Understand What Type of Blanket Your Horse Requires

Any time the temperatures start dropping, and winter is closing in, you want to make sure you are equipped with all necessary types of horse sheets and horse blankets. Horse Blankets also helps to improve health of the horsh health. This way you will know your horses are comfortable and protected from the cold weather. However, before purchasing sheets or blankets, evaluate the horse’s living situation, especially its reaction to temperature. From there, you can make the right stock of horse blankets, so you can be covered across all scenarios.



Types of Horse Blankets

As mentioned, it is all about finding the perfect sheet or blanket for your horse. But before that, you need to understand the characteristics of the different types as well.

Horse sheets are basically horse clothing articles without any fill or insulation. Some can be waterproof, so the horse has lightweight coverage, while others are also made from breathable cotton blends that are worn during warmer temperatures. Horse sheets are recommended for places with moderate climates where horses need protection from the elements but not any additional warmth. Additionally, horse sheets are suitable for clipped horses that need protection during the day.

Horse blankets have filling between the inner and outer layers, providing additional warmth to the horse. Blankets also come in a variety of weights, so horses from many different climates can be accommodated.

Turnout Blankets

Turnout Sheets

The name closely describes what you get. It will protect your horse from mud and rain while in the paddock, but also when it is still not cold enough for heavier types of blankets. As turnout sheets don’t have any fill, they are perfect for seasons when the temperatures are normal and reasonable. They are also good for keeping your horse dry, not letting it become wet or even cold.

Light Turnout Blankets

For any horse that runs regularly, or simply has a thick coat, the light turnout blankets are equipped with 100 grams of fill, offering a small warmth level. These blankets can be a great option for any warm day during spring or autumn, or as a layering piece for extra warmth when needed.

Medium Turnout Blankets 

The medium-turnout blankets have the same characteristics as the lightweights, just with extra fill, ranging from 180-200 grams. Being one of the most common types of blankets, many horses love the blanket weight and enjoy that extra warmth when needed.

Heavy Turnout Blankets

As a last piece of turnover blankets, these are the heaviest and warmest blankets on the market with 300-400 grams fill as their minimum amount. Any horse that is clipped, is raised in climates with cold weather, or just runs colder than others, is the perfect candidate for the weight of a turnout blanket.

Stable Blankets

H4 - Stable Sheets

The stable sheet is pretty much just a regular cover. The usage idea is for keeping the horse dust-free. As they do not offer some specific warmth, they are usually made of cotton and nylon.

Light to Heavy Stable Blankets

The light to heavy stable blankets offer a similar warmth capacity to the turnouts. However, they’re more fitted but are not waterproof. If the horse is outside, with another sheet underneath and you will find the perfect balance, but once at home, the blanket by itself will be enough.

Turnout Blankets vs. Stable Blankets

The turnout blankets, with a capacity to go against the outside elements, can keep horses dry. The main thing is that it is waterproof, making it the right option for horses that spend a lot of time outside. There are also options for the level of thickness, depending on the conditions.

The stable blankets, on the other hand, have similar characteristics to the turnout blankets–minus the waterproof option. As you can imagine, these are mostly used for horses that spend most of their time inside. These are also available in different fills and densities.

Conclusion

As the temperatures are dropping, and days become shorter, it is normal for you to be interested in finding the right type of horse blanket, so you can keep your horse comfortable no matter the outdoor temperature. And yes, your horse for sure might not need every single type of blanket out there, but it is good to understand the different fills, their characteristics, which is better for cold temperatures, and which one is just for inside the stable. After all, preparation is key to taking the best care of your horse.