6 Best Medium Weight Blankets For Horses In Moderate Climates That Breathe
For moderate climates, the right medium-weight blanket is vital. We review the top 6 breathable options that provide warmth without causing overheating.
You walk out to the barn on a crisp fall morning, and there’s a damp chill in the air that calls for a blanket. But the forecast shows a sunny, 60-degree afternoon before temperatures dip again at night. This is the constant challenge in moderate climates—managing a horse’s comfort through wide temperature swings without being there to change their layers every few hours. The key isn’t just warmth; it’s about finding a blanket that can handle those changes without turning into a sweatbox.
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Why Breathability Matters in Horse Blankets
Breathability in a horse blanket isn’t about letting a breeze blow through. It refers to the fabric’s ability to allow water vapor—your horse’s sweat—to escape while still blocking wind and rain from getting in. Think of it like a good rain jacket you’d wear for hiking. It keeps you dry from the outside, but you don’t end up soaked from your own sweat on the inside.
A non-breathable blanket is a recipe for problems. As your horse warms up, whether from a run in the pasture or the afternoon sun, they perspire. If that moisture gets trapped against their skin, their coat becomes damp. When the temperature drops again overnight, that dampness will chill them to the bone, defeating the entire purpose of the blanket and potentially making them sick.
For the hobby farmer, this is a critical feature. We often can’t be home midday to swap a heavy blanket for a lighter one. A highly breathable blanket provides a much wider margin of error, keeping your horse comfortable and dry across a broader range of temperatures and activity levels. It’s a crucial piece of gear for horse health and your own peace of mind.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec: Durable & Breathable
WeatherBeeta is a name you see in almost every barn, and for good reason. Their blankets are built like tanks. The ComFiTec line, particularly models with a 1200 denier (D) ripstop outer shell, can stand up to a horse that loves to play rough with its pasture mates. Denier is simply a measure of fabric thickness; a higher number generally means more durability.
What makes the ComFiTec a great choice for moderate climates is the balance of that toughness with a reliable waterproof and breathable membrane. The medium-weight versions typically come with 220g of polyfill insulation, which is the sweet spot for taking the edge off a cold rain or a frosty night without overheating a horse on a sunny afternoon. They also incorporate thoughtful features like memory foam wither relief pads and generous tail flaps, which help with fit and protection.
Amigo Bravo 12 Plus: A Versatile Turnout
The Amigo line from Horseware is all about smart, versatile systems. The Bravo 12 Plus is a standout because it’s not just one blanket; it’s the foundation for a complete blanketing wardrobe. This is a huge advantage when you’re trying to manage resources and storage space on a small farm. The medium-weight version usually comes with a 250g fill and a detachable neck cover, offering flexibility right out of the bag.
The real genius here is its compatibility with Horseware’s liner system. You can buy separate liners of varying weights (100g, 200g, 300g, etc.) and easily attach them inside the turnout shell. This means your medium-weight turnout can become a heavyweight for a sudden cold snap, or you can use the shell alone as a rain sheet. For a hobby farmer, this adaptability means fewer blankets to buy, wash, and store.
SmartPak Deluxe Turnout: Great Value Pick
Every hobby farmer knows the importance of making every dollar count. SmartPak’s house brand of blankets consistently delivers excellent performance for the price. Their Deluxe Turnout Blanket is a workhorse that doesn’t require you to take out a small loan. It typically features a 1200D ripstop polyester outer, which is plenty tough for most horses.
With 220g of fill, it hits that perfect medium-weight mark for cool seasons. But the real selling point for many is SmartPak’s guarantee. Depending on the model, they often come with a warranty that covers damage, which is incredible peace of mind when you’re dealing with an animal that can destroy almost anything. It might not have the high-tech linings of more expensive brands, but for a reliable, breathable, and budget-friendly option, it’s very hard to beat.
Bucas Power Turnout: Temperature Regulating
If you’re looking for the most technologically advanced option, the Bucas Power Turnout is it. This blanket is in a class of its own due to its unique lining. It features a heat-reflective aluminum coating and a "Stay-dry" fleece that work together to manage a huge temperature range. The aluminum reflects the horse’s body heat back, while the fleece wicks moisture away so effectively you can even put the blanket on a wet horse.
This technology means a single medium-weight blanket can keep a horse comfortable in conditions that would normally require two or three different blankets. It’s an investment, to be sure. But for someone with a clipped horse or in a climate with dramatic day-to-night temperature swings, the convenience and performance can be well worth the upfront cost. It minimizes blanket changes and worries about your horse getting chilled or overheated.
Schneiders StormShield V-Free Turnout
Fit is the most important factor in any blanket, and a bad fit can cause painful wither rubs and shoulder restrictions. Schneiders has built its reputation on engineering blankets for a better fit across different horse conformations. Their V-Free design is made specifically to prevent rubbing by leaving the wither area open and free of pressure, making it an excellent choice for high-withered horses like Thoroughbreds.
The StormShield line is known for its durability, often using tough nylon shells. Many models also feature their Adjusta-Fit system, which lets you customize the fit around the neck opening for narrow or wide-bodied horses. A well-fitting blanket not only feels better to the horse but also stays in place more securely, which is a key safety consideration. If you’ve struggled with other brands causing rubs, Schneiders is where you should look first.
Shires Highlander Original 200g Turnout
Shires is another brand that offers fantastic quality without an astronomical price tag. The Highlander Original is a classic, no-fuss turnout that does its job exceptionally well. The 200g polyfill is a slightly lighter medium weight, making it perfect for regions where winters are more wet and mild than truly frigid. It provides just enough insulation to keep a horse comfortable without risking overheating.
The design focuses on the essentials: deep shoulder gussets allow for excellent freedom of movement, and the outer shell is a durable, waterproof, and breathable fabric they call "ShireTex." It’s a straightforward, reliable blanket that proves you don’t need a ton of fancy features to keep a horse warm and dry. For many horses in moderate climates, the Highlander 200g is all the blanket they’ll ever need.
Proper Blanket Fit and Seasonal Care Tips
No matter how much you spend on a blanket, it’s useless or even dangerous if it doesn’t fit properly. A blanket should sit comfortably in front of the withers, not pulling back on them. You should be able to slide a hand easily under the neck and shoulder area. The back edge should fall at the top of the tail, and the belly surcingles should be adjusted so you can fit one hand’s width between the strap and the horse’s belly.
Your blankets are an investment, and they need care to last. At the end of the season, get them professionally cleaned and re-waterproofed. Throwing a blanket in a standard washing machine with regular detergent can strip its waterproof coating. Storing them clean also prevents mold, mildew, and rodent damage. A well-cared-for blanket can last for many years.
Finally, a breathable blanket isn’t a substitute for good management. You should still check under your horse’s blanket every single day. Feel for dampness or excessive heat, and check for any signs of rubbing at the shoulders, withers, or chest. This daily check is the best way to ensure your horse is truly comfortable and that the blanket is doing its job correctly.
Ultimately, the best medium-weight blanket is the one that fits your horse, your climate, and your budget. Choosing a breathable option isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental part of responsible horse care in a place with fickle weather. It provides a crucial buffer, keeping your horse safe and comfortable and giving you confidence that they are protected, even when you can’t be there to check on them.
