Waterproof Horse Turnout Blankets for Cold Weather Turnout, Wet Pastures, and Winter Stable Use
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1200D Ripstop Outer Shell: Tear-resistant denier fabric sheds rain, sleet, and mud without soaking through — confirmed across the majority of styles in this collection.
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Belly Wrap System: Adjustable cross-surcingles with a wraparound belly band keep the blanket centered and secure during turnout movement — visible across blanket styles in product images.
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Adjustable Front Closures: Multiple front buckle points allow a customized chest fit for horses of varying builds, from narrower Thoroughbreds to broader stock breeds.
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Neck Cover and Hood Options: Select styles include attached poly neck covers or separate hoods for extended protection during severe cold or wind-driven rain.
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Wide Size Range: Available from 66" to 84", covering ponies, average-sized horses, and warmbloods — with even-inch increments for a closer fit.
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Color and Pattern Variety: Solid colors, Aztec prints, tribal, floral, plaid, and American Flag designs so your horse can be protected without looking plain.
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Trusted by Riders Nationwide: Over 95,000 happy horse blanket owners across the U.S. and internationally — barn-approved and competition-tested across all climate zones.
How to Choose the Right Horse Turnout Blanket
Denier: 600D vs 1200D Shell
Denier measures outer fabric thickness and abrasion resistance. The 600D blankets in this collection suit horses that are generally calm in turnout, paddock-kept, or on a tighter budget. The 1200D ripstop styles are the better choice for active horses, horses turned out in rough terrain, or those that roll frequently — the heavier shell holds up to sustained friction and puncture far longer.
Weight and Fill
This collection includes standard-weight winter turnout blankets and heavy-weight options with additional fill for colder climates. If your winters routinely drop below freezing and your horse is clipped, a heavy-weight blanket with neck cover — like the 1200D Premium Heavy-Weight styles in this collection — provides full coverage. For milder winters or horses with a natural winter coat, a standard fill turnout blanket is typically sufficient.
Belly Wrap vs Standard Leg Straps
Most blankets in this collection use a belly wrap system — adjustable cross-surcingles with a central belly band — rather than traditional individual leg straps. The belly wrap distributes tension more evenly across the underside of the horse and is less likely to cause rub marks on the inner thighs during extended turnout. It is a particularly good fit for horses sensitive to leg strap pressure.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Horse Turnout Blanket
Sizing by weight instead of length is the most common error — always measure from chest to tail. Choosing too heavy a fill for a horse that is not clipped and lives outdoors full-time can cause overheating on milder days. Skipping the neck cover on horses kept in exposed, wind-prone paddocks often leads to a blanket that keeps the barrel warm but leaves the neck unprotected in driving rain.
What Happens When a Turnout Blanket Fits Correctly
A properly fitted turnout blanket sits level across the back without pulling forward at the withers or sliding back toward the hindquarters during movement. The front chest closure should lie flat with no gaping — enough room for two fingers at the shoulder but no loose folds that can catch on fence posts or feeders. The belly wrap should be snug enough to prevent twisting during rolling but not tight enough to restrict the natural drop of the barrel when the horse grazes. Riders who switch from standard leg straps to a belly wrap system consistently report fewer rub marks and more stable blanket position through the night.
1200D Ripstop vs 600D Shell — Which Turnout Blanket Is Right for Your Horse?
1200D Ripstop Turnout Blanket
The 1200D ripstop outer fabric is the heavier, more abrasion-resistant option and represents the majority of styles in this collection. The ripstop weave prevents small tears from spreading — a critical feature for horses that test fence lines, roll on rough ground, or have active paddock companions. Best for: horses in rough turnout conditions, active or social horses, cold and wet climates.
600D Turnout Blanket
The 600D styles offer waterproof protection at a lighter shell weight, making them a practical choice for milder winters or horses that are managed in calmer, lower-abrasion environments. They carry the same belly wrap and adjustable front closure design as the 1200D range. Best for: calm horses in smaller paddocks, milder climate zones, or barn owners managing a larger herd on a consistent budget.
Turnout Sheet (Light Rain Sheet)
The light turnout sheet option in this collection provides waterproof wind and rain protection without insulating fill — designed for horses that need weather coverage during cool but not truly cold conditions, or as a layering shell over a stable blanket. Best for: shoulder-season weather, horses with heavy winter coats, or as a rain layer during early-fall turnout.
Horse Turnout Blanket Questions Answered
How do I measure my horse for a turnout blanket?
Stand your horse squarely on level ground. Using a soft tape measure or a piece of string, measure from the center of the chest (where the neck meets the breast) straight along the side of the body to the center of the tail. That measurement in inches is your horse blanket size. For example, a measurement of 72 inches means you need a size 72 turnout blanket. When between sizes, size up for more coverage.
What is the difference between a turnout blanket and a fly sheet?
Turnout blankets and fly sheets are completely different products that serve different purposes. A turnout blanket is an insulated, waterproof blanket worn during cold or wet weather to keep a horse warm and dry. A fly sheet is a lightweight mesh sheet worn in warm weather to protect the horse from flies and biting insects — it provides no insulation and is not waterproof. Never use them interchangeably.
What does 1200D mean on a horse blanket?
1200D refers to the denier count of the outer shell fabric — a measure of how thick and abrasion-resistant the yarn is. A 1200D ripstop shell is significantly heavier and more tear-resistant than a 600D shell. It holds up better against horses that roll aggressively, rub on fencing, or share a paddock with other horses. For tough turnout conditions, 1200D is the recommended choice.
Do I need a neck cover with my horse turnout blanket?
Neck covers are most valuable for clipped horses, horses in exposed paddocks with little wind shelter, or during storms with driving rain. If your horse has a full winter coat and access to a run-in shed, a standard blanket without a neck cover is usually adequate. Hilason offers both standalone turnout blankets and styles bundled with attached poly neck covers or separate hoods for full-coverage protection.
Can I use a turnout blanket for a horse kept in a stall?
Turnout blankets can be used in stalls but are designed primarily for outdoor conditions. For a horse that spends most of its time in a stable, a quilted stable blanket — like the 420D stable blanket option in this collection — is a better fit. Stable blankets are constructed without the heavy waterproof outer shell, making them more breathable and comfortable for horses in enclosed, dry environments.
How do I know if my horse blanket fits correctly?
A correctly fitted turnout blanket sits level across the back without pulling at the withers or bunching at the croup. You should be able to fit two fingers between the chest closure and the horse's breast. The belly wrap should be snug enough to prevent the blanket from rotating during rolling, but not so tight it restricts normal grazing posture. If the blanket rides forward or twists to one side consistently, size up or adjust the surcingles.
Explore related horse care essentials: Horse Fly Sheets for warm-weather insect protection, All Horse Blankets & Sheets for the full range, Fly Masks, and Horse Supply for everyday barn essentials.
