If you’re like me, you research everything before making a purchase—especially when it’s a significant one. Buying a blanket for your horse is an important decision, and while it can sometimes be a pricey investment, it doesn’t have to break the bank! In this post, I’ll not only share tips to help you save money on your horse’s winter blanket but also explain the different types available and offer some recommendations to make the process easier.
First stop: Denier levels. Let’s talk about durability. Denier refers to the strength of the blanket’s outer material. The higher the denier, the tougher the blanket and the less likely it is to rip—which is a lifesaver if your horse likes to play rough. You’ll often see options like 600D, 1200D, and 1700D. Personally, I always go for 1200D blankets. Why? Because Moose, my horse, is always out in the pasture with other horses, and I’d rather not deal with unexpected tears. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than showing up at the barn and realizing your horse has shredded their blanket overnight. If you’re okay with a few repairs here and there and have someone who can handle it, you might get away with a lighter denier. But honestly? I’d recommend sticking to 1200D as your go-to—it’s worth the peace of mind.
Second stop: Blanket fill. Now, let’s talk warmth. Fill is measured in grams, and the higher the number, the cozier the blanket. This decision depends a lot on where you live and whether your horse spends the winter in a barn or out in the elements. In a perfect world, you’d have a few options on hand: light, medium, heavy, and even extra heavy for those freezing days. That might sound like a lot, but having the right blanket at the right time can make all the difference for your horse’s comfort. Not sure where to start? I’ve included an amazing chart from Weaver Leather that breaks down exactly what kind of blanket your horse needs for different temperatures.
Third stop: Front closures. Blanketing a horse can be no joke with all of the straps, especially with cold fingers! Depending on the blanket, the brand, and the weight there are a few different kinds of closures. Let’s start with the front closure of the blanket. There’s Velcro, which I’m not a fan of because once it gets dirty it’s game over-doesn’t stick well after that. There are blankets that have a combination of Velcro and surcingle straps, which look like these Tough 1 replacement surcingles:
These are pretty standard for front closures and belly straps on horse blankets. I like having these in addition to the Velcro to make sure the blanket stays in place. I’ve found a good few blankets that have Velcro in combination with regular clips that look like this:
Or this:
I prefer the clips because they’re easier to put on but they can be easier to break if your horse gets them snagged on something. Whichever one you choose, you can’t go really go wrong.
Fourth stop: Belly straps. There are three main types of belly straps for blankets out there: two-surcingle, three-surcingle, and belly wraps or bands. Blankets with two surcingles will cross over each other under the belly, and blankets with three surcingles will have two cross over with one going across the middle of the belly. Belly bands or wraps generally still attach with surcingles but have a large piece of fabric that comes across the horse’s belly, like this:
My preference has almost always been for the three-surcingle blankets when I can get them; if not, I’ll reach for the two-surcingle. I’ve never had much love for the belly band or wrap simply because I feel like it can be easy for a horse’s foot to get caught, or even for it to get caught on a gate latch while they’re walking through To be fair, I’ve never gotten a blanket with a belly wrap for Moose, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it now that he’s an old man. They do offer better coverage and can help keep a horse’s belly clean and warm during those oh-so-fun muddy months!
Fifth stop: Tail flap. The tail flap itself doesn’t need a closure but there is almost always some type of strap system on the hind end of the blanket. You have the no-fuss version, which consists of one strap that goes straight across underneath the horse’s tail and attaches with a snap to a D-ring. The next most common option you will see is two straps attached near the tail flap, called leg straps, that cross between the horse’s hind legs and attach to D-rings near their belly. The last system you’ll see that is less common is a simple braided rope that you thread the horse’s tail through. I’ve seen this on some simpler sheets and fleece coolers. I prefer the one-strap system for Moose nowadays, but back in his wilder days I almost always got him the two-strap system to keep the blanket securely in place as much as possible. That one is definitely my recommendation for anyone with a younger. more energetic horse.
Sixth stop: Neck covers. Do you need one or not? The answer is: sometimes! I would prefer to have one and not need it than need it and not have it. This is what they look like:
They’re great for horses that live primarily outdoors or if you just want your horse to be extra comfortable in colder weather. They’re also perfect for horses who, for some reason, refuse to come inside on their own when it’s wet outside-we all have known one of these at least once. I got one for Moose that came with his new blanket and I love it. It keeps the rain and snow off of him while he’s outside and keeps the old man from burning any extra calories that he can’t afford to lose. He’s never been the kind of guy to like being stuck inside so this is an awesome addition for him.
Now for the part you’ve all been waiting for…how do you save money on horse blankets?? A great place to start is to check with other owners or trainers at your barn to see if they have one you can buy or know someone that does. Word of mouth in the horse world is everything! There’s often a friend of a friend who will be willing to part with a blanket they don’t use anymore for the right price. You can also post on Facebook to get a broader reach across your horsey contacts. Speaking of Facebook, Facebook Marketplace is a great option to find a blanket at a discounted price. It can be a bit difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for and in the right size with these options but they’re a good place to start. Another issue is that once you buy it, you’re usually stuck with it even if the blanket doesn’t end up fitting or has some other problem. I’m one who likes to buy their blankets brand-new so I can exchange them if there are any issues and I don’t have to worry about wear and tear. Having said that, I’m always open to any of these more wallet-friendly options! I always look around for good prices before I commit. You can check with your local tack stores for sales, coupons, or other deals on blankets to try and save money, or you can try to order one online. I like supporting my local tack stores as much as possible, plus it satisfies my need for instant shopping gratification!
Choosing a blanket comes with so many options it can be a little bit overwhelming. We all want to make sure our four-hooved babies are as comfortable as possible when the weather is less than ideal, so use this guide to help you get started on picking the perfect one. Keep an eye out for my review of Moose’s new winter heavyweight, coming soon! Visit the Contact Me page to reach out with any questions, and happy riding!
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