When it comes to blanketing your horse, you will find many different opinions on if you should blanket your horse, when you should blanket your horse and even how to blanket your horse. It can be confusing for any horse owner—whether you're new to horse ownership or an old pro.
First, let's start with the blanket jargon…
Cordura: A tough synthetic nylon material commonly used for the outer layer of turnout blankets. This material is popular for blankets due to its strength as well as its ability to be mildew- and weather-resistant.
Denier: The measure of the strength of the nylon fibers in the material of your horse’s blanket. The density indicates the blanket’s durability and water resistance, so the higher the denier number, the hardier it is.
Fill/Weight: This is the amount of polyester fill material that is in a blanket for insulation. You’ll see this marked with grams (g), which can range from 0 grams in lightweight blankets or sheets to up to 400 grams in heavyweight blankets.
Gusset: The triangles you see sewn into the shoulder area of a horse’s blanket. This extra fabric allows more freedom of movement for your horse, which is important for a turnout blanket.
Hood: Hoods and neck covers are attachments to blankets for horses that need more protection. Most often seen for horses that are body-clipped, currently in competition or exposed to extreme winter elements.
Lining: The inner part of the blanket, which can be made from a variety of materials such as nylon, cotton, wool and even mesh. Mesh linings are for breathability and cooling, while cotton, nylon and wool are for warmth.
Liner: This is an additional layer that you can add to a blanket, instead of investing in a heavier blanket. Liners can be wool or fleece coolers or quilted, and are put on first, under the blanket. Liners are not waterproof on their own.
Sheet: A horse blanket without the insulating fill material. This versatile lightweight covering can be used as a layer under a blanket, used to protect from the wind outside or to keep a horse clean in the barn.
Sizing: Blankets are measured from the midpoint of the chest, around the barrel and to the midpoint of the tailbone (in a straight line). Most blanket brands offer sizes in three-inch increments.
Surcingle: These are the straps that run beneath the belly to help hold the blanket in place. Most blankets have one or two that crisscross under the belly.
Of course, there is more than one type of blanket for a horse owner to choose from:
Turnout Blanket: Blankets that have been designed for outdoor use. Turnout blankets commonly feature gussets at the shoulder for comfortable movement, tail flap for warmth and protection from the wind, and weather-resistant fabric that does not have a seam along the back to allow more protection from the rain and weather.
Belly Wrap: Instead of the standard surcingle straps, a belly wrap has a wider piece of material that covers the belly, providing more coverage and warmth. Belly band straps can be attached with hook and loop or buckle closures.
Canvas Blanket: Thin but mighty, these blankets are made with a coated canvas outer material and an acrylic/wool blend lining. These are not considered heavyweight or waterproof, but can be used indoor or outdoors for the horse that needs some extra warmth.
Cooler: Traditional coolers are made from fleece material and used to wick away moisture in the hair, either from strenuous workout or from being outside in the elements. A fleece cooler with front buckles and belly surcingles can be used as a lightweight option alone, or as a liner under a nylon sheet or blanket.
Full Neck: A full neck blanket has the neck covering attached to the blanket. The design provides extra warmth for the horse.
High Neck: Blankets with a high neck style cover the withers and some of the neck, but not the entire neck. High neck blankets provide wither protection and extra warmth.
Stable Blanket: Stable blankets are typically of quilted design and are not waterproof, making them unsuitable for turnout use. This type of blanket is best for horses that are kept inside most of the winter, but still need extra warmth.
Sheet: Sheets have zero grams of polyfill, no insulation for added warmth. They are created to provide lightweight protection from the elements or to keep a horse clean indoors. Sheets are typically made with a poly outer shell or cotton. They can be layered under a blanket for more protection or used over a fleece cooler for more warmth.
You can learn more about Tough1 blankets and what types of horsewear are best for your horse by checking the Tough1 Guide to Horsewear.
Don't forget to check out PART ONE: Is Your Horse's Blanket Ready for Winter?
