Winter Horse Blankets - How to Choose a Turnout Blanket For Your Horse

Because horse blankets are used for so many different situations, it shouldn't be surprising for you to find that there are many different types of horse blankets and sheets.
Horse blankets typically come in three different weights. A lightweight, known as a sheet, a medium weight for cold weather and a heavy weight for very cold weather. Medium and heavy weight blankets are filled for warmth, whereas sheets do not have any filling. When shopping for blankets, you will also see something referring to "denier" with a number beside it. This is a term used to indicate the size or number of filament or yarn. Sort of like thread count in sheets. The higher the number, the heavier the yarn or fiber. I had a young gelding that was always playing and ripping his blankets, so I always opted for blankets with a higher denier. I found one manufacturer that would guarantee their blankets against rips or tears for up to two years. These still ripped, but when they did, the manufacturer would replace the blanket.
If your horse needs to be protected from the cold but will be spending time in the pasture, you will want to use a turn out blanket. These blankets are made with waterproof materials and are designed so that it is hard for horses to become twisted around if the horse decides to roll around on the ground. Except for these added features, the turn out blanket is quite similar to the stable blanket.
Obviously the weight needed for a winter horse blanket depends on where you live and how cold it gets. On extremely frigid days, I have been known to layer multiple blankets on my horse, if needed. Blanket manufacturers will typically tell you what temperatures their blankets are good for. I often place my hand between the blanket and the horse to see if the horse feels warm. If her body temperature feels cool, I know I need to move to a heavier weight. In general, I use a sheet for weather in the 50's a medium weight in the 30s and 40s and a heavy weight for weather in the 20s and teens. I might also use a sheet if it is in the 60s and raining. Wind chill can warrant the need for a warmer blanket. Every horse is different. Older horses or horses that are clipped may require warmer blanketing. So, you have to gauge what is best for your particular climate and your horse's needs.
There are horse stable blankets and sheets that are worn by the horse while it is in the stable or stall. It is not waterproof and should not be worn while the horse is turned out in the paddock or pasture. While these are nice to have, there's no reason why you can't use a turnout blanket while the horse is in the stall.
For more helpful horse related information, including horse grooming for beginners, visit http://www.beginners-guide-to-horses.com/
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