The Ultimate Horse Blanketing Guide

When the temperature drops and you reach for your sweaters and jackets, it’s only natural to wonder if your horse could use an extra layer, too. But as with so many aspects of horse care, it’s not always black and white. Whether or not you should blanket your horse depends on factors like weather, your horse’s coat and age, where you live, and whether he’ll be spending time indoors or out. This guide breaks down everything you need to know–from when to blanket your horse to choosing the right blanket–so you can keep your equine companion warm, comfortable, and cared for year-round.

Do horses really need blankets?

Your horse may need a blanket if temperatures drop below his lower critical temperature (LCT)–the lowest temperature at which a horse can maintain his core body temperature without expending extra energy. The LCT varies depending on your horse’s environment, body fat, and the length and thickness of his coat. Horses also need a blanket in wet weather, as a soaked coat loses its ability to insulate, making it harder for your horse to stay warm.

However, not all horses need blanketing. Many horses with thick, natural winter coats can comfortably handle cold temperatures without added protection, as long as they stay dry. If you decide to blanket your horse, it’s important to choose one that provides the right level of warmth and protection without overheating.

When to blanket your horse

Deciding when to blanket your horse depends on a combination of factors, including his natural coat, whether he’s body clipped, and the outdoor temperature. A good rule of thumb is to tailor your blanketing approach to meet your horse’s individual needs and comfort.

Horse blanket temperature guide

Horse blankets come in different weights, or levels of insulation, measured in grams of fill per square inch. 

• Sheets, sometimes called light blankets, have zero fill.
• Lightweight blankets typically have 100 to 200 grams of fill.
• Mediumweight blankets range from 200 to 300 grams.
• Heavyweight blankets offer 300 to 400 grams. 
• Extra-heavyweight blankets have over 400 grams of fill, making them ideal for extreme cold. 

Choosing the right weight helps ensure your horse stays comfortable as temperatures change. It’s important to note that each horse is unique. Horses that are thin-skinned and grow very little winter coat may like a sheet when it’s in the 50s, while others stay warm with thick, heavy winter coats.

Additionally, climates vary depending on where you live in the United States. The thick-coated wooly horse in Vermont may be perfectly content in a sheet or lightweight blanket, but that same horse living in Georgia will easily overheat in the same clothing.

Generally, the following blanket weights will keep your horse comfortable in these temperature ranges:

• 50–60°F: Use a sheet as needed
• 40–50°F: Opt for a sheet or lightweight blanket
• 30–40°F: Switch to a lightweight or mediumweight blanket
• 20–30°F: Use a mediumweight or heavyweight blanket
• 0–20°F: Consider a heavyweight or even extra-heavyweight blanket

Horses with clipped or fine coats typically need heavier blankets than those with thicker, natural coats. If you’re not sure which blanket to use or whether to use one at all, let your horse’s behavior guide you. 

How to know if your horse is too warm or too cold

Once you’ve blanketed your horse, monitor his body language and physical cues to make sure he’s comfortable. Observing your horse regularly will help you recognize signs that he may be too warm or too cold.

Signs your horse is too cold:

• Shivering
• Cold muzzle or ears
• Standing in a hunched, tucked-up posture
• Weight loss or reduced appetite

Signs your horse is too warm:

• Sweating
• Feeling warm to the touch
• Heavy breathing
• Lethargy

When in doubt, think about what you’d need to be comfortable outside in similar conditions and adjust your horse’s blankets accordingly. Every horse is unique, so observing their responses will help you find the perfect balance for their needs.

Horse blanket chart

Still not sure what to use? Look at this chart to help you find the right blanket weight for the temperature and your horse’s coat type:

Temperature	Clipped/Fine Coat	Heavy Natural Coat
50–60°F	Sheet	As needed
40–50°F	Lightweight blanket with neck cover	As needed
30–40°F	Mediumweight blanket with neck cover	Sheet or lightweight blanket
20–30°F	Heavyweight blanket with neck cover or hood	Light to mediumweight blanket
0–20°F	Extra-heavyweight blanket with neck cover or hood	Medium to heavyweight blanket

When not to blanket your horse

Blanketing isn’t always necessary, especially for unclipped horses with thick winter coats. These horses are naturally equipped to handle colder temperatures, as long as they stay dry and protected from the wind. In moderate, dry weather, their natural coat usually provides enough insulation.

However, if you blanket your horse during cold weather, it’s important to monitor him closely. As temperatures rise, watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or warm skin, and remove the blanket if he seems uncomfortable. During transitional seasons like spring and fall, your horse may only need a blanket at night when temperatures drop.

Types of horse blankets

Horse blankets are made up of a lining, fill, and shell. As we’ve established, the fill weight determines how warm the blanket is. The shell’s material determines the blanket’s water resistance and toughness, or denier, which makes it better suited for indoor or outdoor conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of horse blankets and their uses.

Stable blankets

Stable blankets are designed to keep horses warm while they’re inside a stall or traveling in a trailer. While they’re not waterproof, many are water-resistant to help horses stay clean and dry while indoors. These blankets come in a range of weights, from lightweight to extra-heavyweight, allowing you to choose the right amount of insulation for your horse. If your horse needs to go outside, you can layer a turnout sheet over the stable blanket to provide waterproof protection.

Turnout blankets

Turnout blankets are made for the outdoors, offering protection from cold, wind, and rain. Their waterproof shells and tough construction make them more durable than stable blankets, ensuring they hold up in rugged outdoor conditions. Finding the right fit is especially important for turnout blankets so your horse has full range of movement and is well-protected from the weather. Like stable blankets, they are available in a variety of weights to accommodate different temperatures.

Stable sheets

Stable sheets are lightweight blankets with no fill, designed to keep your horse clean and provide a light layer of warmth while indoors. They’re usually used in the barn to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on your horse’s coat. Stable sheets are a practical option for mild weather when extra insulation isn’t necessary.

Turnout sheets

Turnout sheets serve a similar purpose to turnout blankets but lack insulation. Like a raincoat, they shield your horse from wind and rain without adding much warmth. With a heavier denier than stable sheets and a secure fit, they’re durable and stay in place as horses run and play. Turnout sheets are ideal for milder outdoor conditions when your horse needs weather protection but not extra heat.

Scrim sheets

Scrim sheets are extremely lightweight and designed for one primary purpose: keeping your horse clean ringside. They’re often used at shows or competitions to protect a freshly groomed coat and add a touch of style. While not functional for warmth or weather protection, scrim sheets are a staple for show ring prep.

Quarter sheets

Quarter sheets are designed to cover your horse’s hindquarters during cold weather rides. Made of fleece or wool, they wrap under the saddle flaps or can drape over the rider’s legs for added warmth. Quarter sheets are often used during warmups but can be left on for the entire ride when temperatures are especially chilly.

Coolers

Coolers are lightweight sheets made of fleece or wool that help regulate your horse’s body temperature after exercise. They wick moisture away from the skin while trapping heat, keeping your horse warm and dry as he cools down. Available in fitted or square designs, coolers are an essential post-ride layer during colder months, promoting quicker recovery and preventing chills.

How to choose the best horse blanket

With so many types and variations of blankets to choose from, finding the right one for your horse can feel overwhelming. While tuning into your horse’s physical cues is the most reliable way to decide on a blanket, considering a few key factors can help you narrow down your options:

• Breed: Hardier breeds like Clydesdales and Icelandic horses are naturally better equipped to handle cold weather, often needing less insulation. Breeds with thinner coats, like Thoroughbreds, typically require warmer blankets to stay comfortable.

• Coat length: Horses with a full winter coat have built-in insulation, but body-clipped horses lose this natural insulation and need a heavier blanket to compensate.

• Body condition: Horses with more body fat–known as easy keepers–tend to stay warmer and may only need a sheet or lightweight blanket. Leaner horses, or hard keepers, generally benefit from additional insulation.

• Age: Young horses are still growing into their winter coats, and older horses lose their ability to regulate body temperature with age. If you have a young or senior horse, he may need extra warmth in the colder months.

• Health: If your horse’s immune system is weakened while he recovers from sickness or surgery, he may need a warmer blanket than usual. Healthy horses, on the other hand, can often manage cooler weather until it dips below their LCT.

• Shelter: Horses with access to a stall or barn are better protected from the cold, so a lightweight stable blanket or sheet may be enough. Horses that live primarily outdoors usually need heavier turnout blankets.

• Climate: Consider the climate where you live and the climate your horse is used to. If your horse moves from a place with mild winters to a place with extreme winters, he’ll need heavier blankets than horses who are used to the climate.

• Weather: Rain or snow can saturate your horse’s coat, compromising its ability to insulate. A waterproof turnout blanket is essential to keep him warm and dry, even in milder temperatures.

10 best horse blankets

As riders who’ve faced just about every challenge of winter horse care, we’ve put countless horse blankets to the test. To help you find one that works for you and your horse, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorites. From lightweight sheets to heavy-duty turnout blankets, these tried-and-true picks are sure to keep your horse warm, dry, and comfortable.

Best horse sheets

5/A Baker Fleece Quarter Sheet ($122.95)

This stylish and practical fleece quarter sheet wicks sweat and keeps your horse warm while you ride. It’s quick-drying and comes in a European or traditional cut to meet riders’ preferences.

WeatherBeeta Anti-Static Fleece Cooler Standard Neck ($89.95)

With wicking properties and a lightweight fleece, this anti-static cooler keeps your horse warm, comfortable, and shock-free. It’s great for traveling or cooling after exercise.

Equiline Corby Full Neck Waterproof Rain Sheet ($159)

Keep your horse protected from the elements with this waterproof rain sheet. It features stirrup slots and taped seams, and it’s perfect for keeping your tack dry while waiting ringside.

Deluxe 5/A Baker Stable Sheet ($194.95)

This stable sheet provides a lightweight layer of warmth for the indoors. It offers a comfortable fit with fleece withers, satin-lined shoulders, and elastic surcingle inserts and leg straps. 

Shop more horse coolers and quarter sheets →

Best lightweight horse blankets

Highlander Plus Lite Standard Neck ($129.99)

This lightweight turnout blanket is the perfect way to keep your horse dry without compromising mobility. With a 1200 denier ripstop shell and a tail flap, it’s durable with excellent coverage.

Original 5/A Baker Blanket ($230.95)

With a durable, triple-weave fabric, this stable blanket offers lightweight warmth, perfect for mild winters. It features two front closures and a contour cut rump for a secure, comfortable fit.

Best mediumweight horse blankets

Stormcheeta 200 Blanket Set ($299.99)

This turnout blanket offers superior weather protection with its 1680 denier shell, taped seams, and detachable neck. Warm and adjustable, it’s great for pasture horses in cold climates.

Equiline Atlanta Stable Blanket ($499)

Featuring a 600 denier tear-proof polyester shell, this mediumweight stable blanket is padded with 200 grams of antiallergenic, antibacterial, and breathable thermal cotton wool wadding.

Best heavyweight horse blankets

5/A Baker Heavy Weight Turnout Blanket 400 Gram ($259.95)

With waterproof breathability, 400 grams of insulation, and a 1500 denier polyester shell, this heavyweight turnout blanket is perfect for horses who need extra warmth and protection.

5/A Baker Extreme Turnout Blanket 555 Gram ($359)

Baker’s warmest turnout blanket offers waterproof breathability, 555 grams of fill, and a 2100 denier ripstop shell, keeping your horse comfortable well below freezing temperatures. 

What size blanket does your horse need?

Finding the right size blanket is key to keeping your horse comfortable and allowing unrestricted movement. Horse blanket sizes usually reflect the measurement in inches from the center of the chest to the base of the tail. If your horse’s exact measurement isn’t available, round up to the next size for the best fit. Look for blankets with adjustable fasteners to ensure a secure fit that prevents rubbing. Need help measuring? Check out our guide on how to measure your horse for a blanket.

How to clean and store a horse blanket

When the weather warms up, it’s time to clean and store your horse’s blankets for next year. Most are machine washable–simply brush off excess dirt, throw them in the washing machine, and hang them to dry. Keep in mind that heavier blankets may require a larger washing machine, so you might need to visit a laundromat or use a professional cleaning service. Before storing, inspect each blanket for wear and tear, repairing and re-waterproofing them as needed. For more tips and tricks, check out our guide to washing and caring for horse blankets.

Once clean and dry, store your blankets properly to protect them from dirt and moisture. Use a rack, bar, or storage bag to keep them organized and ready for use next winter.

Blanket your horse with the best

When the weather cools down, give your horse the comfort, warmth, and protection they deserve with a blanket from The Farm House. Whether you’re looking to keep them cozy in the barn, dry in the rain, or stylish at shows, we’ve got the perfect options for every need. 

Browse our selection today and blanket your horse with the best! Not sure where to start? Give us a call at 864-457-3557–our team of experienced riders is here to help you find the right fit and style for your horse. 

You may also like:

• Top Cold Weather Horseback Riding Tips
• Colic Weather – Is Your Horse At Risk?
• Tips For Surviving Winter As A Horses Owner