By Chelsea E. Toy
If you live in a climate or have a horse pursuit (showing, for example) that calls for blanketing, you've probably learned that finding the ideal blanket for your unique circumstances can be an unending challenge. Despite your best efforts, your horses might keep coming up with new and inventive ways to rip, shred or soak those expensive items of clothing.
That's why, when you do finally find a blanket you love, bingo! You want to tell the world about it.
Here, we share the great finds of 10 satisfied blanket owners. These stable and turnout blankets have held up to real-world use, and our Horse & Rider readers will detail for you the features they love most.
Best of all, we'll tell you where you can get your hands on these blankets. Whether you need something to keep your stalled horses cozy throughout the winter, or a rough-and-tough waterproof turnout for outdoor use (or something in between), these recommendations will get you pointed in the right direction.
(And for help with blanket lingo like denier, gussets, ripstop and the like, see "Horse Blanket Know-How.")
ABOVE:
1. Blanket: Medium-Weight Waterproof Turnout Blanket by Tough-1
Why this reader loves it: "Weather can be up and down where we live in Colorado. This blanket isn't so heavy that it sweats my mare to death when the temperature spikes up in the middle of the day, yet it's heavy enough to keep her warm at night and dry in the rain or snow. It doesn't rub, and it gives her enough room through the shoulders and hips to play around outside, too. To be honest, though, my favorite feature is the awesome pattern it comes in--I love zebra print! It's really in right now, so my mare is stylish and warm." --Koree Walker, Colorado
Specifics: 600-denier lining with 300-gram polyester fill and coat-polishing liner. Stainless-steel snaps, plus shoulder gussets for freedom of movement. Tail cover discourages rubbing.
Cost: $99
Where to get it: jtidist.com
Photo by Jennifer Paulson
