# Choosing the Right Blanket - **URL:** https://piaffehorse.com/choosing-the-right-blanket/ ## Choosing the Right Blanket Think of the cozy jacket that keeps you warm and dry when it’s cold or rainy outside. Horses need something similar. We call them horse blankets, and picking the right one is an important job for anyone who looks after a horse. You wear different clothes for different weather, and horses need different blankets too. This article explains how to pick the right blanket so your horse stays happy, healthy and comfortable, whatever the weather. Caring for a horse means feeding and exercising them well, and it also means protecting them from the elements. A good blanket is a big part of that protection. It keeps them warm when it’s chilly, dry when it rains and safe from annoying bugs. Here’s how to make the best choice for your horse. ## Understanding Why Horses Need Blankets You might wonder, “Don’t horses have their own thick coats?” They do. Horses grow a natural winter coat that helps keep them warm. Their hair stands up and traps tiny pockets of air, which makes a fantastic insulator. It’s a bit like wearing a fluffy down jacket that grows right on them. Even so, there are many reasons a horse might still need a blanket: - Cold Weather: Some horses, especially older ones, very young ones, or those that aren’t used to very cold climates, need extra warmth when temperatures drop really low. - Rain and Snow: A wet coat loses its ability to insulate. If your own hair got soaking wet, you’d feel much colder. A waterproof blanket keeps a horse dry, so they stay warmer and healthier. - Clipped Horses: Sometimes horses are “clipped,” meaning their thick winter hair is shaved off. Owners often do this for horses that work hard and sweat a lot, since it helps them cool down faster after exercise. Without that natural coat, though, they need a blanket to stay warm. - Illness or Age: Horses that are sick or very old can have a harder time staying warm on their own, and a cozy blanket helps them greatly. - Keeping Coats Clean: A blanket also keeps a horse’s coat clean, especially if they love to roll in mud, and that saves a lot of grooming time. To keep the coat shiny and healthy even under a blanket, check out products for [coat and body care](/product-category/coat-body-care/). ## Different Types of Horse Blankets You own different jackets for different seasons, such as a light one for spring, a heavy one for winter and a raincoat for wet days. Horses have different types of blankets too. Here are the main kinds and what makes each one special: ### Turnout Blankets These are a horse’s outdoor jacket. Turnout blankets are designed to be worn when a horse is outside in a pasture or paddock. They are: - Waterproof: This is super important for keeping rain, snow and moisture out so your horse stays dry. - Durable: They’re made from strong materials that withstand rough play, rolling in the dirt and rubbing against fences or trees. Manufacturers often measure the strength of the material in ‘denier,’ and a higher denier means it’s tougher and more resistant to tears. - Breathable: Good turnout blankets are waterproof, but they also let some air pass through. That stops the horse from getting too sweaty and clammy underneath. - Warmth Levels: They come in different ‘fill weights’ (measured in grams), which tell you how much insulation is inside the blanket. A higher fill weight means more insulation and warmth, much like a thicker duvet on your bed. Choosing the right turnout blanket means thinking about how cold it gets where your horse lives and how much protection they need from the elements. Healthy skin under a turnout blanket is crucial, so consider products from our [specialized care and protection](/product-category/specialized-care-protection/) range, which help prevent and soothe skin issues. ### Stable Blankets Stable blankets are designed for horses kept indoors, usually in a barn or stall. Because the horse is inside, these blankets have different features: - Not Waterproof: They don’t need to be waterproof, since the horse is protected from rain and snow indoors. - Lighter Weight: They’re often made from softer, cozier materials than turnout blankets. - Designed for Warmth: Their main job is to provide warmth in a controlled indoor environment. - Used for Layering: On very, very cold days, when a horse needs maximum warmth, a stable blanket sometimes goes on as an extra layer under a turnout blanket. ### Coolers and Anti-Sweat Sheets These are used after a horse has exercised and is sweaty. After a run you’re still warm and a little damp, and you wouldn’t want to just stand in the cold air. A cooler helps a horse dry slowly and evenly, so they don’t catch a chill. They’re usually made from fleece or mesh material that wicks moisture away from the horse’s body. Even with a cooler, your horse’s coat sometimes needs extra attention to stay smooth and tangle-free. Our [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner/) keeps the coat silky and easy to brush after exercise, whether you use it before or after the cooler. ### Fly Sheets When the weather warms up and flies and mosquitoes start buzzing around, a fly sheet is a horse’s best friend. They are: - Lightweight and Breathable: They’re made from a special mesh that lets air flow through easily, so the horse doesn’t get too hot. - Bug Protection: They act as a physical barrier that keeps annoying, biting insects off the horse’s skin. - UV Protection: Some fly sheets also block harmful sun rays, which protects the horse’s skin from sunburn and keeps the coat from bleaching or fading in the sun. ### Rain Sheets A rain sheet is a very lightweight turnout blanket. It’s waterproof but usually has no fill (meaning no insulation or warmth), so it’s perfect for rainy days that aren’t very cold. It keeps the horse dry without making them too warm, which is ideal for spring or autumn showers. ### Underliners or Stable Sheets These thin sheets can be worn alone in mild weather to keep a coat clean and tidy, or under a heavier blanket for an extra layer of warmth. They’re also great for preventing rubs from heavier blankets, because their smooth fabric lets the outer blanket slide easily over them. They often keep the coat smooth and shiny, much like a silky undershirt for you. ## Key Features to Look For in a Blanket Once you know what type of blanket you need, a few important features decide whether it’s effective, comfortable and long-lasting: - Fit: This is the most important thing. A blanket must fit properly to be comfortable and effective. More on measuring for the perfect fit below. - Denier: This number tells you how strong the outer fabric of a turnout blanket is. A higher number (like 1200D or 1680D) means thicker, stronger threads and better resistance to tears and rips. That’s great for playful horses or those who tend to rub against things. - Fill Weight: This is the amount of insulation inside the blanket, measured in grams. More fill (e.g., 300g) means a warmer blanket, while less fill (e.g., 0g or 100g) means a lighter blanket with less warmth. - Straps and Buckles: Look for strong, adjustable straps and buckles. These include chest buckles to keep the front closed, belly surcingles (straps that go under the belly) to keep the blanket from shifting, and leg straps to stop the blanket from blowing up or twisting. - Shoulder Gussets: These are special folds of fabric near the shoulders of the blanket. They let the horse move its front legs more freely, without the blanket rubbing or tightening around the shoulders. - Tail Flap: This piece of fabric hangs over the horse’s tail and offers extra protection from wind, rain and cold. - Neck Covers: Some blankets come with detachable or integrated neck covers that add warmth and protection for the horse’s neck. ## Measuring for the Perfect Fit A blanket that doesn’t fit properly causes big problems. It can rub the horse’s skin and cause painful sores, restrict their movement, or even get tangled and become dangerous. Here’s how to measure for a blanket so it fits well: - Make sure your horse is standing squarely and calmly on a flat surface. - Take a soft measuring tape (like the kind used for sewing). - Start at the center of the horse’s chest, just below where the neck meets the body. - Run the tape along the side of the horse’s body, over the widest part of their shoulder, past the barrel (the main body part), and to the very end of their rump (the point just before the tail). - The number you get in inches or centimeters is your horse’s blanket size. Different brands can have slightly different sizing, so always check their specific size charts before buying. If your horse is between sizes, it’s usually better to go up to the next size than down, because a slightly too big blanket is less likely to rub than one that’s too small. After you put the blanket on, make sure you can easily fit your hand flat between the blanket and the horse’s shoulder and across the back. The leg straps shouldn’t be too tight, and the blanket shouldn’t hang so low that it gets in the way of their legs. ## When to Blanket (and When Not To!) Knowing exactly when to put a blanket on your horse matters as much as choosing the right one. The aim is to keep them comfortable and safe. ### When to Blanket: - Cold Temperatures: Generally, blanket when temperatures drop below freezing (0°C or 32°F), especially if it’s windy or wet. Horses feel the cold more when there’s wind or rain. - Rain or Snow: A good waterproof turnout blanket is essential to keep a horse dry and prevent chills, which can make them sick. - Clipped Horses: Always blanket a clipped horse in cool or cold weather, because they’ve lost their natural insulation. - Older, Young, or Thin Horses: These horses often need extra help staying warm, because their bodies may not regulate temperature as well as a healthy adult horse’s. - Sick Horses: Illness can make it harder for a horse to regulate its body temperature, so a blanket provides needed comfort and warmth. - After a Bath: A cooler helps dry a horse safely and prevents a chill. Use gentle [shampoos like Reluxe Main & Tail Shampoo](/product/reluxe-maintail-shampoo/) or [Reluminate Shampoo](/product/reluminate-shampoo/) for a clean, fresh coat before blanketing. ### When NOT to Blanket: - Too Warm: A horse blanketed when it’s too warm can overheat, sweat excessively and even develop uncomfortable skin problems. Always check the weather forecast and feel your horse under the blanket. - Wet Underneath: Never put a blanket on a wet or sweaty horse without first drying them thoroughly with a cooler or towel. Trapped moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for skin infections and rubs. - Poor Fit: A blanket that is too big can shift around, get tangled and even trip your horse. One that is too small rubs and causes painful sores, especially around the shoulders and chest. - Dirty or Damaged Blanket: A dirty blanket can irritate the horse’s skin, harbor bacteria and lead to skin issues. A damaged one might not offer proper protection and could even be a safety hazard. ## Caring for Your Horse’s Blankets Blankets need care just like your own clothes. Keeping them clean and in good repair helps them last longer and, most importantly, keeps your horse healthy and comfortable. - Regular Cleaning: Blankets get very dirty from mud, sweat, horse hair and dust. Clean them regularly, especially at the end of the season before storing them. You can often wash them in a large commercial washing machine (like at a laundromat) or by hand with a hose and scrub brush. Always use a gentle detergent made for blankets. - Repairs: If a blanket gets a small tear or a buckle breaks, fix it as soon as possible. Small tears quickly become big holes, and broken straps can make the blanket unsafe or useless. Many tack shops offer blanket repair services. - Storage: When blankets aren’t in use (for example, during summer), make sure they’re completely clean and dry before you store them. Fold them neatly and keep them in a cool, dry place, ideally in a breathable bag, away from rodents and insects that might chew on them. A clean blanket means a healthier coat and skin for your horse. Check your horse’s coat and skin regularly for rubs, irritations or dry patches that blankets might cause. If you notice any issues, specialized products like our [Repair Cream](/product/repair-cream/) can be very helpful for soothing and healing the skin. For general grooming and a healthy coat, explore all our [horse care products](/product-category/all-products/). ## The Importance of Checking Under the Blanket Even with the perfect blanket, it’s super important to check your horse every single day, especially when they’re blanketed. The check takes only a few minutes and can prevent big problems. Lift the blanket and feel their body. Are they too warm or too cold? Is there any rubbing, soreness or irritation on their skin? Are the straps adjusted correctly? A daily check catches problems early, so your horse stays comfortable and healthy. While you’re checking, give their mane and tail a quick brush. Our [mane and tail treatment](/product-category/mane-tail-treatment/) products, like [Refresh Main & Tail Cream](/product/refresh-maintail-cream/), keep them soft, shiny and tangle-free, even under a blanket or neck cover. ## Summary Table of Blanket Types Blanket Type Main Purpose Key Features When to Use Turnout Blanket Outdoor protection from weather Waterproof, durable (high denier), breathable, various fill weights When horse is outside in cold, wet, or windy weather Stable Blanket Indoor warmth Warm (various fill weights), not waterproof, softer materials When horse is in a stall and needs warmth indoors Cooler/Anti-Sweat Sheet Drying after exercise, preventing chills Wicks moisture, breathable, often fleece or mesh After exercise when horse is sweaty, before putting on a regular blanket Fly Sheet Insect protection, some UV protection Lightweight mesh, highly breathable Warm weather when flies and other biting bugs are present Rain Sheet Light rain protection without warmth Waterproof, no fill (no warmth), lightweight Rainy but mild days when warmth is not needed Underliner/Stable Sheet Extra layer for warmth or rub protection, coat cleanliness Thin, smooth fabric Under a heavier blanket for extra warmth or to prevent rubbing, or alone in very mild weather ## The Connection to Overall Horse Care Choosing and using the right blanket is one part of excellent horse care. It works hand in hand with good nutrition, regular exercise and proper grooming. A horse with a healthy, clean coat is less likely to develop skin issues, even when wearing a blanket for long periods. That’s where high-quality grooming products come in. Make sure your horse’s coat is clean and dry before blanketing. Products like [Repel Oil Shampoo](/product/repel-oil-shampoo/) help maintain coat health and shine, and a good conditioner such as [Release Spray Conditioner](/product/release-spray-conditioner-2/) prevents tangles and helps avoid rubs. For a comprehensive care routine that covers all your horse’s needs, explore the entire range of products at the [Piaffe.horse shop](/shop-2/). ## Conclusion Choosing the right blanket takes some thought, but it’s one of the best ways to protect your horse’s comfort, health and happiness. Consider the weather conditions and your horse’s specific needs, like their age, their health or whether they’re clipped, and always, always make sure the blanket fits perfectly. With the right blanket, your horse will be cozy, dry and protected, ready for whatever the day brings. When you pay attention to these details, you’re doing more than putting a blanket on your horse. You’re giving them essential care, protection and a sense of well-being that makes a real difference. Happy blanketing!