If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the different options available for blanketing your horse, we’re here to help! The Cheshire Horse Better Blanketing Guide will help you decipher the differences between various blankets, learn the advantages of certain features, and ultimately select the best winter wardrobe for your horse.
High Neck Blankets
High Neck Blankets extend past the withers to the neck. This reduces the pressure put on the withers by the blanket, which makes them the ideal choice for high-withered horses and/or those prone to wither rubs.
V-Front Blankets
V-Front blankets like the Horseware’s Wug Blankets are cut into a “V” shape around the neck. They are slightly higher over the shoulder and neck and then come together lower on the chest. This design reduces the pressure localized onto the horse’s chest and shoulders.
Clip Front Closures
Clip front closures provide a fast and easy way to get your horse’s blanket on and off. These also include an adjustable buckle for a custom fit. Adjust the buckles once and never worry about the fit of the blanket again with the quick and easy clip closures.
Hoods & Neck Covers
Traditional hoods offer full face coverage, while neck covers (sometimes referred to as combi-necks) simply cover the neck. Whether you choose a hood or a neck cover, it must match the blanket you plan to use it with in order to ensure proper fit and effectiveness.
Blanket Size |
Neck Cover Size |
| 48″-51″ | XS |
| 54″-60″ | S |
| 63″-69″ | M |
| 72″-78″ | L |
| 81″-87″ | XL |
Leg Straps
Leg straps can help blankets and sheets stay on the “blanket Houdini,” although for a more skittish horse you might want to go without them. Some blankets have leg straps, some don’t (including all Horseware blankets), and some have removable straps for ultimate flexibility. Leg straps should be fastened so that the left strap is passed around the left hind leg and fastened back to the left side. The right strap should then pass around the right hind leg, loop through the left strap, and then fasten to the right side. There should be about 4-5″ between the strap and the horse’s leg in order to prevent the blanket from slipping without causing the horse any discomfort.
Layering
Stable blankets weigh less than turnout blankets and are not waterproof or windproof. If your horse is stabled inside at night and turned out during the day, you can protect the stable blanket by using a turnout sheet over it while your horse is outside.
XL Sizes Available
Large horses are built with proportions that can be more difficult to fit — but not with the Amigo XL line from Horseware! This line is waterproof and breathable, and Lite, Medium, and Heavy turnouts and neck covers are available.
Goats, Minis & More!
Goats and minis deserve the love and warmth that come from blanketing, too! The Horseware Goat Coat is made from a waterproof, windproof, and breathable fabric to keep your little buddy comfortable. We carry a variety of blankets sized just for your mini.
For more resources on blanketing, check out…
Our post on Understanding Horse Blankets:
- Turnout vs. Stable Blankets
- Denier: What is it? And what do the numbers mean?
- Lite, Medium and Heavy
- How should my horse’s blanket fit?
Our guide to Blankets for Every Equine (and Animal):
- Growing Horses and Other Animals
- Ponies and Miniature Horses
- Draft Horses
- Narrow and Wide Chested Horses
- “Houdini” and Wrecker Horses
- Measuring for a Blanket
- Dog Blankets