If you are a horse owner, there are few things more lovely than seeing your horse enjoying a winter day all bundled up in a snowy field. A good horse blanket keeps your horse warm, dry and comfortable no matter how cold or wet the winter gets.
When the cold winds blow and the snow starts to fall, consider the WeatherBeeta Green-Tec 900D Detach-A-Neck Medium Horse Blanket. This blanket is durable, warm and comfortable from the poll to the hocks.
What to know before you buy a horse blanket
Stabled or pastured
Horses that stay out in the pasture most of the time will grow a luxurious winter coat that keeps them warm. They may not need a blanket except when it’s extremely cold or when you expect sleet, freezing rain or heavy winds.
Stabled horses, or those that spend very little time outside, do not experience the seasonal shift in sunlight. This circadian cue tells their body that it’s time to grow their coats. Stabled horses don’t have coats thick enough for a colder climate and need a warm blanket for the winter.
Clipped coat
Riders who spend time exercising their horses on the trail or in the ring might clip their horses’ coats in the winter to help them cool off faster. This ensures their coat stays dry and isn’t prone to freezing after a sweaty workout. If you either fully or partially clip your horses, you will most likely need to give them a blanket during the winter months.
Breed of horse
Some horse breeds grow a thicker, more protective winter coat than others. Draft horses can typically withstand even the coldest weather in their thick winter coat, while some warm-blooded horses struggle to produce even the thinnest of covering.
Diet and age
Horses heat themselves from the inside out by foraging on things like hay and fresh grass. If a horse eats mostly grain or lacks appropriate forage, it will struggle to stay warm. Also, senior horses and very young horses will need some help staying warm when temperatures drop.
Looking for a lightweight cooler or turnout sheet? Check out options for fleece and lightweight horse blankets on BestReviews.
Horse blanket features
Dernier and fill weight
The dernier measures the strength and waterproofing of the fabric. The fill weight determines how heavy or lightweight your blanket is. A turnout blanket should have at least an 800 denier rating. If your horse is rambunctious and likes to take its blanket off, look for a higher dernier level. A medium-weight blanket should have at least a 250-gram fill, with some of the heaviest blankets reaching up to 400 grams.
Easy closures
One of the most frustrating aspects of a horse blanket is the front closure. It’s hard to thread the intricate buckles, especially when your hands are freezing. Look for front buckles that have a snap that’s easy to operate, especially in the coldest weather.
Secure belly straps
Belly straps (surcingles) are a key aspect of a horse blanket and helps keep your horse’s blanket in place. Make sure the blanket you select has at least two belly straps.
Side gussets
Side gussets allow your horse to move their legs and shoulders freely. Most horse blankets only have gussets on the front legs.
Leg straps
Leg straps help keep your horse’s blanket secured over its behind. It’s important to find a blanket with fully adjustable and removable leg straps.
Extras
Some blankets have extra features like padded withers or fleece. These offer more comfort and help keep your horse warm when winter temperatures really set in.
Horse blanket cost
Horse blankets can vary in price from $75-$350 or more. Basic blankets cost less, and blankets with accessories and higher-quality materials are more expensive.
Horse blanket FAQ
How do I measure my horse for a horse blanket?
A. You’ll want to grab a friend and a tape measure. Be sure to measure in inches, and try measuring a few times to ensure you get the correct number. Place one end of the tape measure at the center of your horse’s chest. Then, measure along the side of its body back to the center of the tail. This gives you the right length for your horse blanket. Between measurements? Buy one size up.
How do I care for my horse blanket?
A. You should professionally clean your horse blanket every year. Make sure it’s repaired and waterproofed every spring, so they are ready for the first cold snap.
Which horse blanket should I get?
Best of the best horse blanket
WeatherBeeta Green-Tec 900D Detach-A-Neck Medium Horse Blanket: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: Made from over 340 recycled bottles, this horse blanket keeps your equine friend warm and cozy.
What we like: Weatherbeeta blankets feature easy to use snaps in the front and belly surcingles which keep them in place. It has a 360-gram fill rating to keep your horse warm and dry. It comes with a detachable neck for extra warmth.
What we dislike: One of the priciest options, but you really do get what you pay for in terms of durability.
Best bang for your buck horse blanket
Challenger Turnout Winter Blanket: available at Amazon
Our take: This surprisingly affordable winter blanket has all the features you want at half the price.
What we like: With 400 grams of fill and 1,680-denier fabric, this is the heaviest blanket on the list and the most affordable. It features fleece on the withers for additional comfort, reinforced seams and a tail flap. It’s fully waterproof and has a generous front leg gusset.
What we dislike: It’s only available in two colors.
Honorable mention horse blanket
Tough-1 Snuggit Winter Blanket: available at Amazon
Our take: This durable, warm blanket can take rough treatment in the pasture.
What we like: Featuring taped seams and waterproofing, this 1,200-denier blanket with 300-gram polyfill keeps your horse warm and dry. It features a front-buckle closure and two belly straps that keep it in place. It comes in 11 colors.
What we dislike: Some users reported tearing along the edge of the front closures or surcingle.
Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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