6 Best Waterproof Barn Blankets For Horses That Old-Timers Swear By

You know that feeling of walking out to the barn on a raw, sleeting morning. The wind is howling, and you’re bundled up tight. The first thing you do is scan the pasture for your horse, hoping they’re not standing there soaked and shivering. A quality waterproof blanket isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical piece of gear that provides peace of mind and protects your horse’s health.

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Why a Tough Barn Blanket Matters for Horse Health

A horse’s natural winter coat is an amazing thing, but it has a weakness: it can’t insulate when it’s soaked through and flattened by rain or wet snow. A wet, cold horse is a horse that’s burning precious calories just to stay warm, which can lead to weight loss and a compromised immune system. This is especially true for older horses, hard keepers, or those with a clipped coat.

The key words here are waterproof and tough. A cheap blanket that soaks through is worse than no blanket at all, as it traps cold moisture against the skin. And one that rips on the first snagged fence post or playful pasture bite is just money thrown away. A durable blanket ensures your horse stays dry and protected from the wind, day in and day out, preventing chills and skin conditions like rain rot. It’s a frontline defense against the worst of winter weather.

Think of a good blanket as an investment in preventative care. The cost of a well-made turnout blanket is a fraction of the vet bill for treating a respiratory infection or the extra feed required to put weight back on a horse that shivered it all off. It’s about ensuring your horse is comfortable, healthy, and ready to thrive, even when the weather is doing its worst.

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec: The All-Weather Classic

If there’s a "standard issue" blanket that gets the job done without fuss, it’s the WeatherBeeta. You’ll see these hanging in just about every barn because they offer a fantastic balance of durability, features, and price. They’re the reliable sedan of the horse blanket world—not the flashiest, but they start every time and get you where you need to go.

The ComFiTec line comes in several tiers, but the "Plus" and "Premier" models with a 1200 denier outer shell are the sweet spot for most hobby farm situations. They hold up well to normal pasture antics and feature thoughtful designs like generous shoulder gussets for freedom of movement and adjustable leg straps. The fit tends to be quite versatile, suiting a wide range of body types from stocky Quarter Horses to lankier Thoroughbreds.

The real value of a WeatherBeeta is its predictability. You know what you’re getting: a solid, waterproof, and breathable blanket that will likely last several seasons with proper care. It’s a workhorse blanket for the everyday horse, making it a go-to choice for owners who need reliable performance without a premium price tag.

Rambo Original Turnout: Unmatched Durability

There are tough blankets, and then there is the Rambo. Made by Horseware Ireland, the Rambo line is legendary for its near-bulletproof construction. If you have a horse that views its clothing as a personal challenge—a "blanket Houdini" or a pasture-mate who loves to play tug-of-war—this is the blanket to consider. It’s an investment, but it often outlasts two or three cheaper blankets, making it cheaper in the long run.

The secret is its 1000D ballistic nylon outer shell. This is the same type of material used in flak jackets; it’s incredibly resistant to rips and tears. The classic "Original" cut with its V-front closure and leg arches is designed to prevent rubbing and allow for excellent freedom of movement, even when a horse is galloping or rolling. These blankets are also known for their exceptional waterproofing, which holds up season after season.

Let’s be clear: a Rambo is not the cheapest option upfront. But the cost is justified by its longevity. Many old-timers are still using Rambo blankets that are over a decade old. When you factor in the cost of replacing or repairing lesser blankets every other year, the Rambo’s value becomes crystal clear. It’s the "buy it once, cry once" solution to blanketing.

SmartPak Ultimate Turnout: Superior Fit and Value

SmartPak changed the game with their house-brand Ultimate Turnout by offering something almost unheard of: a 10-year indestructible guarantee. If your horse manages to rip or tear this blanket, they will replace it. For any hobby farmer who has found a brand new blanket in shreds, this guarantee alone is worth its weight in gold.

Beyond the warranty, these blankets are just plain well-designed. They use a tough 1050D ballistic nylon shell and are available in a variety of neck styles and weights, making it easy to find the perfect match for your horse and climate. The fit is a strong point, with options specifically tailored to different conformations, which helps prevent the dreaded shoulder and wither rubs that can plague poorly-fitting blankets.

The SmartPak Ultimate offers a compelling middle ground. It provides the durability approaching that of a premium brand like Rambo but at a more accessible price point, backed by an unbeatable warranty. It’s the smart, practical choice for owners who want peace of mind and a high-quality product without the top-tier sticker price.

Bucas Power Turnout: Advanced Temp Regulation

The Bucas Power Turnout is for the owner who appreciates smart technology and wants to minimize blanket changes. This blanket is the most technically advanced on the list, designed to adapt to a much wider range of temperatures than a traditional blanket. It’s a real problem-solver for those living in climates with wild temperature swings, where it can be 20 degrees at dawn and 50 by noon.

Its standout feature is a heat-reflective aluminum coating on the inner lining, which works like a space blanket to reflect the horse’s body heat back. Paired with a "Stay-dry" fleece lining, it has another trick up its sleeve: you can put this blanket on a wet horse. The lining wicks moisture away from the horse’s coat, transferring it to the outside of the blanket to evaporate, leaving your horse dry and warm underneath. This is a massive time-saver after a workout on a cold day.

While it comes with a premium price tag, the convenience can be worth it. The ability to cover a broader temperature range means you might only need one Bucas blanket instead of two or three different weights. For the busy hobby farmer, less time spent swapping blankets means more time for other chores.

Tough-1 1200D Snuggit: A Reliable Workhorse

Don’t let the budget-friendly price fool you; the Tough-1 Snuggit line is a surprisingly durable and well-fitting option that punches well above its weight. This is the blanket for the growing two-year-old who will need a new size next year, or for someone needing a solid backup blanket without a huge financial commitment. It’s a true workhorse that delivers on the essentials.

The 1200 denier outer shell is the industry standard for a reason—it provides solid protection against rips and snags in a group turnout situation. The real standout feature, however, is the "Snuggit" adjustable neck. This allows you to create a much more customized fit around the shoulder and chest area, which is fantastic for preventing drafts and minimizing rubs on horses with unique conformations, like those with narrow chests or high withers.

This blanket proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a functional, waterproof, and tough piece of gear. While it may not have the bells and whistles or the extreme longevity of a Rambo, it provides reliable protection for a season or three at a price that is hard to beat. It’s a practical, no-nonsense choice.

Shires Highlander Original: Built for Harsh Winters

Shires is a British brand, and they know a thing or two about cold, damp, and miserable weather. The Highlander Original is built to withstand exactly that. This is a no-frills, heavy-duty blanket that prioritizes warmth, coverage, and durability for horses living out in harsh conditions.

The design philosophy behind the Highlander is all about robust protection. It features deep shoulder gussets that allow for plenty of movement without compromising coverage, and the integrated neck covers are designed to keep driving rain and snow from getting down the horse’s back. The outer fabric is treated with a "ShiresTex" coating that provides excellent, long-lasting waterproof and breathable performance.

This blanket is a fantastic choice for colder climates where heavy snow and freezing rain are the norm. It’s a bit of a heavier, more traditional build, but when a winter storm is bearing down, that feeling of substance is incredibly reassuring. It’s a fortress against the elements, built to keep your horse warm and dry when it matters most.

Choosing Fill and Denier for Your Horse’s Needs

Talking about brands is one thing, but picking the right blanket comes down to two key numbers: denier and fill. Getting these right for your specific horse and climate is the most important decision you’ll make. It’s not about buying the "thickest" or "toughest" blanket, but the right one.

Denier (D) is a measure of fabric toughness. Think of it like thread count for sheets. A higher number means a stronger, more tear-resistant outer shell.

• 600D: Fine for a horse that lives alone or is very gentle on its clothes. Prone to ripping in group turnout.
• 1200D: The all-around standard. This is the sweet spot for durability and value, holding up to most pasture play.
• 1680D+ (or Ballistic Nylon): The top tier of toughness. Choose this for the known blanket-destroyer or for turnout with a particularly playful or dominant herd.

Fill is the amount of insulation, measured in grams (g). This is what determines the blanket’s warmth. The right fill depends entirely on your climate and your horse’s individual needs.

• 0g (No Fill): A rain sheet. Perfect for keeping a horse dry on mild but wet days without adding warmth.
• 100g – 200g (Lightweight): Takes the chill off on cool autumn or spring nights. Ideal for unclipped horses in moderate winters or clipped horses in milder weather.
• 220g – 300g (Medium Weight): The most common choice for clipped horses through a standard winter. Provides significant warmth without being overly bulky.
• 350g+ (Heavyweight): For the coldest climates, fully clipped horses, seniors, or hard keepers who need extra help staying warm in sub-freezing temperatures.

The biggest mistake is over-blanketing. A horse sweating under a blanket that’s too heavy can get chilled just as easily as a horse left uncovered in the rain. It’s always better to err on the side of slightly too little insulation than too much. Watch your horse; they’ll tell you if they’re comfortable.

Ultimately, the best blanket is the one that fits your horse properly, stands up to their lifestyle, and matches your climate. Whether it’s a top-of-the-line Rambo or a budget-friendly Tough-1, a dry, comfortable horse is a healthy horse. Investing in the right protection is one of the best ways to ensure you and your horse can weather the winter with confidence.