A Horse Owner’s Guide to Understanding Horse Blanket Waterproofing

That Sinking Feeling When Your Horse Gets Soaked…

Ever bought a new blanket, felt great about your choice, and then—after one good storm—your horse is standing there, soaked and looking at you like it's all your fault? Yeah, I’ve been there too.

It's more than just frustrating; it's worrying. You want to keep your horse comfortable and healthy, especially in harsh weather. But how do you do that?

This guide is here to cut through the confusion and give you a realistic understanding of waterproofing. From materials and coatings to maintenance and expectations—let’s break it down so you can make the best choices for your horse’s comfort and health.

Understanding Horse Blanket Waterproofing

The truth is, horse blanket waterproofing isn’t as simple as “waterproof” or “not waterproof.” There’s a science behind it—from fabric types and coatings to breathability and maintenance. And knowing what actually keeps water out (and what doesn’t) can save you frustration, money, and a very soggy horse.

To make this easy, I’ll break it down without the fluff—but if you're like me and love nerding out over blanket details, stick around for the full story.

Denier (D) Why Fabric Thickness Matters:

Quick Take: Higher denier = stronger fabric, but not necessarily more waterproof.

If you’ve shopped for horse blankets (and likely you have, because you're here), you’ve likely seen denier printed front and center on packaging and product descriptions. It’s one of those buzzwords that gets tossed around a lot—but what does it actually mean?

Denier refers to the thickness of the individual fibers woven into your horse blanket. A higher denier (e.g., 1200D) typically means a stronger, more durable fabric—ideal for playful horses or those who like to test their blankets against trees, fences, or pasture buddies. A lower denier (e.g., 600D) can still be effective but may wear out faster under rough conditions.

But here’s the catch: Denier alone doesn’t determine waterproofness (is that even a word?). While thicker, tightly woven fabrics can help resist water, the real waterproofing comes from specialized coatings and membrane layers. So while a tough blanket may hold up better over time, it won’t necessarily keep your horse any drier unless it’s designed with waterproofing in mind.

This is where breathability also comes into play—but more on that next!

Breathability: The Balance Between Dry and Comfortable 

Quick Take: A blanket needs to keep water out while allowing sweat and moisture to escape.

Ever thrown on a rain jacket only to end up just as wet—but from sweat instead of rain? That’s exactly what happens when a horse blanket lacks breathability.

Breathability refers to how well air and moisture can move through fabric, preventing sweat buildup and overheating. A highly breathable blanket helps regulate your horse’s body temperature by allowing excess moisture to escape. This is especially important for active horses, fluctuating temperatures, or damp climates.

But here’s where things get tricky: Too much waterproofing and not enough breathability can backfire. If moisture gets trapped inside, it can condense within the layers, causing dampness and discomfort. Over time, trapped moisture can break down the blanket’s waterproofing treatment, making it less effective at repelling rain.

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Finding the Right Balance

When choosing a horse blanket, look beyond just the denier and waterproof rating. A well-balanced blanket should:

✅ Repel external moisture (rain, snow, and mud)
✅ Allow internal moisture (sweat) to escape
✅ Maintain comfort without overheating

By understanding how breathability and waterproofing work together, you can choose the best blanket for your horse’s unique needs—keeping them dry, warm, and happy.

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Maximizing Waterproof Blanket Performance: What Really Matters

Choosing the right waterproof blanket can feel overwhelming with so many options. But if you focus on three key factors—climate, activity level, and personality— you’ll set your horse up for maximum comfort and protection.

1. Climate: Matching the Blanket to Your Weather

Your region’s weather should be the first thing you consider.

☁️ Cold, wet winters? A high-denier, insulated blanket will offer durability and warmth.
🌦️ Mild, rainy seasons? A lightweight, breathable waterproof blanket may be the better choice—even if it doesn’t last as long.
☀️ Fluctuating temperatures? Opt for a balance of waterproofing and breathability to prevent overheating.

2. Activity: The Sweat Factor

A horse that moves a lot will generate heat—and a poorly ventilated blanket will trap moisture.

🏇 Active horses? Choose a blanket with high breathability to wick away sweat and prevent dampness.
🐎 More relaxed or older horses? They may benefit from a sturdier, more insulating option.

3. Personality: Playful vs. Laid-Back

Some horses treat their blankets like battle armor, while others barely ruffle a strap.

🎭 Rough players? A high-denier, reinforced blanket will withstand the wear and tear.
🛏️ Gentle grazers? A lighter denier blanket may be enough—just ensure it still offers waterproof protection.

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Finding the Right Balance

The best waterproof blanket isn’t just about denier or breathability—it’s about finding the right combination for your horse’s unique needs.

Need help picking the perfect one? Stay ahead of the season by checking out our waterproof-friendly blanket care products at BlanketSafe.com.

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What Does 'Waterproof' Really Mean?

You see waterproof printed on a horse blanket tag and assume it means your horse will stay bone-dry no matter what, right? Well…not exactly.

Waterproofing isn’t just a fancy label—it’s actually measured using something called the hydrostatic head test (mmH2O). This test determines how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before it starts leaking.  Here’s what those numbers really mean, but before you finish reading this chart, take a guess at were you think horse blankets fall.

Did you take a guess? 

The answer might surprise you, most horse blankets fall between 3,000-5,000mmH2O, meaning they’ll keep your horse dry in light rain and snow—but after hours in a soaking storm? Even the best blanket will eventually give in.

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Managing Expectations: No Blanket is Invincible

It’s easy to blame the manufacturer, the waterproofing spray, or even the soap you used (we’ve all been there!). But the reality is—all fabrics will eventually let water through. Factors like:

✔️ How the blanket is made
✔️ How old it is
✔️ How well it’s been maintained

…all play a role in waterproof longevity. Instead of wondering if your blanket will eventually let moisture in, the real question is when—and how you can prolong its performance.

The good news? With the right care and maintenance, you can extend your blanket’s waterproofing lifespan and keep your horse comfortable—even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

How to Extend Your Horse Blanket's Waterproofing?

Quick Take: Factory-applied waterproofing doesn’t last forever. Whether it’s a surface spray or an internal waterproof membrane, wear and tear, washing, and daily use will eventually break it down. The good news? With proper care, you can extend your blanket’s lifespan and keep your horse drier for longer.

💡 Blanket Care Pro-Tip:
The wrong soap can strip waterproofing. Use Blanket Safe, a veterinarian-backed, detergent-free wash that’s safe for waterproof coatings, gentle on sensitive skin, and HE-machine friendly. Keep your blankets cleaner, softer, and effective for longer!

A Note from the Founder

Hey there, fellow horse lovers!

I get it—blanket care can be frustrating. That’s exactly why I created Blanket Safe—to provide a safe, effective way to clean your blankets without destroying waterproofing.

We’re here to make horse care easier, so you can spend less time worrying about blankets and more time enjoying your horse. Thanks for trusting Blanket Safe to keep your gear clean and effective!

Happy riding,
Laura, Founder of Blanket Safe