Horses are not like people. Even in the winter, they can keep themselves warm. You can blame this on their thick bodies that are capable of retaining heat for much longer periods than humans.
They are also blessed with thick coats of hair that will trap layers of warm air. So long as you keep your horses properly fed, you have nothing to worry about where cold weather is concerned.
Of course, that only refers to ideal situations that involve healthy, adult horses with thick coats of hair. The same cannot be said for young, old, or even sick horses that have been clipped, depriving them of their hair.
Such horses need all the help you can give them to stay warm in the winter. And this is where the best waterproof horse blankets enter the picture. As you have probably noticed, we have chosen to emphasize the ‘waterproof’ aspect of horse blankets.
This is because horse blankets are not waterproof by default. There are plenty of models that cannot repel water. You need to deliberately seek out waterproof horse blankets. You shouldn’t presume that every blanket you buy is waterproof.
Waterproofing is important because a wet horse loses heat much faster than a dry horse. No matter how much hay you feed a horse, it cannot remain warm if you keep permitting the rain to drench it.
The best waterproof horse blankets play several roles. First of all, they will repel water, keeping the horse dry and allowing its coat of hair to retain the warm its body produces.
Secondly, they will wick excess moisture away, reducing the frequency with which the horse sweats. Third, they will allow the animal’s muscles to warm gradually when you take the horse out of the barn on a cold day, preventing the sudden chill in the air from shocking its body.
If all that sounds too good to be true, you should know that finding a horse blanket that does everything you want is difficult. You have to consider the denier, fill weight, lining, neck and leg fittings, buckles, gussets, tail cords, arches, and so much more.
The ordinary amateur equestrian has no hope of successfully juggling all those factors to find and secure the best horse blanket. This is why we have generated the list below.
It has all the best waterproof blankets you might want for your horse. Whether you choose to read the individual reviews or you prefer to browse the comparison table, one of these blankets is bound to suit the needs of your horse.
Best Waterproof Horse Blanket Reviews
1. Tough-1 1200D Poly Turnout Snuggit Horse Blanket
As the name suggests, this is a tough 1200 denier horse blanket that is as breathable as it is waterproof. It is designed to keep your horse safe and comfortable in a variety of weather conditions, including rain.
Expect double-sewn heavy nylon binding that will add to the strength of the material, not to mention double-sewn stress points that have been reinforced to prevent tears.
The fleece at the withers will prevent rubbing. The shoulder gusset safeguards the animal’s freedom of movement, also preventing rubbing in the shoulder area.
You can use the elastic leg straps to prevent the blanket from shifting. It includes a double buckle front closure whose Velcro straps have rust-resistant nickel, 210 Denier Poly lining, 300g Polyfill, and a low cross surcingle that is easy to adjust.
The blanket comes in a variety of sizes and light color options. You need to measure your horse from the chest to the butt to determine its dimensions. This will allow you to identify the right size to purchase. Make your measurements in inches.
Ultimately, even if you fail to get the product in the most accurate size, you can always make adjustments around the neck to make the blanket fit the horse. The leg straps have been known to lose their elasticity after a while, especially with prolonged exposure to rain.
Pros
- 1200 Denier Material and 300g Polyfill
- Breathable and waterproof
- Reinforced, double-sewn stress points
Cons
- Leg straps may lose elasticity after prolonged exposure to the elements
2. Tough-1 1200D Turnout Belly Wrap Horse Blanket
This is a strong blanket that uses a 1200 Denier ripstop outer shell and 210 Denier Poly lining to keep your horse safe from the elements. The material is waterproof. As the name suggests, it has a belly wrap you can adjust. Not only does it allow the blanket to fit more securely but it offers an extra layer of warmth.
As you might expect from this brand, adjustments can also be made to the neck area; though, you are still encouraged to get the blanket in the appropriate size. You have numerous options to choose from.
The leg straps are a little lacking and the buckles are cheap. But both can be removed and replaced with superior options.
Expect a double-snap front closure, shoulder gussets that allow the horse to move freely, and fleece on the withers to prevent rubbing. The product also comes with a tail flap.
Where maintenance is concerned, you can hand-wash with cool water and mild detergent or machine wash with a commercial machine, cold water, and mild detergent.
Pros
- Neck area can adjust to provide a secure fit
- Waterproof
- Fleece wither protection
Cons
- Cheap buckles
3. HILASON 1200D Poly Waterproof Turnout Winter Horse Blanket
This is a pretty turquoise blanket made from heavy-duty 1200 Denier toughmaster brand polyester which is waterproof. The ripstop outer shell is breathable. This allows the blanket to serve your horse in all weather conditions.
Boasting 400gms High-Grade Poly Fill, it is unlikely to suffocate the animal with heat when the temperatures rise. The product’s durability can be imputed to the Persian twisted woven taffeta lining which is highly durable, capable of withstanding the wear and tear that comes from extensive daily use.
The seams have been double-stitched, taped, and reinforced to further strengthen the blanket.
Additional features include shoulder gussets that maintain the horse’s freedom of movement, fleece withers protection to prevent rubbing, elastic leg straps that can be removed, low cross surcingle, and a belly wrap system.
Pros
- Tafeta Lining can withstand the wear and tear of daily use
- Ripstop shell is breathable and waterproof
- Seams are taped, double-stitched and reinforced for added strength
4. Derby Originals Arctic Plaid 1200D Ripstop Waterproof Winter Turnout Blanket
This blanket is compatible with damp weather conditions because it has 300g of Polyfil; the shell is a sturdy ripstop nylon. The shoulder gusset will ensure that the horse retains its freedom of movement.
The soft fleece withers protection can be trusted to protect the animal from rubbing. The 1200 Denier ripstop nylon construction is incredibly durable, difficult to tear, and resistant to cuts.
It is unlikely to unravel or deteriorate regardless of the behavior of your horse in the barn. The 300g polyfill has strong insulation properties that create a soft and warm layer that doesn’t make the blanket any heavier. It allows the blanket to keep your horse safe from sub-zero weather. The 210T nylon inner lining will prevent irritation on the hair coat.
The closures are strong. They will not rust regardless of their exposure to cold and damp weather. The manufacturer offers a 2-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Keeps your horse warm in sub-zero weather
- 2-year warranty
- Resistant to cuts and tears
5. Weatherbeeta ComFiTec Essential Turnout Blanket
Because it was made by a company with decades of experience in the industry, this is a durable blanket made from 1200 Denier fabric. The ripstop outer shell is waterproof and breathable.
This allows the blanket to keep your horse warm and comfortable in cold weather, but not too warm. The waterproofing wears off but you can reinforce it with a waterproof spray.
The product includes a neck cover and a tail flap that protect the horse from windy conditions. The fleece on the withers prevents rubbing whereas the 210T polyester lining creates a smooth sensation that produces a shiny coat.
Additional features include adjustable leg straps (that are removable), twin adjustable buckle front closure, and a side gusset that protects the horse’s natural movement.
Pros
- Waterproof and breathable
- 1200D material is strong and durable
- Fleece on the withers prevents rubbing
Cons
- Waterproofing Wears off
Why and When Horse Needs Blanket?
When it gets cold, most people react by throwing a sweater on. And amateurs that have horses tend to presume that the animals require a similar treatment. But that isn’t necessarily true. This is what you should understand:
1). Why Horses Don’t Need Blankets?
It isn’t that difficult to understand why some horse owners think that their horses need blankets. But horses don’t operate like humans:
Hay
Horses are more effective at staying warm than humans. Even in the cold, if you feed them hay, you can trust their bodies to keep the cold at bay. When horses eat hay, a fermentation process occurs on the inside that produces heat. This is why professionals are more interested in feeding their horses appropriately on cold nights than they are in fitting them with blankets.
What you need to remember is that horses have thick bodies that are capable of retaining warmth for much longer durations than the skinny human form.
Hair
When winter comes, a horse’s hair fluffs up, essentially standing on its end. That isn’t just for show. It is a defense mechanism, one that allows the creature to trap a layer of warm air over its skin; this will keep the cold at bay. A horse with a nice coat of hair, plenty of hay, and decent water supply is more than capable of staying warm on a cold day.
2). Why Blankets are Dangerous?
Blankets are not just unnecessary for most horses. They can become an inconvenience in so many situations, for instance:
Biting
Believe it or not, your horse is more than capable of biting their blanket. This can become a source of frustration for people that spend exorbitant amounts on blankets only for their horse to rip them to pieces.
Entanglements
A horse can become tangled in a blanket, especially the leg and belly straps. This can restrict the movement of the horse, threatening to stumble the animal when it is on the move.
Chafing
Some blankets are made from a material so rough that it causes chafing when your horse’s skin rubs against it. Some blankets can actually cut into the horse’s skin.
Overheating
A good blanket should be breathable. However, some models are so suffocating that they overwhelm the horse with heat, causing it to sweat and resulting in discomfort.
3). When a Horse Needs a Blanket?
As you can see, blankets are not necessarily the best solution to your horse’s weather problems. That being said, there are situations that might require the use of a blanket for your horse:
Age
Older and younger horses are not quite as efficient at maintaining their temperature. If you have senior horses or foals, it might prove necessary to blanket them in the winter.
Hair
Many horses have nice coats that can be trusted to contain their body heat. But some horses have thin coats that are simply not as efficient at accomplishing this task. If yours is one such horse, you should blanket it.
This also applies to horses whose hair you have clipped to minimize overheating and sweating.
Shelter
A horse has an easier chance of staying warm indoors. But if your horse is exposed to the elements on a cold night, a blanket will help the animal regulate its temperature. It will also keep the horse dry.
Climate
Horses that come from warmer climates are not as efficient at regulating their temperature in cold weather. If your horse recently migrated from a warm region, a blanket will enable it to maintain its warmth until it grows accustomed to the new conditions.
Some other considerations to keep in mind include:
- Your horse should be clean and dry before you apply a blanket to it
- Keep the weight of the blanket in mind. Some horses need thick, heavy layers to survive. Others can get by with a lighter blanket
- Don’t forget to groom your horse. Take the blanket off from time to time to perform this task.
- Try to keep the horse dry. Even with a thick coat, a horse will lose heat if it gets wet. This is why many horse blankets are waterproof.
Types of Horse Blankets
Horse blankets are not all the same. And before you choose one, you need to first settle on the type you want. Your options will include:
Rain
Rain Sheets are, as the name suggests, sheets that are lightweight and waterproof. You can use them on their own or in combination with blankets that lack waterproofing. They are effective for combating rain and the slight chill it brings.
Turnout
Turnout blankets are suitable for winter conditions. They are thick, rugged products that you can find in light, medium, and heavy fill levels. They are normally waterproof. You are encouraged to keep multiple turnout blankets of different weights so you can change them out according to changes in the weather.
Cooler
Normally made from fleece or wool, cooler blankets have moisture-wicking properties. They are supposed to keep the horse cool whenever you take the animal out in the winter. But they won’t let it catch a chill in the process.
Stable
A stable blanket is basically a turnout blanket but it isn’t waterproof. You use it when your horse is indoors. It comes in various weights.
Quarter
This sheet is suitable for horses that you want to ride in the winter. You are supposed to throw it over the lower back and hind end. This will allow the animal’s muscles to gradually warm-up. Otherwise, the chilly air might shock its body when you first take it out.
What to Consider Before Buying a Horse Blanket?
Horse blankets are not cheap. Therefore, before you spend your hard-earned money buying one, you need to ensure that you are getting the best possible model. That means taking the following factors into account:
1). Size
This has to be your starting point. You need to match the size of the blanket you want to the size of your horse. That means measuring your horse before selecting a blanket. Fortunately, the process isn’t that hard. It involves the following:
- Run a tape measure from the center of the horse’s chest, along its side, to the point where the buttocks and the tail meet.
- The tape measure should be level. It should also pass over the widest part of the shoulder
- The horse’s true size is the number of inches you record
2). Denier
The denier tells you how tough your blanket will be. As you might expect, the higher the denier rating, the stronger and more durable the blanket. A blanket with a higher denier is more cost-effective because it is less likely to tear.
3). Fill
The fill is concerned with the warmth of the blanket. If you don’t know how to determine whether or not a blanket can keep your horse warm, just look at the fill weight.
It tells you the amount of fill the blanket has. You can get horse blankets in light, medium, heavy, and extra-heavy fill weights. The fill weight you select will depend on the weather conditions. The colder the weather, the heavier the blanket required.
4). Water
Blankets placed on horses that have to move in cold weather should be waterproof. Horses have thick coats that can keep them warm. But that temperature-regulating ability becomes ineffective once they get wet. A waterproof blanket can go a long way in maintaining their warmth.
5). Design
The appearance of a blanket cannot affect its functionality. That being said, some people are concerned about the colors of the blankets used to cover their horses. You also have barns that will only permit the horses they house to feature blankets of specific colors.
In most cases, you can permit your personal tastes and preferences to guide you in this area. But when it comes to riding your horse through wooded areas, especially during hunting season, you are encouraged to use bright colors that make the horse easier to see.
6). Money
Blankets are available in a variety of price ranges. Because the best blankets are quite expensive, you are discouraged from prioritizing money over quality. A cheap and poorly made blanket will harm your horse.
7). Fit
It isn’t enough to match the size of the blanket to the size of the horse. You should take the time to ensure that the blanket you have chosen is a suitable fit for the horse. That means watching the horse walk and taking the following into account:
- Shoulder
The blanket has a front closure whose top should line up with the front of the animal’s shoulder. The neckline, on the other hand, should lie above the shoulder. It shouldn’t pull.
- Withers
Make sure that the blanket hasn’t been pulled tightly across the horse’s withers. You should be able to slide your hand between the blanket and the withes.
- Length
When the blanket is secured in place, it should end below the elbow and stifle. It should cover the entirety of the animal’s barrel.
How Should I Put Blanket on My Horse?
Putting a blanket on a horse isn’t that hard if you know how to handle horses:
- First of all, the blanket goes on front to back and comes off back to front.
- Fold the back half towards the middle and then the front half of the back towards the middle.
- Once the blanket has been folded in thirds, lay it over the middle of the horse’s back.
- Start unfolding it. Once it is spread out, start by securing the buckles at the chest. Move to the buckles and straps at the belly and then the legs.
- Keep the straps loose. You don’t want to bind the horse.
- Cross the rear leg straps to keep the blanket centered.
- When it comes to taking the blanket off, unbuckle the leg straps. Move to the belly and then the chest. Fold the front half of the blanket back to the middle and slide it off from the hindquarters.
At What Temperature Does a Horse Need a Blanket?
While people tend to disagree on this matter, this is the consensus that some circles have reached:
- If the temperatures exceed 50 degrees F, no blanket is needed. Add a simple sheet if the horse was clipped
- If the temperatures range between 40 and 50, you still don’t need a blanket, unless the horse was clipped, in which case a light blanket or a sheet will do
- If the temperatures range between 30 and 40, the horse can still get by without a blanket. Though, you can use a lightweight model if you have reasons to be concerned, or a medium to heavyweight blanket if the horse was clipped
- If the temperatures range between 20 and 30, you can use a light-medium weight blanket, though many horses can survive without one. With clipped horses, it is necessary to use a heavyweight blanket.
- Once temperatures dip below 20, the horse needs a blanket, one that is either medium or heavyweight. If the horse was clipped, add a sheet.
How Do You Clean a Horse Blanket?
Horse blankets are not like ordinary blankets. And because they are used to cover an animal that sleeps outside, they are going to get dirty. Your approach to maintenance will depend on the blanket:
Lightweight
If the blanket is lightweight, you can wash it in a machine. This applies to coolers and sheets which are not as bulky. Before throwing your lightweight blanket in a machine, you should hose it down to remove hair, mud, and manure. These components will ruin your washer.
Heavyweight
Heavyweight blankets are more complicated to maintain because they are too heavy to wash in some machines.
- You have to start by removing the fur and mud they have accumulated using a shedding blade.
- Once that is done, use a stiff brush to remove the loose dirt
- With the bulk of the fur and mud gone, hose the blanket down.
- Scrub it with a powerful but delicate detergent. You are encouraged to use cold water.
- Add some fabric softener to make the blanket feel softer and easier to work with.
- Rinse the blanket thoroughly to keep the soap residue from irritating the horse’s skin.
- Dry it just as thoroughly before putting it in storage. Because a tumble dryer can damage the waterproofing components, dry the blanket naturally. Leave it out on a line.
How Do You Store a Horse Blanket?
The process typically involves the following:
- Check the buckles. If they are rusted, remove the rust with a steel brush or replace the buckles.
- If there are rips or tears, take the time to fix them
- Don’t forget to wash the blanket. Clean it thoroughly. Ensure that every scrap of hair and mud has been removed. Better yet, take the blanket to a professional. Let them deal with it
- Once it is dry, spray it with a waterproof coating; mark it with your horse’s name and any size-related information you might require down the line.
- Place the blanket in a vacuum bag. Put the bag in a clean, dry place where rodents are less likely to reach it. You can also keep it in the bag it came with.
Horse Blanket-Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Stop My Horse from Rubbing his Blanket?
If your horse keeps rubbing his blanket, it means that the blanket wasn’t fitted properly. If that isn’t the cause, the blanket is probably dirty. This can cause chafing.
Besides cleaning and fitting the blanket appropriately, you can use a stretch sheet or shoulder guard to allow the blanket to glide over the spots where the rubbing occurs most frequently.
Should You Blanket a Wet Horse?
Yes, you can blanket a wet horse. If it is a good blanket, it will wick the moisture away. Whatever is left will evaporate.
Conclusion
As you can see, the best waterproof horse blankets are difficult to come by. But as any professional will tell, the effort required to find the best blankets is worth it. A bad blanket will harm your horse, either causing entanglements or chaffing.
A good blanket, on the other hand, will keep your horse dry, allowing it to retain its warmth, keeping its coat in good shape and heating its muscles before the horse goes for a run in the winter.