Millbrook Tack Blog

Overview of Horse Blankets

Horse Blankets by Insulation Weight

Horse blankets are typically categorized by their weights. While each blanket manufacturer might have slightly different specifications, this will help you decode horse blanket weights.

Horse Blankets for All Weather

Choosing a Horse Blanket for Climate and Weather

When buying horse blankets and sheets, consider climate and weather. Think about the general climate your horse is used to, such as a southern climate vs the more extreme climate of the midwest. You’ll also need to account for weather. On wet, cold days, your horse may need a warmer blanket than usual. Even for those that rarely blanket, this is the weather to do it!

It is also important to consider the “feels like” temperature. While the thermometer may say 30 degrees, if the wind is blowing 20 miles per hour, you’ll want to be account for the windchill. In fact, it is always best to blanket according to the “feels like” temperature.

Horse Blanketing Systems

At Millbrook Tack, we often suggest a blanketing system. Blanket manufacturers like Weatherbeeta make their mid-tier blankets with built-in spots to attach a liner, which comes in different insulation options.

For a versatile option, consider buying a 100-gram blanket that is liner compatible. (We love the durability and features of the Weatherbeeta Ultra Tough blankets.) You’ll then have one main blanket that can be used as a light turnout for your horse and then a couple of liners to adjust according to weather and daily activities. While the main blanket may be more expensive, a liner is typically between $100 and $150, and that price will give you a second blanket of excellent quality.

Millbrook Tack’s Approach to Horse Blanketing

When choosing a blanket for your horse, you’ll ultimately need to decide which insulation weight to buy. To help our equestrian customers at Millbrook Tack, we often start by asking:

1. Will you be clipping your horse?
2. How often do you handle your horse in the winter?
3. Do you board your horse or keep it at home?

By asking these questions, Millbrook Tack’s staff can help you figure out the best option for your horse.

Blanketing for Clipped Horses

If your horse is clipped, even partially, such as a trace clip, they will not be able to regulate their body temperature the same way they do with a full winter coat. With a full winter coat, the horse will “fluff up” in the cold, wet conditions to insulate themselves. Often, clipping is necessary when a horse is in training throughout the winter, and we must blanket heavier, often including the use of blanket hoods in some climates.

Choosing a Horse Blanket Depending on How Much You Handle the Horse

If your horse is being handled every day, it is much easier to monitor how comfortable they are with the blanket they are currently wearing. If they won’t be handled every day, it’s important to choose the most versatile blanket possible.

Horse Blanketing at Home vs at a Boarding Barn

If your horse is kept at home, you are obviously in complete control of the situation. If you are at a boarding barn, you need to consider how many blanketing changes per day they offer. You must also consider the staffing situation and how much actual horse knowledge they have, as they may not easily know the difference between the options you provide.

Keep Your Blanketed Horse Warm and Dry

As always, these are general guidelines, and we respect that everyone has their own opinion on blanketing. Consider your typical climate and what your horse is used to, how tough they are on their “clothes,” and how much time you want to put into blanketing to fully ensure your blanketing success!

For help choosing the right blanket for your horse, the team of equestrian experts at Millbrook Tack is happy to help! Email us at info@millbrooktack.com, call us at (616) 281-0777, or send us a message on our Contact Us page.

Horse Blanketing by Temperature

Turnout Sheet: 0 grams insulation

Lightweight Sheet: up to 100 grams insulation

Medium Weight Blanket: 200-300 grams of insulation

Heavyweight Blanket: 350-450 grams of insulation