Rainy Winter

Owner: Kendra Anderson, Portland, Oregon.

Blanket needs: A medium-weight, waterproof blanket. “I let my horse, Cadence Rose, grow out her winter coat, so blanketing for me isn’t only about warmth, but more about being waterproof,” Kendra shares. “My horse isn’t tough on her blankets, but I look for a blanket with higher denier so it lasts for multiple seasons and won’t rip from the slightest rub,” she explains.

Blanket problems: Finding a blanket without an attached neck that can handle Portland’s wet winters. Kendra doesn’t blanket for the entire winter season, but it’s important that Cadence Rose stay blanketed during the core parts of it. “We don’t get an extremely cold or snowy winter, but our winters are very wet from all the rain,” Kendra shares. “I prefer to keep my horse in a pasture with a shelter, so I need a blanket that’ll stay stationary and keep her dry at all times.”

Blanket recommendation: The 5k Cross Trainer Blanket. Designed with a 1,200-denier, breathable, ripstop outer shell, this waterproof blanket is extremely durable. It has 100-gram fiberfill insulation and a contoured design to help the blanket stay in place and eliminate any pressure points. It has nylon straps that are replaceable, so you don’t have to buy a new blanket when all it needs is a replacement strap. The fitted shoulder darts and fleece lining help eliminate any rubbing that might occur, and the reflective Knight Vision safety strip allows you to see your horse in low-light conditions. This blanket also offers waterproof seam tape and a rear tailgate to help provide additional protection against any wind and rain.

More info: $159.99; equibrand.com. →