I need your help. My HIB blankets are worn out. They had a gortex liner and didn’t need to be waterproofed even after numerous washings. I’m looking for something similar and can’t find anything on the internet. What are your recommendations for exceptionally good waterproof turnout blankets?
Hmmm, I’m not sure what can compare to Gortex on a blanket as I’ve yet to see that…super nice though I’m sure, although spendy.
Short of that…Horseware (Rambo and Rhino) are good, and I’ve not used them but Buca seems to have a good reputation too. Baker and Kensington make some strong and classic blankets as well.
I was just coming here to ask about a TRULY waterproof turnout sheet! I’ve had Rambos for years (sheets and blankets) and the sheets just do not hold up to the torrential downpours we get here in spring and fall. My horse is just as wet with the Rambo sheet on as he would be with it off - no lie. And my sheets are only a year old or less. I have tried re-waterproofing, but nothing helps. At least the fill in the blankets keeps the wet from getting on the liner, so I never have trouble with a Rambo blanket.
How are Shneiders? Or what brand has the mesh liner instead?
For my horses, in my area, kept outdoors all the time Rhinos have been 100% hands down the best blanket for keeping my horse’s dry for years per blanket. Before I bought my first Rhino nothing had lasted more than three years before starting to leak. The first Rhino lasted four, and it was the outer, not waterproof layer that shredded. I have a Rhino Wug lite now heading into year six. It’s still waterproof!
But they aren’t as tough as some blankets. Durability depends on the horse.
I love the Smartpak Ultimate turnouts. My original sets are now going into the 3rd season and still waterproof…only had on front buckle break and the free replacement was sent in a matter of days. My horses are outside almost 24/7 (only coming in once a day for grain and for riding) in a 50acre field that has lots of woods so lots of opportunities to get snagged. It is a 5 gelding group and my youngest is very rough on his and the other’s clothes! No rips or tears yet. I’m here in the Midwest so lots of rain, storms, and winter weather. Every year I add a different blanket to the set - have the high neck light and heavy weights and this year just picked up the regular neck light weight. Next will be the medium weights.
I will second these turnouts. I have only had mine for one season but my pony stood out in some crazy wet weather (the others will not let her under the shelter) and though the sheet looked soaked she was dry underneath it.
Now I wish my replacement buckle would come. They were back ordered when I called in the spring. I guess I should call again and see when they are expected.
Schneiders storm shield or Rambo blankets are also really good blankets. 1200 denier or higher won’t waste money on 600 denier blankets.
My freind bought tough 1 600 denier turnouts. There junk blankets, didn’t last 2 months and were trashed.
1 Like
I got a SP Ultimate a couple years ago, and on the first wear, there was a rip around the shoulder area. 2nd wear, the front buckles were demolished. 3rd wear (I really had no choice) and another big gash in the hip area. That same horse has never damaged the Schneider’s he had before, or after, so it’s not as if he’s a blanket killer.
The Tough-1 I have is very nicely made and has been waterproof and hard-wearing. it is a 1200 denier. It fits my long lanky warmblood really well, and has big shoulder gussets so he can move in it. I like that it also has a nice long drop, and it washes easily.
The SP Ultimate sheet I have is heavy duty, waterproof and still looks like new after washing in it’s third season on a horse that is a rolling fiend.
I also have several Schneider’s blankets that have worn very well and have maintained their waterproofing, on 24/7 turnout horses.
I have pretty much hated every Weatherbeeta I have ever purchased. They seem to lose their waterproofing really fast, and their hardware isn’t great.
I really wish SP still made their thinsulate blanket. It was quite expensive, but really light to handle, comfortable for the horse and warm. And it lasted for ever! I think my last one did 6 seasons on a horse that was really tough on blankets.
I have a few Northwind turnouts (both blankets and sheets) that have gone the distance - they are made of ballistic nylon come with a lifetime guarantee. I have one sheet that is four years old - still looks and performs like new - the others are only two to three years old, so the jury is still out on those yet. But I expect to get at least ten years out of them. I have a two cheaper Schneider turnout sheets heading into their fourth year - and a old Stormshield blanket I got in 2006 that is still waterproof and without any tears. I also have a Weatherbeeta sheet that is now 10 years old and I just had to reproof it this year. . . a Big D Magnum turnout sheet still going strong in it’s sixth year. . . and oh yes. . . another Weatherbeeta still waterproof (it’s a 1200 denier) in it’s sixth year.
I hear Shires and Bakers are also quite good.
Your best bet for longevity and long wear is probably something made of ballistic nylon - Northwind, Schneider, Smarkpak, and Shires all make turnouts in ballistic nylon.
Saratoga has a nice turnout made of 1000 denier Cordura nylon. Happy shopping!
@atr, I’m surprised to hear you’ve had bad luck with Weatherbeeta, because I swear by them. I have a heavyweight, midweight, and 2 sheets of theirs. One of the sheets I call my “Frankenblanket” because at almost 15 years old, it’s covered with terrible sewing jobs. Although it’s ripped a lot over the years (always deservedly, not because it’s crappy), it’s STILL waterproof and fits my gelding perfectly.
Is the horse actually getting wet under the sheet? If so I’d be seriously annoyed since those are the more expensive version that Horseware makes. I’ve used the cheapo Amigo sheets for YEARS and have never had the horse get wet. A blanket repair person told me that the actual waterproofing layer is in between the outer shell and the liner. So even if whatever waterproofing was on the outer fabric has worn off, if the inner waterproofing material is intact, the horse should stay dry. My gelding’s backup sheet is an 8 year old Amigo. The sheet looks soaking wet sometimes, but he is dry underneath.
I also think that leaving blankets out in the sun and heat will ruin that inner waterproofing layer more than any amount of washing will. I wash my blankets at home, with a small amount of phosphate free detergent, and they are still going strong. But I don’t leave them out when the horses aren’t wearing them. I stash them in my tack locker, and then I store them (clean) at home over the summer.
I think this is a good question to ask.
Typically at my house my husband will tell me that the pony has soaked thru her blanket so I rush out there to make sure she is not freezing to death and I find a pony wearing a very soaked looking blanket, who might have some wet that has flowed down her neck under the front but her whole body is dry under that very soaked looking blanket. She is not cold at all, just looks pitiful.
Wow I just realized all the replies I got. Thank You all for the great advice. I’ll be shopping for new for next winter. I resurrected my HIB’s for last winter. They are tired though. The gortex liner was the best. No leaks …it breathed …no re water proofing. They were 200.00 to 250.00 dollars 15 to 18 years ago which was pricey in those days however so worth it. They made gortex sheets also and when used over a blanket …made any blanket waterproof. They are just now dying of old age and were a great investment. My hat is off to those that manufactured them they made a quality product. As they say quality only hurts once.
Thanks again for the suggestions of better blankets to buy these days!
Do NOT waste your money on Rambos!!! I’ve had five sheets soak right through - different models, bought in different years and all made in Ireland. Sure durability wise they hold up but the waterproofing is a complete joke. Hate those sheets!!
I too was resurrecting my Classic Cover-ups Horses in Black sheets until I decided to start making them myself-
I still have sizes up to 81"- the 84" are all sold out.
