.
Key Features:
- Sturdy blanket is made from durable and high quality materials
- Innovative, Modern Blanket Design –
- Designed For Both Indoor And Outdoor Use
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) Tough 1 600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet
This horse blanket from Tough 1 is one of the thinner blankets on our list, but still offers warmth and protection for your horse. Made of 600 denier waterproof nylon with a 70 denier lining, this durable yet lightweight sheet is great for rain showers or for that extra bit of protection your horse might need if they live outside all year round.
It features shoulder gussets and adjustable leg straps, as well as a crossed surcingle belly and a large gusseted tail flap for the perfect snug fit against your horse’s body. The double buckle closure front ensures it is extra secure, too.
This blanket comes in multiple different sizes and four different colors.
Key Features:
- Features shoulder gussets and adjustable leg straps
- Crossed surcingle belly and large gusseted tail flap
- Great for that sudden rain shower at the show
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) Tough 1 Soft Fleece Blanket Liner/Sheet
This Tough 1 blanket is perfect to be used for added warmth under a blanket or used alone as a cooler. Thinner than some of the other blankets on our list, this blanket is made of 100% soft fleece that is warm as wool without the added fabric, keeping your horse comfortable but without the added weight. This means it is great in the summer, or as an added layer in the winter.
It comes with an adjustable front buckle and adjustable surcingle belly so you can fully adjust it to fit snugly to your pet and ensure it doesn’t slip or move. It also has a tail string to further keep the blanket in place.
Available in multiple sizes, this blanket comes in many different colors, including red, purple, pink, blue and green — great for those who want their horse to stand out from the crowd!
Key Features:
- Adjustable bucket front
- Warm as wool without added fabric
- Great for warmth or as a cooler/liner
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) AJ Tack Wholesale Horse Turnout Blanket
This blanket from AJ Tack Wholesale is a turnout blanket that comes in a range of different sizes and colors. Made with a 1200 denier rip stop waterproof and breathable outer shell and a 400g heavyweight poly fill insulation, this blanket keeps your horse warm during winter and is extremely durable. The heavy duty hardwear and reinforced stitching in most areas makes this blanket long-lasting, too.
Extra features include double front buckles with a velcro closure, to free up your hands while you secure the buckles for a extra safe fit, and a fleece collar for wither protection. There are also hood rings to attach a hood if needed against worse weather, as well as shoulder gussets for better movement.
Whats more, there are crossed belly straps, adjustable removable elastic leg straps and a tail flap for a snug fit and protection from the elements.
Key Features:
- Premium heavy weight winter horse blanket
- Made with 1200 denier “Rip Stop” water proof and breathable outer shell
- No center seam, reinforced stitching
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) HILASON 1200D Winter Waterproof Poly Horse Blanket
This horse blanket from HILASON is a perfect for cold and wet weather. Made with a heavyweight ToughMaster 1200 denier rip-stop outer shell, you can be sure of the strength and durability of this fabric and be happy knowing your horse is protected against the elements.
There is 400g of high grade Polygood polyfil insulation, which is designed to keep your horse dry, warm and cozy in the worst of the weather, and a lining that is highly durable and made to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The double-stitched, taped and reinforced seams give the blanket that extra strength, too.
This blanket has an insulated tail flap to maintain the temperature and prevent cold air entry, as well as holder gussets for easy movement, fleece at the withers to prevent rubbing, a double-buckle front closure and removable elastic leg straps. Even better, it comes in a number of different sizes.
Key Features:
- Toughmaster Brand Heavyduty 1200 Denier Polyester Waterproof
- Polygood Brand 400 gms High Grade Poly fillBreathable Ripstop Outer Shell.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) WeatherBeeta Comfitec Essential Standard Neck Lite Blanket
Great for cooler days, this light blanker from WeatherBeeta still provides you horse with enough warmth without being too heavy. The outer material is made of a tough 1200 denier ripstop fabric and a water repel shell coating to keep rain and mud out, and the lining is 210 denier Oxford polyester lining that promotes airflow so your horse stays both dry and comfortable.
This blanket also features 100% Boa fleece at the withers to reduce rubbing and chaffing and keep your horse generally comfortable, while a twin buckle front closure, removable leg straps and twin low cross surcingles keep the blanket secure against your horse’s body. There are shoulder gussets for movement, too, as well as a standard tail flap.
Even better, this blanket comes in a range of funky designs, so your horse will be the best looking one in the field!
Key Features:
- Features 100% Boa fleece at the wither to reduce rubbing and chaffing
- Outer material is made of a tough 1200D ripstop fabric
- Water repel shell coating to keep rain and mud out
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) WeatherBeeta Comfitec Essential Combo Heavy Blanket
Another WeatherBeeta blanket, this is a heavy blanket designed for the more extreme weather, especially if your horse lives outside. 360g, this blanket is designed to cover both the neck and body and offers high warmth. The outer material is made of a tough 1200 denier ripstop fabric and water repel shell coating to keep any mud or rain from getting in and the lining is 210 denier Oxford polyester lining. This not only keeps your horse cozy, but also promotes airflow so your horse stays comfortable.
Each side comes with a traditional shoulder gusset to allow for natural movement and there is a standard tail flap for extra warmth. To keep the thick blanket secure against your horse, there is a twin buckle front closure, twin low cross surcingles and removable leg straps. Again, this blanket comes in a range of different sizes.
Key Features:
- High warmth for those extra-cold winter days
- Outer material is made of a tough 1200D ripstop fabric
- Water repel shell coating to keep rain and mud out
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) Tough 1 420D Waterproof Miniature Sheet
Another blanket from Tough 1, this blanket is another lightweight sheet that is great as an extra layer of protection against elements or the occasional rain shower. Waterproof and durable, the sheet is made from 420 denier ripstop nylon to keep your horse warm and has a 70 denier waterproof lining to keep them dry.
It comes with shoulder gussets for freedom of movement, as well as adjustable leg straps and chest straps to keep the blanket secure against your horse’s body. There is also a tail flap for extra protection, again keeping them warm and dry.
Like the other blankets on our list, it comes in a few different colors and multiple sizes.
Key Features:
- RipStop Nylon with waterproof lining
- Great for show, camping, trail riding
- Adjustable leg straps
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) Dura-Tech Viking Horse Turnout Sheet
This blanket from Dura-Tech is a great blanket for a range of different weathers. The blanket runs straight from the withers to back for great protection and is designed with no back seam to guard against leakage. It is completely waterproof and will keep your horse both dry and comfortable.
The smooth, shiny nylon lining is 100% breathable and will leave your horse’s coat shiny and dust free, and an extra large tail cover provides additional protection from heavy wind and rain. A front double buckle with hook and loop closure allows you to adjust to the perfect amount of snugness at the front of the chest, and criss-cross surcingles adjust to keep the sheet from sliding side to side.
Reinforced gussets extend higher and more forward to allow greater freedom of motion for the shoulder, helping to prevent rubbing and there are detachable elastic leg straps help keep the blanket in place. It comes in two different colors and a range of different sizes.
Key Features:
- Designed with no back seam to guard against leakage
- Protect and keep your equine friend comfortable
- Adjustable to keep the blanket from sliding side to side
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Summary
A horse blanket is a very useful and important accessory to have as a horse owner, especially in the winter months. Helping to keep your horse both warm and dry, the best horse blankets can be used no matter where your horse lives, either in the field or in a stable. Whether you’re looking for a turnout or stable blanket, always make sure you buy one that fits your equine correctly, and check the insulation is suitable for the conditions. Which best horse blanket do you think you’re going to go for?