Horse Blanketing Guide

The Complete Equestrian Blanketing Guide: How to Choose the Right Blanket for Every Horse and Season

 

Blanketing isn’t a ‘one-size fits all’ decision - every situation is going to have different requirements when it comes to outfitting your horse with the blanket that is right for them on that day. 

With the ever changing weather patterns, it can become quite the challenge to determine what type of blanket your horse will need for the day. There is no one right answer, as it depends on your horse’s lifestyle, coat, and the weather where they live - some horses may thrive staying naked, while others freeze in 70°F. 

At Corro, we’re here to help you make an informed decision on what type of blanket(s) best fit your horse - with expert tips and all of your favorite blanket brands in one place.

Why Horses Are (and Aren’t) Blanketed

Blankets can be essential for some horses, but aren’t necessary for every single one. Has your horse been body clipped recently? Do they have a thinner coat? Are they outdoors in cold or windy conditions? Is your horse older or recovering from an illness? Do you need to keep their coat clean and protected the night before a show? If your answer is yes to one or more of these questions, it is more than likely that your horse will need a blanket. 

However, if your horse has a naturally thick winter coat, available shelter to protect from weather conditions, is healthy and in good condition, or the temperature is relatively mild - a blanket may not be necessary. 

Which Blanket Should I Use?

Let’s say your horse does in fact need a blanket - how are you supposed to know what type of blanket they need? The five main types of blankets are turnout blankets and sheets, stable blankets, coolers and anti-sweat sheets, fly sheets and summer blankets, and liners/layering blankets. 

Turnout Blankets and Sheets: durable and waterproof, turnout blankets and sheets are made for outdoor wear and come in varying weights.

Sheet (0 grams) - ideal for protecting your horse from rain on warmer days

Lightweight (0-150 grams) - for days that are a bit cooler, but not quite ‘cold’ yet

Medium (150-300 grams) - a thicker blanket that is great for your average winter chill

Heavy (300+ grams) - the ultimate blanket weight to protect from frigid temperatures 

Stable Blankets: Cozy, breathable blankets that provide just a bit of warmth. These blankets are ideal for horses kept indoors in the winter time as they are typically not waterproof. SHOP NOW

Coolers and Anti-Sweat Sheets: Perfect for after a hard ride or bath to keep the chills away by wicking away moisture.   SHOP NOW

Fly Sheets and Summer Blankets: Super lightweight and breathable, these blankets are used to protect from insects and/or sun exposure to prevent sun burn.   SHOP NOW

Liners/Layering Blankets: A way to add or remove warmth without changing out the entire blanket, great for a climate that has constantly changing temperatures.  SHOP NOW

 

How to Choose the Right Weight

Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of blankets, how do you determine what weight of blanket is appropriate for your horse? 

This depends mainly on the ‘feels-like’ temperature - as opposed to the actual temperature, the ‘feels-like’ or apparent temperature describes how the air actually feels when you step outside. Another main factor is whether or not your horse is clipped, as not having a solid winter coat will likely mean that your horse will need a heavier weight of blanket. 

Below is an easy temperature guide for you to use to determine what weight of blanket your horse will need depending on if they are clipped or not, as well as the current ‘feels-like’ temperature. 

Please avoid overblanketing your horse - they are more resilient than you think and struggle much more with overheating than being a bit cold. If you notice your horse sweating or having any skin issues, that’s a sign to remove some layers. 

How to Measure and Fit a Blanket

Alright, you know what type of blanket you want to use and when to use it depending on the climate - now how do you determine your horse’s blanket size? 

Measuring 101: make sure your horse is standing square, meaning all four of their feet are in line with each other. Then measure from the top of your horse’s withers to the point on their tail you would like the blanket to lay, and round up to the nearest size. If you have the chance to test different blanket sizes on your equine, make sure that you can comfortably stick a hand in the blanket at their shoulders and that it isn’t hanging too far off of their tail. 

You know your blanket fits correctly when the shoulders can move comfortably, the chest pieces close without pinching the horse, the belly straps are snug but not too tight, and the blanket doesn’t slide or twist when the horse moves around. 

Blanket Care - Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Once you have your blanket, it’s important to take proper care of it so that it lasts for as long as possible. Most blankets will come with washing and care instructions, but here is a general guide you can follow when cleaning and maintaining your blankets. 

• Wash with mild detergent only - do not use additives such as bleach or fabric softener

• Air dry only - dryer heat can damage the fibers and fabric blankets are made of

• Patch small rips as needed - it’s better to sew them when you first notice rather than waiting

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Final Thoughts: Comfort Comes First

Every horse is different—and so is every winter. The best approach to blanketing is observation, flexibility, and care.

At Corro, we’re here to help you keep your horse comfortable, healthy, and happy year-round.

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