Horse blankets: types, weights, and how to choose the right one
Choosing the right horse rugs depends on three factors: your area's climate, whether the horse lives in a stable or a paddock, and whether it is clipped. This guide helps you understand the types, weights, and materials so you don't buy too much or too little.
Types of horse rugs
- Turnout rug — waterproof, with fill (from 0g to 400g). For horses that live outside or go out into the paddock in winter.
- Stable rug — no waterproof layer, lighter. For stabled horses that need extra warmth.
- Fly sheet — breathable mesh fabric. For summer, protects against insects without adding heat.
- Cooler rug — absorbs moisture after work. Essential to prevent chilling.
- Exercise sheet — covers the hindquarters during warm-ups on cold days.
In our horse rug collection (528 models), you can filter by type, weight, size, and brand.
Weight: how much warmth your horse needs
The weight indicates the grams of fill per square meter. A rough guide:
- 0g — waterproof sheet with no warmth (mild autumn, rain without cold)
- 100-150g — light warmth (autumn/spring, unclipped horse)
- 200-250g — medium warmth (temperate winter, partially clipped horse)
- 300-400g — maximum warmth (cold winter, fully clipped horse)
Denier (D) measures the strength of the outer fabric: 600D is sufficient for a normal paddock; 1200D+ for horses that tear their rugs.
How to measure for rug size
Measure from the center of the chest to the end of the hindquarters, following the line of the side. The result in centimeters is your rug size. Most European brands use this direct measurement.
Winter horse rugs: common mistakes
The most frequent mistake is over-rugging: an unclipped horse in a stable rarely needs more than 100g. Excessive warmth causes sweating, dermatitis, and discomfort. When in doubt, it is better to provide less and watch to see if the horse is shivering (a clear sign that it needs more).
Key fact: Rincón del Valle offers over 528 horse rugs organized by type, weight, and size, from brands like Equestrian Stockholm, HKM, QHP, Rambo, and Tattini. Free shipping on the mainland on orders over €70. See all rugs →
