6 Best Waterproof Horse Blankets For Rainy Seasons That Prevent Rain Rot
Protect your horse from rain rot in wet weather. This guide reviews the 6 best waterproof blankets designed to keep your horse dry, healthy, and comfortable.
That feeling of dread hits when you see dark clouds rolling in for the third straight day. It’s not the mud you’re worried about, but the damp, persistent chill that can lead to rain rot. A good waterproof turnout blanket is your first and best line of defense, acting as a personal barn for your horse when they’re out in the pasture. But not all blankets are created equal, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between a healthy coat and a winter-long battle with skin funk.
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Choosing a Blanket to Combat Rain Rot Season
The single most important factor in a rain sheet isn’t just that it’s waterproof, but that it’s breathable. A cheap, non-breathable plastic-like sheet will trap sweat and condensation against your horse’s skin. This creates a warm, moist environment that’s a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that causes rain rot—you’re essentially creating the problem you’re trying to prevent.
Look for blankets with a specific waterproof and breathable rating. The fabric’s strength, measured in denier (D), is also crucial. A 1200D or higher ballistic nylon or ripstop polyester will stand up to playful pasture mates and snagging on fences far better than a 600D blanket. For rainy but mild seasons, a 0g (no-fill) or 50g (light-fill) blanket is all you need to keep them dry without overheating.
Fit is everything. A poorly fitting blanket will shift, allowing rain to seep in underneath, or it will rub sores on the withers, shoulders, and hips. The blanket should sit comfortably in front of the withers, allow full shoulder movement without pulling tight, and end right at the top of the tail. A blanket that’s too big is just as bad as one that’s too small, as it can get tangled or slip dangerously.
Horseware Rambo Supreme for Ultimate Durability
When you need a blanket that can withstand just about anything, the Rambo Supreme is the gold standard. Its outer shell is made from 1000D ballistic nylon, the same stuff used in bulletproof vests. It’s incredibly tough to tear and holds its waterproofing season after season.
What sets the Rambo apart is the design. The patented V-Front Closure system eliminates pressure on the shoulder and wither area, allowing your horse to graze with its head down comfortably for hours. Combined with their signature leg arches, the blanket moves with the horse, preventing rubs and ensuring it stays in place even during a full-gallop pasture romp.
The obvious tradeoff is the price. A Rambo is a significant investment, no question. But if you have a horse that lives outside 24/7 or is notoriously hard on its wardrobe, the cost per year of use often ends up being lower than replacing cheaper blankets every season. It’s a classic "buy it once, cry once" scenario.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec: Versatile Protection
WeatherBeeta is the reliable workhorse of the horse blanket world. Their ComFiTec line offers a fantastic balance of durability, features, and price, making it one of the most popular choices for hobby farmers. You can find a model that fits nearly any need, from the basic Essential to the feature-packed Ultra.
The ComFiTec blankets consistently deliver on their promise of being waterproof and breathable. Many models include thoughtful features like a memory foam wither relief pad that lifts the blanket off the spine to prevent pressure sores. The Ezi-Clip front closures are also quick and easy to use with cold, stiff fingers, which is a small detail you’ll appreciate on a blustery morning.
This brand hits the sweet spot for most people. It’s a step up in quality and design from budget brands without the premium price tag of the most elite options. For a horse that is turned out regularly but isn’t a professional blanket destroyer, a WeatherBeeta is an excellent and dependable choice.
SmartPak Ultimate Turnout for Shoulder Freedom
If you have a stocky horse with broad shoulders, you know the struggle of finding a blanket that doesn’t cause rubs. The SmartPak Ultimate Turnout was designed with this problem in mind. Its high-neck and extended gusset design provides exceptional freedom of movement through the shoulder, a common friction point.
The biggest selling point, however, is SmartPak’s 10-Year Indestructible Guarantee. If your horse manages to rip, tear, or otherwise destroy the blanket within a decade of purchase, they will replace it. This completely changes the value calculation, especially if you own a young, playful horse or one that’s pastured with a known blanket-shredder.
This guarantee makes it a smart financial decision for horses that are tough on their gear. While the initial cost is in the mid-to-high range, the peace of mind knowing you won’t be buying another turnout for up to ten years is a powerful motivator. It’s built to last, and if it doesn’t, you’re covered.
Tough-1 1200D Snuggit: An Affordable Option
Proving that you don’t need to break the bank for reliable rain protection, the Tough-1 Snuggit line offers solid performance at a budget-friendly price. It’s a perfect choice for a horse that is generally easy on its blankets or if you need a dependable backup for your main turnout.
The standout feature is the "Snuggit" adjustable neck. This allows you to create a custom fit around the neck and chest, which is fantastic for preventing wind and rain from blowing in the front opening. It’s a feature usually found on more expensive blankets and makes a real difference in keeping your horse truly dry and comfortable.
Of course, at this price point, there are compromises. The hardware and stitching may not have the same longevity as a premium brand under extreme conditions. However, with a respectable 1200D ripstop outer shell, it provides more than enough durability for the average horse, making it one of the best values on the market.
Shires Highlander Plus for High-Withered Horses
Horses with high, prominent withers—like many Thoroughbreds or older horses that have lost some topline—can be a nightmare to fit for blankets. A standard-cut blanket will pull tight across their withers, causing painful pressure, rubs, and even sores. The Shires Highlander is designed specifically to solve this problem.
The Highlander features a deep-cut neck and generous shoulder gussets that allow the blanket to sit well behind the withers, completely avoiding the pressure point. This fit makes a world of difference in comfort and prevents the blanket from shifting backward over time. It’s a simple design solution to a very common and frustrating problem.
Shires doesn’t just focus on fit; they make a quality product. The Highlander line uses durable fabrics and reliable waterproofing, so you aren’t sacrificing overall performance for a specialty fit. If you’ve been fighting wither rubs for years, this blanket is the answer you’ve been looking for.
Bucas Power Turnout with Stay-Dry Lining Tech
Bucas is all about fabric innovation, and their Power Turnout is a testament to that. This blanket is for the owner who values high-tech solutions and convenience. It’s more than just a waterproof shell; it’s a complete weather management system for your horse.
The magic is in the lining. The "Stay-Dry" lining is a wicking fleece that pulls moisture away from the horse’s coat. This means you can put the Power Turnout on a wet horse (from sweat or rain), and it will act like a cooler, wicking the moisture away and leaving your horse dry underneath. For someone with limited time, not having to wait for a horse to dry completely before blanketing is a game-changer.
Furthermore, the blanket has a heat-reflective aluminum coating in the fabric that helps regulate temperature across a much wider range than a standard blanket. This reduces the need to swap between a rain sheet and a mid-weight turnout as temperatures fluctuate. It’s a premium blanket with a price to match, but its unique technology offers a level of convenience and performance that no other blanket can.
Maintaining Your Blanket’s Waterproof Barrier
Your investment in a quality blanket is wasted if you don’t care for it properly. The waterproof, breathable membrane is a technical fabric that can be easily damaged by improper washing, rendering it useless against rain.
The number one rule: never use standard laundry detergent. The surfactants and chemicals in regular detergents will strip the factory-applied durable water repellent (DWR) coating right off the fabric. Always use a wash specifically designed for technical outerwear, like Nikwax Rug Wash. Wash in a front-loading machine (the agitator in a top-loader can damage the blanket) on a gentle, cold cycle.
After a few seasons of use or a couple of washes, you’ll need to re-apply the waterproof coating. You’ll know it’s time when water stops beading up and starts soaking into the outer fabric. Use a product like Nikwax Rug Proof, which can be added to the wash cycle or sprayed on. This simple annual maintenance step can easily double the effective lifespan of your blanket, protecting both your horse and your wallet.
Ultimately, the best horse blanket is the one that fits your horse, your climate, and your budget. Viewing a turnout not as an accessory but as a critical tool for managing your horse’s health during the wet seasons is the key. A dry, comfortable horse is a healthy horse, and preventing rain rot before it can start is far easier than treating it later.
