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Types of Horse Blankets

by Arielle Bhumitra

Overview

Although horses are naturally equipped to ward off the elements, there are situations in which the extra protection of a blanket is needed for their comfort and health. There are different types of horse blankets available depending on the horse's needs. Most blankets range in size from 60 to 84 inches.
Day Sheets

Day sheets are light blankets designed to protect the horse in mild weather and keep his coat clean. They are generally made of lightweight materials such as acrylic, cotton, or poly-cotton blends. A day sheet can also be used for layering in extremely cold weather. In general, day sheets are not water-proof.

Turnouts

Turnouts are designed to be worn by the horse when he is in pasture. Made from sturdy materials such as ripstop nylon or polyester, turnouts are designed to withstand the wear and tear of the active outdoor horse. Turnouts offer some protection from the weather and may vary in weight so that they can be used in different climates.
Anti-Sweat Sheets

Anti-sweat sheets are used after a horse has exercised to help her cool down. They are placed on the horse when she is in the cross-ties or being handwalked, but not while she is in her stall because the sheets are not very durable. Anti-sweat sheets are generally made of a cotton or poly-cotton mesh.
Coolers

Horse coolers have several uses. Once a horse has warmed up, a cooler may be thrown on the horse to keep his muscles warm before competition or additional exertion. A cooler may also be used after a horse has engaged in physical activity to help his body cool down to normal temperature. Coolers may also be used at horse shows to keep horses clean when handwalking or riding them. They are typically made of fleece or wool.
Fly Sheets

Fly sheets are typically made of mesh and are designed to protect the horse from biting insects during the summer months. They are lightweight and allow the horse's skin to have ventilation while serving as a barrier against horse flies, house flies, mosquitos and other insects. The use of fly sheets can be enhanced by adding a fly mask and fly boots so that a horse's head and legs are also protected.