7 Best Horse Stable Blankets (Equestrian Review)

What are the best stable blankets for horses? The top rated horse blankets.

Your head might already be hurting from searching through all the choices. I don’t blame you!

05/28/2024 07:14 pm GMT

I’ve, hopefully, come to the rescue with this handy guide to my all-time favorites.

Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.

READ MORE: Professional Choice Horse Blankets

Top Horse Stable Blankets at a Glance

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

• Weatherbeeta Comfitec Medium Stall Blanket (WINNER)
• B Vertigo Theo Stable Blanket
• Country Pride Squall 1200D Midweight Bellyband Stable Blanket
• TuffRider Kozy Komfort Stable Horse Blanket
• Horseware Rambo Optimo Stable 400g

Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!

7 Best Horse Stable Blankets (Reviews)

After over 20 years of using horse blankets, I’ve seen it all. While using a blanket is pretty straightforward, they are many little things you pick up over the years.

After getting so many questions from new horse owners, I decided that an easy-to-follow guide would be really helpful.

So, let’s take a look at my top picks.

#1 Weatherbeeta Comfitec Medium Stall Blanket (WINNER)

Weatherbeeta is no slouch when it comes to producing horse blankets. Of course, you’d expect that with their four decades of experience.

I have always been a fan of Weatherbeeta. Their blankets are good quality and last well.

The Comfitec medium is a great addition to your horse’s wardrobe. The medium weight means you can use it in a variety of temperatures. It is a good weight for horses that tend to get too hot in a heavyweight blanket.

It is also light enough to add a lightweight or even heavyweight liner too when it gets very cold for additional warmth.

The Comfitec has a polyester lining. This is the best type of lining. You probably like me, are attracted to blanket linings that are cotton, flannel, or fleecy. I don’t blame you, they look so cozy!

However, they really are a pain in you know what! They are dirt and hair magnets and it is next to impossible to get it clean after that. I also find that they stick to horses that are clipped.

The polyester lining is smooth and comes out of the wash clean. It won’t stick to the coat and it also helps keep the coat shiny and your horse clean.

So, like me, fight the urge to go for that cozy looking lining, it’s actually not the best option.

Physical Attributes

• 210 denier outer
• 210T Polyester lining
• Fillet string
• Belly surcingle straps
• 110g polyfill

Quantitative Measurements

• Comes in navy/silver, purple/blue, and blue navy

Benefits & Drawbacks of Weatherbeeta Comfitec Medium

Benefits	Drawbacks
Lightweight so good for layering	Only one chest buckle
Reasonably priced	Hard to find size variety
Machine washable
Soft and comfortable

How it Compare to Others and Why

This Weatherbeeta is a lightweight blanket. When comparing it to some others it has more versatility. Because it is light you can use it in the fall when it starts to get chilly or for freezing cold winter days as a blanket layer.

Expert Tips

Weatherbeeta has been making horse blankets for 40-years. It is safe to say they are experts in this type of equestrian gear.

To clean your blanket, Weatherbeeta recommends that you do the following: remove excess dirt and hair, place in the washing machine in a mesh bag, and wash it one a gentle cycle with mild detergent. [1]

Don’t forget to read our guide on what is a horse quarter sheet!

#2 B Vertigo Theo Stable Blanket

This is one of my overall favorite horse stable blankets. I have one myself and love how they fit and the cozy fleece neck just makes you feel like you are keeping your horse warm.

The waffle pattern adds to the blanket’s elegance.

The B Vertigo is a lightweight stable blanket, which means it has less than 200g of insulating filling. After many years of using blankets on my own horses, I’ve found that having one in of this weight is essential.

They are perfect for when there is a chill but it is still too warm for a heavy stable blanket. You can also use them as a bottom layer under a heavier blanket when it gets really cold.

Physical Attributes

• Waffle pattern
• Fleece neck
• 150g filling
• 2 front buckle closures
• B Vertigo logo embroidery
• Cross surcingles

Quantitative Measurements

• Comes in dark navy with cream and white trim
• Sizes range from 66-inch to 84-inch

Benefits & Drawbacks of B Vertigo Theo Stable Blanket

Benefits	Drawbacks
Elegant look	Lack of color choice
Fleece neck	A little expensive
Perfect for layers
Waffle pattern evenly distributes insulation

How it Compare to Others and Why

Price wise this stable blanket is a little expensive but it is still cheaper than some others. It is one of the most elegant looking blankets you’ll find.

Expert Tips

SmartPak expert tells you some great tips on blanket layering here:

#3 Country Pride Squall 1200D Midweight Bellyband Stable Blanket

I’ve yet to try this blanket personally, but it is one that I have at the top of my list to use. It has some amazing features and the price is pretty good.

Physical Attributes

• Belly wrap
• 1200 Denier
• Nylon lining
• Channel quilted
• Elastic leg straps
• 550g polyfill

Quantitative Measurements

• Comes in blue

Benefits & Drawbacks of Country Pride Squall 1200D Midweight Bellyband Stable Blanket

Benefits	Drawbacks
Very warm	Goes on over the head, which some horses might not like
Belly flap helps keep the horse cleaner and warmer
Strong outer fabric
Tail flap

How it Compare to Others and Why

This blanket is a heavy weight stable rug. It is very warm, one of the warmest available. It is only suitable for very cold weather. 

Expert Tips

The experts from TheHorse recommend that once temperatures drop below 30F, then it is time to use a heavyweight blanket, especially for clipped horses.[2]

#4 TuffRider Kozy Komfort Stable Horse Blanket

You might have come across TuffRider before. It is one of my favorite brands that provides budget-friendly equestrian gear for horse riders and owners.

I always recommend them to those just starting out as the products are good quality but not expensive.

One equestrian has this to say about it: “I bought this stable blanket two months ago and it has done great even with daily use! It keeps my young horse toasty and works perfectly as an extra layer under her turnout sheet.”

Physical Attributes

• 220g fill
• Double front buckles
• low-cross belly straps
• Standard neck
• Adjustable blanket hind leg straps
• 400 denier

Quantitative Measurements

• Comes in black with purple trim and navy with light green trim
• Blanket sizes from 72-inch to 87-inch

Benefits & Drawbacks of TuffRider Kozy Komfort Stable Horse Blanket

Benefits	Drawbacks
Economical price	No shoulder gussets
Medium weight that you can layer
Soft and cozy

How it Compare to Others and Why

This is a medium weight blanket, which is suitable for a variety of temperatures. It is also a great layer for over a lightweight.

Expert Tips

PennState Extension says that you need to blanket a horse when it is very young or old and if it has not acclimatized to a cold climate. [3]

#5 Horseware Rambo Optimo Stable 400g

I just love Horseware Ireland blankets, they really put a lot of effort into evolving their lines for the comfort of the horse.

Their premium line is the Rambo. If you don’t have to worry about your budget then this is the best horse stable blanket.

I have the Rambo Optimo stable sheet, the light version of this. In all my years of blanketing horses, the Optimo offers the most freedom of movement.

It also has a foam insert over the withers, one area where I’ve always noticed that too much pressure occurs. My friend has this model and it is a fantastic blanket, just like the sheet that I have but warmer.

Physical Attributes

• 400g Thermobonded fibrefill
• 1000D ripstop polyester outer
• Antibacterial polyester lining
• Surefit neck design
• Wipe clean tail cord
• Three straight surcingles

Quantitative Measurements

• Blanket sizes from 60-inch to 87-inch
• Comes in navy or black

Benefits & Drawbacks of Horseware Rambo Optimo Stable

Benefits	Drawbacks
Rambo® Split technology provides extreme freedom of movement	Expensive
Padded wither
Neck hood attachments available separately
Breathable and adjustable chest

How it Compare to Others and Why

If you want to most modern design for your horse’s comfort and movement then the Optimo is it! However, it is one of the most expensive blankets you’ll find.

Expert Tips

It is essential that stable blankets for horses fit well to avoid rubs and pressure points. The British Horse Society has this great video that shows you how to fit a blanket.

#6 AMIGO Heavy Insulator Stable Blanket

The Amigo is a line of horse blankets from Horsewear but is cheaper than the premium Rambo. I have an Amigo liner and I really like it. It fits my horse well and has lasted several winters.

Physical Attributes

• 210D ripstop polyester outer
• Polyester lining
• Liner loops
• Fillet string
• Cross surcingles

Quantitative Measurements

• Comes in navy

Benefits & Drawbacks of AMIGO Heavy Insulator Stable Blanket

Benefits	Drawbacks
You can attach a liner under this blanket	No shoulder gussets
Durable and breathable

How it Compare to Others and Why

The Amigo is a high-quality stable blanket in a mid-price range. Unlike some others, it has an option to attach a blanket liner, which makes it great for layering during the cold winter weather.

Expert Tips

Besides fit, you also need to know how to measure your horse for a blanket. Check out this helpful tutorial from these equestrian gear experts.

#7 Derby Originals 1200D Breathable Stable Blanket

For the price, these stable blankets for horses are packed with cool features. You can adjust the neck and the belly flap provides extra warmth.

And if you’re like me and have a grey horse anything that helps keep them cleaner is a plus. I know your grey horse struggle!

Physical Attributes

• Belly flap
• 1200 denier
• Fleece wither protection
• 300g polyfill

Quantitative Measurements

• Comes in navy
• Available in size 72-inch to 84-inch

Benefits & Drawbacks of Derby Originals 1200D Breathable Stable Blanket

Benefits	Drawbacks
Warm winter blanket	Limited color choice
Adjustable neck
Belly flap
Good price

How it Compare to Others and Why

This is one of the few stable blankets that have both a belly flap and straps to adjust the shoulder. However, of the blankets that do have these features, it is one of the cheapest.

Expert Tips

If you were wondering how to put on a winter blanket, check out this video from a long time equestrian. 

Why Do Horses Need Stable Blankets?

Horses need stable blankets for a few different reasons. The first one is if your horse is clipped. Clipping a horse removes their natural winter fluff and is important for horses doing exercise during the winter. [4]

But because you remove their winter coat, they have no way to stay warm in cold or even cooler weather. A stable blanket will keep them warm but it is still more breathable than a turnout blanket.

If you want to see some of the best turnout blankets for horses, check our guide!

You also need to put stable blankets on older horses. These horses often have trouble keeping weight on in the winter. A blanket will help them comfortable, so they don’t use as many calories trying to stay warm.

Also, just like people these horses can suffer from arthritis and general aches. The blanket warmth helps soothe these aches.

A sick horse might also need a stable blanket. When their body is run down from sickness they will feel the cold more.

Keep in mind all horses are individuals so the type of blanket you need will vary. I’ve come across in my many years of experience that some horses just hate the cold, even with their full winter coat.

I found putting a stable blanket on these horses keeps them much happier. I have a horse that just doesn’t do well in the cold. She doesn’t get clipped and grows a good winter coat.

But if you leave her with nothing on in the winter it is very hard to keep weight on her. If I put a stable blanket on her, she keeps her weight perfectly without the need to give her lots of grain.

Also Check: Stable Blankets Vs Stable Sheet: What’s The Difference?

Things to Consider Before Buying Stable Blankets for Horses?

Horse Blanket Weight

You need to decide what weight stable blanket to get. Blankets are rated in grams, so the higher the grams, the warmer it is. In my experience, the best thing to do is to get a light or medium weight stable blanket.

And then get one or two blanket liners of different weights.

Blanket liners tend to cost less than a full stable blanket, so it works out more economical. It also allows you to easily change how much warmth you put on your horse depending on the temperature.

Alternatively, you can get one stable blanket in light, medium, and heavy.

Horse Blanket Fit

You need a horse blanket that fits correctly so your horse is comfortable and doesn’t get blanket rubs. I always recommend a blanket that has a shoulder gusset if you can get one within your budget.

After using all types of horse blankets, I notice that sometimes those with no gussets tend to restrict the horse’s movement. I also have found that they are more likely to rub.

Also Check: The Best Rain Sheets For Horses

FAQs

Still have questions? That’s OK! It’s taken me years to really master blanketing but it doesn’t take too long to get a good understanding of it.

To help you out, I’ve answered some questions, I’ve been asked a lot here. Let’s find out.

Conclusion

Every horse owner that keeps their horse in a stable, needs to have a stable blanket. You might not use it all the time, especially if you live in a warm climate but sudden temperature changes can be detrimental to your horse.

At those times you will want a blanket. Luckily, there’s plenty of blanket choice and some great budget options.

Final Recommendation

You will need to make the final choice on what blanket you get, as you know your horse best.

However, my winner, the Weatherbeeta Comfitec is one I tell fellow equestrians to consider the most. It is medium weight, so it is suitable for lots of temperatures and also gives you room to add a light blanket liner for more warmth.

Of course, my favorite blanket is Rambo for its innovative fit but it’s not my winner due to the price.

References

• 1. How to Care for your Horse Blanket [Internet]. www.weatherbeeta.com. [cited 2022 Feb 1]. Available from: https://www.weatherbeeta.com/how-to-care-for-your-horse-blanket
• 2. Horse Blanketing FAQs [Internet]. The Horse. 2021 [cited 2022 Feb 1]. Available from: https://thehorse.com/18897/horse-blanketing-faqs/
• 3. When to Blanket a Horse [Internet]. Penn State Extension. [cited 2022 Feb 1]. Available from: https://extension.psu.edu/when-to-blanket-a-horse
• 4. Why Blanket Your Horse [Internet]. www.weatherbeeta.com. [cited 2022 Feb 1]. Available from: https://www.weatherbeeta.com/why-blanket-your-horse

What are your favorite horse stable blankets? Please share below!