Imagine your horse shivering in a cold rain, or sweating under a heavy blanket on a mild day. It’s a common worry for horse owners! Choosing the right turnout blanket for your horse can feel like a puzzle. There are so many types, materials, and weights to consider. Do you pick a lightweight one for a breezy day, or a heavy-duty one for a blizzard? It’s easy to get confused and feel unsure if you’re making the best choice for your equine friend’s comfort and health.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help you solve that puzzle. We’ll break down everything you need to know about turnout blankets. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect blanket that keeps your horse warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s warm. We’ll cover different weather conditions, horse needs, and what to look for in a good blanket. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to choose a turnout blanket that your horse will thank you for!
Our Top 5 Turnout Blankets For Horses Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turnout Blankets For Horses Detailed Reviews
1. Tough 1 1200D Snuggit Turnout 200g 75In Purple
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Tough 1 1200D Snuggit Turnout in a vibrant purple, designed for ultimate horse comfort and protection. This blanket boasts a super tough 1200 Denier Poly outer shell, making it ideal for horses who are a bit rough on their gear. Its 200g Polyfill offers just the right amount of warmth for cooler days, while the waterproof coating and taped seams keep your horse dry in any weather. The smooth lining helps prevent rubbing and keeps their coat looking its best.
What We Like:
- The 1200 Denier Poly material is incredibly strong, perfect for horses that chew or are in group turnout situations.
- The neck is easily adjustable, allowing for a truly custom and comfortable fit.
- 200g Polyfill provides great warmth without being too heavy.
- The 210 Denier Poly lining prevents rubbing and keeps your horse’s coat shiny and clean.
- It’s completely waterproof with taped seams and a seamless spine, ensuring your horse stays dry.
What Could Be Improved:
- While very strong, the material can still tear if snagged on sharp objects like nails or thorns.
This Tough 1 Snuggit Turnout offers robust protection and comfort for your equine friend. It’s a smart choice for keeping your horse safe and cozy during turnout.
2. Tech Equestrian 1200 Denier Horse RAIN Sheet (Waterproof/Breathable & Wind Proof Turnout Sheet) Horse Breathable RAINSHEET (Black-Turquoise
Rating: 9.4/10
The Tech Equestrian 1200 Denier Horse RAIN Sheet is your horse’s best friend for staying dry and comfortable in any weather. This turnout sheet offers top-notch protection against rain and wind, making it perfect for year-round use. Its tough 1200 Denier material means it can handle the elements and stay in great shape.
What We Like:
- It’s totally waterproof and windproof, keeping your horse dry in any downpour.
- The sheet is also breathable, so your horse won’t get too hot or sweaty underneath.
- The front closure has two adjustable buckles and velcro for a super secure and custom fit.
- It comes with handy extras like removable leg straps and shoulder gussets for freedom of movement.
- The tail flap gives extra coverage, and there are D-rings for a hood if needed.
- All the seams are taped, making it even more waterproof.
- The brand offers a 100% money-back guarantee for any manufacturing or waterproofing problems.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for rain, it has no fill (0GSM), so it won’t add any warmth during cold weather.
- The description doesn’t mention if there are other color options besides Black-Turquoise.
This rain sheet is a solid choice for keeping your horse protected. Its durable design and thoughtful features make it a reliable option for any horse owner.
3. HILASON 1200D Winter Waterproof Poly Horse Blanket Belly Wrap
Rating: 8.7/10
Keep your horse warm and dry this winter with the HILASON 1200D Winter Waterproof Poly Horse Blanket. This blanket offers excellent protection against the elements, making it a must-have for any horse owner.
What We Like:
- Built tough with a 1200 Denier Polyester outer shell.
- Waterproof and breathable rip-stop fabric keeps your horse dry.
- 400-Gram Poly Filling provides cozy warmth.
- Comes with a handy belly wrap for extra coverage.
- Shoulder gussets allow for free movement.
- Double-buckle front closure ensures a secure fit.
- Fleece at the withers adds comfort and prevents rubbing.
- Durable Persian Twisted Woven Taffeta lining.
- Double-stitched, taped, and reinforced seams for extra strength.
- Removable elastic leg straps keep the blanket in place.
- Dees on both sides make it easy to add a hood or neck cover.
- Insulated tail flap helps maintain temperature.
- A thoughtful and practical gift for equestrian friends.
- HILASON offers a strong return and refund policy for your peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While designed for durability, very rough use could still pose a risk.
- Availability might be limited due to high demand.
This HILASON horse blanket is a fantastic investment for keeping your equine friend comfortable and protected during the colder months. Its combination of quality materials and thoughtful design makes it a standout choice.
4. Tough 1 1200D Snuggit Turnout 200g 75In Royal Blue
Rating: 9.1/10
The Tough 1 1200D Snuggit Turnout in Royal Blue is a real workhorse for keeping your horse comfortable and protected. This blanket is built to last, offering serious defense against the elements. It’s designed to fit a 75-inch horse and comes with 200g of insulation, making it a great choice for cooler weather.
What We Like:
- The 1200 Denier Poly fabric is super strong. It resists rips and tears really well.
- It’s completely waterproof. Rain and snow just roll right off.
- The taped seams and seamless spine mean no leaks. This keeps your horse totally dry.
- It’s breathable. This stops moisture from building up under the blanket.
- The 200g Polyfill provides cozy warmth without making the horse too hot.
- The 210 Denier Poly lining is smooth. It helps prevent rubs and keeps the coat looking good.
What Could Be Improved:
- The heavy material strength, while a pro for durability, can make it a bit bulky to store.
- While it’s waterproof, some very extreme, prolonged wet conditions might still test its limits over time.
Overall, this Tough 1 Snuggit Turnout is a fantastic investment for any horse owner. It offers excellent protection and comfort, ensuring your horse stays dry and warm.
5. Tough 1 600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet
Rating: 9.2/10
When unexpected weather strikes at a horse show, you need a reliable way to keep your equine friend dry. The Tough 1 600 Denier Waterproof Horse Sheet in Navy Blue, 75-Inch is designed for just those moments. It’s a practical solution for those sudden rain showers that can ruin a perfect show day.
What We Like:
- The 600 Denier waterproof nylon is tough and keeps your horse dry.
- It has shoulder gussets so your horse can move freely.
- Adjustable leg straps help keep the sheet in place.
- The crossed surcingle belly straps offer a secure fit.
- A large gusseted tail flap gives extra protection.
- The double buckle front closure makes it easy to put on and take off.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for quick showers, it might not be heavy-duty enough for all-day, torrential rain.
- The 70 Denier lining is functional but could be a bit more breathable for warmer, damp conditions.
This sheet is a fantastic option for unexpected weather at events. It provides essential protection without being overly complicated.
Choosing the Best Turnout Blanket for Your Horse
Keeping your horse comfortable and protected from the elements is a top priority for any owner. Turnout blankets are an essential part of this care, offering protection from rain, wind, and even sun. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you understand what to look for so your horse stays happy and healthy.
Key Features to Look For
- Waterproof/Water-Resistant: This is crucial. A good turnout blanket keeps your horse dry. Look for blankets with high waterproof ratings.
- Breathability: Even in cold weather, horses can sweat. A breathable blanket lets moisture escape, preventing your horse from getting chilled.
- Durability: Turnout blankets take a beating from playing horses, fences, and rough terrain. Strong stitching and tough outer fabrics are a must.
- Fit: A well-fitting blanket prevents rubbing and discomfort. It should allow freedom of movement.
- Weight/Fill: Blankets come with different amounts of fill (the fluffy stuff inside). This determines how warm they are.
- Leg Straps and Tail Flaps: These help keep the blanket in place and offer extra protection.
Important Materials
The materials used in a turnout blanket greatly affect its performance and lifespan.
- Outer Shell:
- Ripstop Nylon/Polyester: These are common and strong. Ripstop means they have a special weave that stops small tears from spreading.
- Denier (D): This number tells you how strong the fabric threads are. Higher denier (like 600D, 1200D, or 1680D) means a tougher blanket that resists rips and tears better.
- Waterproofing: Look for coatings like polyurethane (PU) or PVC. These create a barrier against water. Taped seams also help keep water out.
- Fill: This is usually polyester fiberfill. The amount is measured in grams (e.g., 0g for no fill, 100g, 200g, 300g). More fill means more warmth.
- Lining: Often made of nylon or polyester, the lining helps keep the blanket smooth against your horse’s coat and prevents rubbing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- High Denier Count: A higher denier fabric is generally more durable and resistant to rips.
- Reinforced Stitching: Double or triple stitching at stress points makes the blanket last longer.
- Quality Hardware: Strong buckles, snaps, and surcingles (the straps that go under the belly) are important. Brass or stainless steel hardware resists rust.
- Taped Seams: Sealing the seams with waterproof tape prevents water from leaking through the stitching.
- Reputable Brands: Well-known brands often invest more in quality materials and construction.
Reducing Quality
- Low Denier Fabric: Thin fabrics can tear easily.
- Weak Stitching: Poorly sewn seams will unravel quickly.
- Cheap Hardware: Plastic buckles or rusty metal can break or cause problems.
- No Taped Seams: This is a common area where water can get in.
- Poor Fit: A blanket that doesn’t fit well can rub your horse raw, which is a quality issue for the horse’s comfort.
User Experience and Use Cases
Turnout blankets are used in various situations. The right blanket depends on your horse’s needs and your local climate.
- Mild, Wet Weather: A lightweight, waterproof blanket with no fill (0g) or very light fill (like 100g) is perfect. It keeps your horse dry without making them too hot.
- Cold, Wet, and Windy Weather: A heavier fill (200g-300g or more) is needed for warmth. Look for a waterproof and windproof blanket.
- For Clipped Horses: Horses that have been clipped for winter sports or work lose their natural insulation. They often need a warmer blanket, even in milder temperatures.
- For Horses with Thin Coats or Those Who Get Cold Easily: Some horses are naturally more sensitive to the cold and may need a warmer blanket.
- Summer Use (Shade/Bug Protection): Some lightweight, breathable blankets offer UV protection and help keep flies away. These usually have no fill.
A good turnout blanket is an investment in your horse’s well-being. By considering these features, materials, and factors, you can make an informed decision and find a blanket that keeps your horse comfortable and protected year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I measure my horse for a turnout blanket?
A: Measure from the center of your horse’s chest to the point of their rump where the blanket will end. Most blanket sizes are listed in inches.
Q: Do I need a blanket with leg straps?
A: Yes, leg straps help keep the blanket from shifting and provide extra coverage. They are a very useful feature.
Q: What does “denier” mean for turnout blankets?
A: Denier (D) is a measurement of fabric thickness and strength. A higher denier number means a stronger, more durable fabric that is less likely to tear.
Q: How much fill do I need in a turnout blanket?
A: It depends on the weather and your horse. 0g is for rain protection without warmth. 100g-200g is for cool, wet days. 300g and up is for colder weather.
Q: Can a blanket be too warm?
A: Yes, a blanket can be too warm. If your horse sweats heavily under it, they can get chilled. It’s important to choose the right fill for the temperature.
Q: How often should I check my horse’s blanket?
A: You should check it daily for any rips, tears, or rubbing. Also, feel your horse to make sure they aren’t too hot or too cold.
Q: What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
A: Waterproof blankets offer a high level of protection against water. Water-resistant blankets can handle light rain but may soak through in heavy rain.
Q: My horse seems to rub its shoulders with the blanket. What can I do?
A: Make sure the blanket fits correctly. Look for blankets with shoulder gussets or a contoured shoulder design. A smooth lining also helps.
Q: Can I use a turnout blanket in the summer?
A: Yes, lightweight, breathable turnout sheets without fill can be used for sun and bug protection in the summer.
Q: How do I clean a turnout blanket?
A: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, you can rinse it off or wash it gently with a special blanket wash. Always air dry.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.