Winter Horse Blankets

Winter horse blankets help protect horses from cold temperatures, wind, rain, snow and changing winter weather. The right blanket can help your horse stay warm and comfortable while reducing exposure to wet, chilly conditions, especially for clipped horses, older horses, thin horses and animals that spend long hours outdoors. Horse blankets come in different weights, including lightweight sheets, medium-weight blankets and heavyweight winter blankets, so choose insulation based on your horse’s coat, body condition, shelter and local climate. Look for turnout blankets made with waterproof, breathable fabric, secure leg straps, adjustable chest closures and a proper fit that allows your horse to move freely without rubbing at the shoulders, withers or hindquarters.

A good winter horse blanket should fit snugly without feeling tight and stay in place during turnout, rolling and everyday movement. Measure your horse from the center of the chest to the center of the tail to find the correct blanket size, then check the manufacturer’s sizing chart before buying. Keep an eye on your horse’s comfort throughout the season by checking under the blanket for sweating, dampness, chills or weight loss, and remove or change layers as temperatures shift. Regularly inspect blankets for torn fabric, broken buckles and wet insulation, and keep a spare clean, dry horse blanket on hand for muddy or snowy days. Proper grooming, plenty of hay and access to wind protection or a dry shelter also support your horse’s natural ability to stay warm in winter.