As the temperatures start to drop over the upcoming weeks, horse owners will start considering a very important subject: horse blankets. When should I start blanketing my horse? Should I use a blanket or a sheet (or both)? And which type of blanket is appropriate for my horse’s needs? These are all very important questions, and we hope to be able to offer you a little assistance in finding some answers with our Blanketing Basics series. Our second topic of discussion covers one half of the most common styles of horse apparel: Turnout Blankets and Sheets.

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A turnout blanket or rug is worn by a horse when it is out in a field or pasture. It is designed to allow maximum movement for the horse, while providing maxiumum protection from the elements. Turnout blankets are constructed of two layers of material, one or both of which is usually nylon or a nylon-blend material, and some type of fiberfill to provide insulation against cold. Most are coated to repel water, and many turnout blankets and sheets are now Teflon® coated. The fabric repels water, but is still breathable enough to allow air and moisture to escape from the sheet/blanket. The standard for waterproof and breathability is 3000mm.

Turnout blankets come in different thickness and weights. ‘Lightweight’, ‘medium weight’, and ‘heavyweight’ are common designations — these terms are referring to the fill inside of the blanket and have nothing to do with the actual physical weight of the blanket. A horse blanket’s weight, or warmth, is determined by the amount of fill in the blanket and is measured in grams of synthetic insulation per square meter: the higher the grams, the more fill per meter, and the warmer the horse. A heavyweight blanket often contains between 300 grams and 420 grams of fill, a medium weight blanket can range from 180 grams to 200 grams of fill, and a lightweight blanket will contain less than 200 grams of fill. A blanket with no fill at all is generally considered a sheet, and not a blanket.

Like a turnout blanket, a turnout sheet is worn by a horse when it is out in a field or pasture. Turnout sheets are sturdy enough to handle the wear and tear of life outside, and they are designed to hold up to the roughest of play. They also need to be waterproof for turnout in the elements. They can contain fleece lining at the withers to prevent excess rubbing and wearing away of fur at what is a common pressure point beneath a blanket, but otherwise typically are not constructed with any significant lining or fill.

Turnout-style blankets and sheets are typically roomier than contoured stable blankets, and have shoulder gussets, or pleats, added to give the horse extra mobility while running around outside. Many times they will come with a higher-cut neck style than regular stable sheets and blankets for added protection from water and wind, and some heavier winter blankets either come with a built-in neck cover, or can be accessorized with a detachable neck cover, for even more protection.

Turnout sheets are designed for spring, fall, and mild winter weather; for serious weather conditions, a turnout blanket with a good layer of fiberfill for warmth would be more appropriate.

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Choosing the appropriate sheet or blanket for your equine companion is a lot more than just picking out a nice color combination. Where the horse will be wearing the blanket, in what temperatures, and how active he or she will be in the blanket are all important factors in the decision. We’ve made it halfway through the basic styles; our next installment we will cover the function and features of stable sheets and blankets. Check back soon!