6 Best Horse Turnout Blankets For Cold Weather That Last for Years
Invest in a turnout blanket that endures. This guide details the 6 best cold-weather options known for their superior durability, warmth, and fit.
There’s no feeling quite like walking out to the pasture after a winter storm to find your horse’s brand-new turnout blanket shredded and hanging off him like a cape. It’s a frustrating and expensive moment every horse owner dreads. Investing in a durable, well-made turnout blanket isn’t a luxury; it’s a practical necessity that saves you money, time, and worry over the long haul. A blanket that lasts for years means your horse stays warm and dry, and you aren’t shopping for a replacement every single season.
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Key Features of a Durable Turnout Blanket
The first thing to look at is the denier, which is simply a measure of the fabric’s thread thickness. A higher number, like 1200D or 1680D, means a tougher, more tear-resistant outer shell. While a 600D blanket is fine for a calm, older horse who lives alone, it won’t stand a chance against a playful gelding who loves mutual grooming sessions over the fence. For a blanket to last for years, start with at least 1200D ripstop polyester or, even better, ballistic nylon.
Next is the fill, measured in grams. This is the insulation that keeps your horse warm. A lightweight sheet might have 0-100g of fill, a medium-weight has around 200-250g, and a heavyweight blanket for the coldest climates can have 350g or more. The right amount depends on your climate, whether your horse is clipped, and their natural hardiness. A hardy fjord might only need a sheet on the coldest days, while a clipped thoroughbred will need a full wardrobe.
Finally, don’t overlook the construction details. Waterproofing and breathability are non-negotiable. A blanket that soaks through is worse than no blanket at all, and one that doesn’t breathe will trap sweat, leaving your horse damp and chilled. Look for taped seams, sturdy hardware (no cheap plastic clips), generous tail flaps to block wind, and shoulder gussets that allow for freedom of movement. A blanket that fits well and moves with the horse is less likely to get snagged and torn.
Horseware Rambo Supreme: The Ultimate Investment
When you’re tired of replacing blankets, you buy a Rambo. It’s the "buy it once, cry once" option, and for good reason. The outer shell is made from 1000D ballistic nylon, the same material originally developed for flak jackets. It’s incredibly tough and resists tears and snags far better than standard polyester fabrics of a higher denier.
What sets the Rambo apart is the engineering. The patented V-Front Closure system eliminates pressure on the shoulder and withers, a common point of rubbing and wear. The leg arches provide a snug fit around the belly while allowing total freedom for the legs. These aren’t just features; they are solutions to the most common reasons blankets fail or cause discomfort.
Yes, the price tag is steep. But if you divide that cost over the five, seven, or even ten years it will likely last, the annual cost is often lower than buying a cheaper blanket every other season. This is the blanket for the horse that is tough on its wardrobe or for the owner who values long-term, worry-free performance above all else.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Ultra: Unmatched Durability
WeatherBeeta’s ComFiTec Ultra line is a direct competitor to the best in the business, and it holds its own with an emphasis on brute strength. The outer shell is a formidable 1680D ballistic nylon with a Teflon coating that makes water and mud bead up and roll right off. This blanket is built for the harshest conditions and the most destructive horses.
The design focuses heavily on comfort, which directly impacts durability. A comfortable horse is less likely to roll, rub, or bite at its blanket. The Cozi-Guard around the neck offers extra warmth and protection, while the memory foam wither relief pad lifts the blanket off the spine to prevent pressure sores. These thoughtful details show a deep understanding of how horses live in their blankets 24/7.
Choosing between a Rambo and a WeatherBeeta Ultra often comes down to fit and personal preference. The WeatherBeeta offers top-tier toughness, often at a slightly more accessible price point than its main rival. It’s an excellent choice for anyone needing a fortress-like blanket that doesn’t compromise on the horse’s comfort.
SmartPak Ultimate Turnout: A 10-Year Guarantee
The standout feature of the SmartPak Ultimate isn’t just its material—it’s the promise that comes with it. This blanket is backed by a 10-year, no-questions-asked guarantee to be indestructible. If your horse manages to rip or tear it, they will replace it. For anyone who has a known "blanket Houdini" or pasture shredder, this guarantee alone can make it the most logical choice.
The blanket itself is built to live up to that promise. It features a 1050D ballistic nylon outer shell, which provides excellent durability for even the most playful pasture environments. SmartPak offers it in various weights and neck styles, ensuring you can find the right configuration for your horse and climate. The hardware is solid, and the fit is designed to be comfortable and secure.
This is the blanket for the pragmatist. You aren’t just buying a piece of fabric; you’re buying a decade of peace of mind. The upfront cost is an investment in a stress-free future where you know, no matter what your horse gets up to, their blanket is covered. It takes the financial gamble out of blanketing a destructive horse.
Bucas Power Turnout: All-Weather Versatility
The Bucas Power Turnout is the "smart" blanket of the group. Its biggest advantage is its incredible versatility, which can be a game-changer for a busy hobby farmer. The secret is its heat-reflective aluminum coating and its Stay-dry fleece lining. This combination allows the blanket to perform comfortably across a massive temperature range, drastically reducing the need for blanket changes as the weather fluctuates.
The Stay-dry lining is a standout feature. It can be put on a wet horse after a workout or a rain shower, and it will wick the moisture away from the horse’s coat, drying them while keeping them warm. It effectively acts as a turnout and a cooler in one, saving you an extra step and ensuring your horse doesn’t get chilled.
This blanket is for the owner who values efficiency. While the initial cost is high, the convenience of not having to swap between a sheet, a medium, and a cooler can be priceless. It simplifies your routine and provides consistent comfort for your horse, making it a unique and highly practical investment.
Schneiders StormShield: A Custom-Like Fit
Schneiders has built its reputation on one critical, often-overlooked factor: fit. A poorly fitting blanket is the root cause of so many problems, from rubs and sores to rips and tears. A blanket that pulls tight across the chest or withers is far more likely to get caught on a fence post or be destroyed by a frustrated horse.
Schneiders addresses this by offering a wide range of patented fits tailored to different horse conformations. Their V-Free design is excellent for high-withered horses, while their Adjusta-Fit system is perfect for narrow-bodied horses that swim in standard blankets. By getting the fit right, you dramatically increase the blanket’s lifespan and your horse’s comfort.
Their blankets are also built to last, using high-denier materials and backed by generous warranties. But the real reason to choose a Schneiders is if you’ve struggled to find a blanket that fits your horse properly. Their focus on a custom-like fit provides a durable solution that solves the problem at its source.
Shires Highlander Original: Reliable and Affordable
Not every horse needs a ballistic nylon fortress, and not every budget can handle one. The Shires Highlander Original is a fantastic workhorse blanket that delivers reliable performance without the premium price tag. It’s the perfect example of getting the fundamentals right.
The Highlander typically features a 1200D ripstop outer. This is a significant step up from entry-level 600D blankets and offers very respectable durability for the average horse. It has taped seams, good waterproofing, and a fit that works for a wide range of body types. It does everything a good turnout should do, just without the high-tech bells and whistles.
This is the smart, budget-conscious choice. For an older, quieter horse or for someone in a milder climate, the Highlander provides more than enough protection and will last for several seasons with proper care. It proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a durable, dependable turnout blanket.
Proper Blanket Care for a Longer Lifespan
Even the most expensive blanket will fail if you neglect it. Proper care is what turns a two-season blanket into a ten-season investment. Your maintenance routine doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be consistent.
At the end of each winter, get your blankets professionally cleaned and repaired, or do it yourself. Never use standard laundry detergent, as it will strip the waterproof coating. Use a dedicated blanket wash, like Nikwax Rug Wash, and follow the instructions carefully. While it’s washing, inspect every strap, seam, and buckle for wear and tear.
Once clean, re-waterproof the outer shell with a spray-on or wash-in product. This is the single most important step to ensure it performs next season. Let it air dry completely, then store it in a sealed, rodent-proof bag or container. A small rip caught in April is a quick patch job; that same rip found in November during the first cold snap is a major headache.
Ultimately, the best turnout blanket is the one that fits your horse, your climate, and your budget while standing up to the rigors of daily life in the pasture. Whether you opt for a top-of-the-line investment piece with a decade-long guarantee or a reliable and affordable workhorse, prioritizing a durable outer shell and a proper fit will always pay off. A quality blanket is an investment in your horse’s health and your own peace of mind through the coldest months of the year.
