I've Got You Covered: My Favorite Horse Blanket

As I am writing this we are currently under a winter storm watch and are expecting all manners of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow tonight and into the morning. Although my horses are lucky to live in a heated barn, blankets are still a necessity even in the barn (which we try to keep around 55-58 degrees) and also when they get their daily turnout. The award for my absolute favorite blankets, that I always go back to even after trying new brands, belongs to Schneider’s. I have been using Schneider’s blankets since I was a kid, my mom always bought and used their blankets on all of our horses and I am pretty sure she still uses some blankets from them that are at least 20 years old!

I have even tried other brands but Schneider’s just take the cake because they are primarily a stock horse brand and their cuts tend to fit my quarter horse bodies better. Many other brands are cut high up on the withers and neck which often rub out part of my horse’s mane and they are cut too loose and sloppy around their hips (more proportioned to fit a thoroughbred or sport horse body). Schneider’s sheets and blankets just plain fit better. I also like that they come in a wide variety of styles (open front, closed front etc), weights (a necessity with our changing weather, 60 today 20 tomorrow), colors and sizes. Most of their blankets feature Adjusta-Fit which allows you via velcro on either set of the neck to make sure the fit is snug and not drooping around the chest (perfect for young or narrow chested horses). I also love their Fitted V-Free Pressure Free Wither design that features a larger neck opening so it better fits sloped shoulder conformations (such as Quarter Horses, Arabians and other stock horse types) and does not rub out any mane or cause uncomfortable pressure on the horse’s withers.

They are also extremely durable and after many years of use often times still like brand new. They hold up well to repeated washing (I am obsessed with washing horse blankets and wash them at least once a week if not more if they get muddy). I wash them in the washer and hang them to dry and they look great every time.

My favorite style is the Adjusta-Fit Dura-Nylon V-Free Ocala Leg Strap Open Front Stable Blanket Midweight. Wow that is a mouthful but my perfect horse blanket. My horses prefer the open front because they don’t like the static that comes with pulling blankets off over their head. The midweight is more than enough for their turnout no matter the temp and still keeps them warm (but not too warm) in our heated barn. My only complaint is that they don’t come in more colors (in case you are listening Schneider’s)! Available in size 68-84 and regularly priced at $179.99 but on sale for $94.99 at sstack.com.

Dreamer wearing his blanket in the snow.

Shooter nice and cozy on a snowy morning! These blankets also layer nicely with polar fleece hoods and you can even buy matching quilted hoods that clip easily on and off.

While they are not waterproof, they do hold up well to the mud and some moisture. Just rinse and hang to dry or throw in the washing machine.

Even Bandit loves curling up in a Schneider’s horse blanket.