What Are Turnout Blankets, and Does Your Horse Need One?
As the weather gets colder, many horse owners start wondering whether their horses need a blanket. If you’re new to horse ownership, all the different types of horse blankets can feel overwhelming! From lightweight sheets to heavy winter blankets, each one has a different purpose.
At Hutch Farms, we believe understanding your horse’s needs is an important part of keeping them comfortable and healthy year-round. Let’s break down the different types of turnout blankets, what the numbers on the labels mean, and how to measure your horse to find the right fit.
What Is a Turnout Blanket?
A turnout blanket is designed to be worn outside and help protect horses from rain, wind, snow, and cold weather. Most are waterproof or water-resistant and have durable outer materials to handle everyday turnout.
They typically have chest closures, belly straps, and leg straps to help keep the blanket in place while your horse moves around.
Not every horse needs a blanket! Many healthy horses with thick winter coats, adequate forage, and access to shelter can stay comfortable without one. Whether your horse needs a blanket depends on their coat, body condition, age, health, shelter, and weather conditions.
The Different Types of Turnout Blankets
1. Turnout Sheets — No Fill
Turnout sheets have little to no insulation. They’re mainly designed to protect your horse from rain and wind without adding much warmth.
Best for:
Mild, wet weather
Horses that need rain protection but don’t need extra insulation
Some clipped horses in mild conditions, depending on their needs
A sheet can be useful during rainy Southern Utah winters when temperatures fluctuate. However, it won’t provide much warmth on its own.
2. Lightweight Turnout Blankets
Lightweight blankets have a small amount of insulation. They provide more warmth than a sheet without the bulk of a heavy winter blanket.
Best for:
Cool weather
Horses with thinner coats
Clipped horses that need some extra warmth
Mild winter conditions
Remember that a lightweight blanket isn’t automatically appropriate just because it’s winter. Consider the actual weather and your horse’s comfort.
3. Medium-Weight Turnout Blankets
Medium-weight blankets provide more insulation for colder conditions. They’re a common option for horses that need additional warmth during winter.
Best for:
Colder weather
Horses with thinner coats
Some senior horses or horses that struggle to maintain body condition
Clipped horses that need additional insulation
The right amount of insulation depends on your horse, the temperature, wind, moisture, and available shelter.
4. Heavyweight Turnout Blankets
Heavyweight blankets provide substantial insulation for very cold conditions. They can be helpful for clipped horses, horses that struggle to maintain body heat, or horses that need additional protection during severe winter weather.
Best for:
Very cold conditions
Clipped horses that need significant insulation
Horses that struggle to stay warm or maintain body condition
A heavyweight blanket isn’t the best choice for every horse. Over-blanketing can cause sweating and overheating, so check your horse regularly.
What Does 600D, 1200D, or 1680D Mean?
When shopping for turnout blankets, you’ll often see numbers like 600D, 1200D, or 1680D. The letter D stands for denier, which describes the thickness or linear density of the fibers used to make the fabric.
In general, a higher denier fabric is often more durable and resistant to everyday wear and tear. However, denier alone doesn’t determine how waterproof or warm a blanket is.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
600D: A common option for everyday turnout. It can work well for horses that aren’t particularly hard on their blankets.
1200D: Generally, a more durable choice for horses that rub, play, or are tougher on their blankets.
1680D: Often used in heavy-duty blankets designed for increased resistance to wear and abrasion.
These are general guidelines, not guarantees. Fabric construction, weave, coatings, stitching, and the manufacturer’s design all affect durability.
Remember: Denier is not the same as warmth! A 600D blanket can be heavyweight, and a 1200D blanket can be lightweight. To determine warmth, look at the blanket’s fill, usually listed in grams, as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Also check the waterproof rating and breath ability if your horse will be wearing the blanket outdoors.
What Does Blanket Fill Mean?
Blanket fill is the insulation inside the blanket. It’s often measured in grams per square meter (gsm), and it helps indicate how much warmth the blanket provides.
Common categories include:
0g: No insulation; usually a turnout sheet.
50–100g: Light insulation.
150–200g: Medium insulation.
250–400g or more: Heavy insulation, depending on the manufacturer’s classification.
These ranges can vary between brands, so always check the product description. The appropriate fill depends on your horse’s coat, health, body condition, weather, and access to shelter.
How to Measure Your Horse for a Turnout Blanket
Getting the right size is just as important as choosing the right blanket. A blanket that’s too small can rub or restrict movement, while one that’s too large can slip, shift, or create a safety hazard.
Luckily, measuring your horse is fairly simple!
What you’ll need:
A flexible measuring tape
Someone to help hold your horse, if needed
Your horse standing square on level ground
Step 1: Position your horse.
Stand your horse squarely on level ground. Make sure they’re calm and safely held by a competent handler.
Step 2: Find your starting point.
Place the end of the measuring tape at the center of your horse’s chest, where the front of the blanket will sit.
Step 3: Measure along the side.
Run the tape along your horse’s side, following the body toward the rear. For the common US blanket measurement, finish at the point where the buttock meets the tail area, following the manufacturer’s measuring diagram. Keep the tape level and snug without pulling it tightly into the coat.
Step 4: Record the measurement.
Write down the measurement in inches. Many US turnout blankets are sized in even-numbered inches, such as 72, 74, 76, or 78.
Step 5: Check the brand’s sizing chart.
Blanket sizing can vary between manufacturers and styles. Use your horse’s measurement with the specific brand’s chart instead of automatically rounding up or down.
Helpful tip: If your horse measures between sizes, follow the manufacturer’s guidance and consider the horse’s build. A broad-shouldered horse may fit differently from a narrow horse with the same body measurement.
How Should a Turnout Blanket Fit?
Once you’ve purchased a blanket, check how it fits while your horse is standing and moving.
A properly fitted blanket should:
Cover the body without pulling tightly across the chest
Allow comfortable movement through the shoulders
Sit appropriately at the withers without excessive pressure
Stay in place without slipping backward or sideways
Have belly and leg straps adjusted securely according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Check for rubbing, hair loss, sores, loose straps, or shifting. Remove the blanket regularly to inspect your horse’s coat and skin.
How to Tell If Your Horse Is Too Cold or Too Hot
Signs your horse may be too cold:
Persistent shivering
Hunched posture or unusual stiffness
Signs of discomfort
Difficulty maintaining body condition
Signs your horse may be too hot under a blanket:
Sweating beneath the blanket
Damp hair or skin
Excessive warmth under the blanket, especially behind the shoulders
If your horse is persistently shivering or seems unwell, address their immediate needs and seek veterinary advice when appropriate.
Does Every Horse Need a Blanket?
No! A healthy, unclipped horse with a thick winter coat, adequate forage, good body condition, and access to shelter may stay comfortable through winter without a blanket.
Blanketing may be more important for:
Horses with clipped coats
Senior horses that struggle to maintain warmth or weight
Horses with certain health conditions
Horses with thin coats or inadequate body condition
Horses exposed to prolonged cold, wet, and windy weather without sufficient shelter
Winter care isn’t just about blankets. Proper forage, access to unfrozen water, shelter, and daily observation are all important.
Read Here for 3 Ways to Help Prepare Your Horse for Winter
Our Winter Turnout Blanket Recommendation
If you’re shopping for a turnout blanket this season, look for one that fits your horse correctly, suits your local weather, and provides the appropriate amount of insulation. Consider the fabric’s durability, waterproofing, and breathability, too.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through a link, Hutch Farms may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business!
Final Thoughts
Choosing a turnout blanket doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand the different weights, denier ratings, and how to measure your horse, you’ll be better prepared to choose an option that meets their needs.
Remember that every horse is different. Pay attention to your horse, check their blanket regularly, and adjust your winter care routine as the weather changes.
At Hutch Farms, we believe good horsemanship starts with learning what your horse needs and paying attention to the little things that make a big difference.
Stay warm, stay safe, and happy riding!
— Hutch Farms
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