Quick answer
At MHS Pferdesport, the right horse blanket is determined by three measurements: withers length for size, filling weight for warmth, and the denier rating of the outer material for durability. Our outdoor blankets range from uninsulated rain blankets to warmly lined versions with durable 600D to 1200D ripstop outer material.
OUTDOOR BLANKET FRIDA
The same question every autumn at the stable: Which blanket now, what size, and how many grams of filling? Many riders go by the calendar or by what the horse next door is wearing, but the right choice depends on three figures that anyone can measure on their own horse.
This is one of the first questions I get in our shop as soon as temperatures drop. The answer is rarely "one blanket for everything"; it is usually a combination of housing type, coat condition, and stable temperature that can be translated into specific values: centimeters for size, grams for warmth, and denier for fabric strength.
Below, I will go through the individual decisions, from choosing between an outdoor and stable blanket to measuring your horse and selecting the features that make a difference in everyday use.
- The type of housing (pasture or stable) determines which type of blanket is suitable before size or filling weight comes into consideration.
- Withers length, filling weight in grams, and denier rating are three separate values, each determining a different blanket characteristic: size, warmth, and durability.
- Cross surcingles, withers protection, and removable leg straps are standard features on Ragna and Thora, whereas for Frida, Turi, and Dime they are only partially specified or not specified at all.
- Waterproof and breathable are two independent material properties, and both must be explicitly stated, not just one or the other.
- Regular brushing before washing and allowing the blanket to dry completely afterward both help determine how long its waterproofing remains effective.
Outdoor blanket or stable blanket: What does my horse need first?
Whether your horse needs an outdoor blanket or a stable blanket depends first on the type of housing, not the season. Outdoor blankets are made for pasture: They must be waterproof and windproof and have a durable outer material that will not tear immediately on fences, branches, or when playing with other horses.
Stable blankets serve a different purpose. They protect against cold and drafts in the stall, but do not need waterproof outer material because they never come into contact with rain.
The Outdoor Blanket Frida shows how the principle of durability is implemented in turnout blankets: Its 1200D ripstop outer material is waterproof and breathable, making it suitable for horses that spend many hours at a time outdoors.
Anyone who keeps their horse both in the stable and out in the pasture will rarely manage with just one blanket. In practice, two separate blankets are usually needed rather than a compromise solution that is not really suitable for either use.
This fundamental question, outdoor versus stable, therefore comes before all other decisions. Only afterwards is it worth considering the fill weight or size.
How do I measure the right blanket size for my horse?
Measure your horse’s blanket size from the middle of the chest over the shoulder to the furthest point of the croup, in centimetres. This measurement corresponds directly to the size indicated on the label, so no recalculation or conversion is necessary.
A blanket that is too small presses against the withers and shoulders, turning every step into friction at precisely these points. A blanket that is too large, on the other hand, slips and rubs where it transitions to the legs and neck because too much fabric hangs loose there.
If the measured size falls between two sizes, I would always choose the larger option. A suitable blanket strap set compensates for the extra room around the belly and can be readjusted at any time.
The design itself makes a difference when it comes to the belly fastening. The cross surcingles used on the Outdoor Blanket Ragna 600D 100 GSM and the Outdoor Blanket Thora 600D 200 GSM distribute the tension across two crossing straps and compensate noticeably better for minor measurement inaccuracies around the belly than a single, straight belly strap.
Which fill weight in grams is right for my horse?
The fill weight of a horse blanket is given in grams and describes the warmth provided by the filling, regardless of the outer material. Two blankets made from the same 600D ripstop fabric can therefore provide completely different levels of warmth, depending on how many grams of filling they contain.
0 grams, meaning unlined blankets, are mainly suitable as pure rain protection without providing warmth. They keep the coat dry but do not affect body temperature, which is often exactly right for mild nights or thick winter coats.
100 grams, as with the OUTDOOR BLANKET RAGNA 600D 100 GSM, suits horses with thick coats or milder temperatures where a light extra layer of warmth is sufficient.
200 grams provides significantly more warmth during colder periods, such as with the Thora 600D 200 GSM outdoor blanket or the Dime 600D 200 Gram outdoor blanket. Both are suitable for horses with thinner coats or for stables that also become significantly colder during the day.
How much fill weight an unclipped horse actually needs in winter also depends on coat condition and activity level. We have a separate guide about this on our blog.
THORA 600D 200 GSM OUTDOOR BLANKET
What should I look for in the material: denier, waterproof, breathable?
The denier count (D) describes the thread thickness of a horse blanket's outer fabric and therefore its tear resistance, not its warmth. The fill weight in grams alone determines warmth.
600D ripstop polyester, as used in the Ragna 600D 100 GSM outdoor blanket, the Thora 600D 200 GSM outdoor blanket and the Dime 600D 200 Gram outdoor blanket, offers a solid compromise between weight and durability for everyday use in the pasture.
The 1200D ripstop of the Frida outdoor blanket offers greater durability for horses that roll frequently or play with other horses, putting more strain and friction on the fabric.
Waterproof and breathable are two separate properties, and both should be explicitly stated in the product description. An outer material can be waterproof without allowing moisture to escape from the inside, and vice versa.
The Turi outdoor blanket combines waterproof, breathable 600D ripstop outer fabric with a 50 GSM fleece lining that also wicks moisture away from the skin. This makes it a good choice for horses that quickly sweat under a blanket.
Which features really make a blanket better?
Wither protection often affects the fit of a horse blanket more than the fill weight because it is positioned exactly at the most pressure-sensitive point beneath the blanket. Without this cutout or padding, the fabric rubs against the bone with every head movement, which can lead to sore spots.
Ragna and Thora's double chest closure can be individually adjusted and reduces the risk of the blanket opening by itself while grazing. Horses that eat with their heads lowered for extended periods particularly benefit from this second layer of fastening.
Detachable leg straps keep the blanket in place during movement and rolling without creating unnecessary tension on calmer horses. A loose neck cover provides additional protection for the neck without changing the fit on the body because it is attached as a separate piece rather than being permanently integrated into the blanket.
Outdoor blanket features at a glance
| feature | Frida | Turi | Ragna / Thora | Dime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| withers protection | due to the ripstop reinforcement | due to the ripstop reinforcement | available | not specified |
| cross surcingles | not specified | not specified | integrated, secure fit around the belly | not specified |
| detachable leg straps | not specified | not specified | available | available |
| compatible neck cover | no | no | no | yes, as a separate accessory |
| fleece lining inside | no | yes, 50 GSM | no | no |
Comparing this table with the Dime 600D 200 Gram Outdoor Blanket quickly shows whether a detachable neck cover is the deciding factor or whether cross surcingles and withers protection are more important for Ragna and Thora.
How do I care for a horse blanket so that it lasts a long time?
A horse blanket lasts longest when dirt and sand are brushed off roughly before every wash cycle, as embedded particles further abrade the fabric during washing. Brush first, then wash, not the other way around.
The ripstop outer material should be inspected regularly, especially at the seams and chest closure. After turnout with other horses, where teeth and hooves can quickly cause a tear, a quick visual check is worthwhile before putting the blanket back on.
Always fasten hook-and-loop closures before washing. If left open, they can catch on other textiles in the machine and pull out small threads from the fabric.
After washing, the blanket must be completely dry before being put back on the horse. Residual moisture in the fabric impairs waterproofing and promotes odors and mildew stains in the lining underneath.
Anyone who wants to play it safe with sensitive horse skin should choose a lining tested according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. This provides additional assurance that no harmful residues remain in the fabric that lies directly against the skin.
Outdoor blankets compared: fill weight, material, and intended use
| blanket | outer material | fill weight | special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frida outdoor blanket | 1200D ripstop, waterproof, breathable | not specified | durable outer material for very active horses |
| Turi outdoor blanket | 600D ripstop, waterproof, breathable | 50 GSM fleece lining inside | wicks moisture away from the skin |
| RAGNA 600D 100 GSM OUTDOOR BLANKET | 600D ripstop polyester | 100 grams | cross surcingles, double chest closure |
| THORA 600D 200 GSM OUTDOOR BLANKET | 600D ripstop polyester | 200 grams | cross surcingles, double chest closure |
| DIME 600D 200 GRAM OUTDOOR BLANKET | 600D ripstop polyester | 200 grams | compatible with a detachable neck cover |
Which outdoor blanket is right for my horse now?
If your horse spends most of its time in the pasture and you are looking for a robust all-round package, choose the Ragna 600D 100 GSM Outdoor Blanket or, for colder stables, the Thora 600D 200 GSM Outdoor Blanket. Both combine withers protection, cross surcingles, and detachable leg straps in a 600D ripstop material, covering most pasture-keeping needs.
Things are different if you also want a detachable neck cover or your horse moves around a lot and needs a more durable outer material. In that case, the Dime 600D 200 Gram Outdoor Blanket with its interchangeable neck cover, or the Frida Outdoor Blanket with 1200D ripstop, is the more suitable choice.
Before choosing a model, measure your horse's back length again. This one measurement determines which of the five blankets even makes the shortlist.
This quick check is worthwhile before buying a new horse blanket:
- measure the back length in centimetres before ordering a blanket size
- decide whether an outdoor blanket or a stable blanket suits the horse's living conditions
- choose the filling weight in grams based on the coat condition and stable temperature, not just the calendar date
- check the denier rating of the outer material, especially for horses that often roll or play with other horses
- look for withers protection, cross surcingles, and detachable leg straps if the blanket needs to stay in place for a long time
- observe the blanket for a few days after purchase and check for chafing on the shoulder, belly, and legs
- close the hook-and-loop fasteners before every wash and let the blanket dry completely
Can I use the same blanket in spring and autumn?
Yes, the same outdoor blanket can be used during both transitional seasons, as long as the filling weight matches the thickness of the coat at the time. In autumn, the horse usually still has little winter coat, so a lighter filling is sufficient, while in spring the coat is already changing and the blanket is often removed during the day. The key is to put the blanket on and take it off according to the weather and the horse's coat condition rather than tying it rigidly to a calendar date.
Do I need to put an additional fleece blanket under the outdoor blanket?
No, an additional fleece blanket is not necessary for most outdoor blankets if the filling weight already matches the stable temperature. Two blankets layered on top of each other mainly make sense in the rain, when the outer layer gets wet and a dry layer underneath is meant to keep moisture away from the skin. In dry, cold weather, the appropriate gram filling is generally sufficient on its own, without the added weight restricting freedom of movement at the shoulder and neck.
How often should I check each day that the blanket is still sitting correctly?
A fixed time of day is less important than the occasion: Check the fit when putting the blanket on and taking it off, as well as after romping or rolling in the pasture, because the belly straps and leg straps can easily shift during these activities. With a newly purchased blanket, it is also worth checking after exercise during the first few days to see whether the cross surcingles or leg straps are still tight enough before they rub the horse sore.
How can I recognize chafing caused by an ill-fitting blanket?
Chafing spots first appear as bald, roughened patches of coat on the shoulder, withers, chest or where the legs begin, often before the skin itself becomes irritated. Clumped or bristly hair in exactly these areas is often the first visible sign, followed by reddened or warm skin underneath. Anyone who finds such spots should check the blanket's size, strap length and leg straps again before putting it back on, because an area that has been rubbed sore often needs several days to heal completely.
Do I need a separate neck cover in addition to the blanket, or is the blanket collar sufficient?
A fixed blanket neck cover is sufficient for most horses, as long as it fits snugly enough to keep drafts out at the transition to the neck. A separate neck cover is especially worthwhile in very cold, windy weather or for horses with thin neck hair, because it covers additional areas that the collar alone cannot reach. It can be washed and replaced independently of the blanket, which is practical when it gets heavily soiled from eating off the ground.
Written by
Rick
Rick is the owner of MHS Ruitersport. Through MiniHorseShop, he helps riders and horse owners find the right equipment for miniature horses, Shetland ponies and large horses. In his articles, he shares practical tips on horse care, equestrian products and choosing the right equipment for horse and rider.
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