Remember when horse owners only had one style and color to choose from for their horse's blanket? Those days are over. Technology has modernized the blanket-making industry, creating hundreds of new styles, fabrics and colors for horse owners to choose from. Even an experienced equine expert can be a little overwhelmed when it comes to purchasing horse blankets. Finding the best blanket is all about fit, purpose, price and quality.

First, measure your horse and determine blanket size. They normally correspond to the side measurements of the horse and are typically sized in inches. Blankets start at 54 inches and go up to 84 inches, by increments of two. Well-fitted sheets should not chafe the horse's withers or shoulders as it moves or grazes. It is supposed to lie comfortably over its chest, shoulders and back.

What type of blanket does your horse need? There are many horse blankets to choose from such as a turnout rug or blanket, stable blanket or sheet, show sheet, or a fly sheet. Each serves a unique purpose. Turnout blankets are sold in an assortment of weights and are waterproof so your horse is protected from the wind and rain while turned out. Stable blankets are softer and usually non-water proof material. They are meant to be used indoors or as an additional layer under a turnout rug for warmth.

Next, you’ll want to determine how much your budget will allow you to spend. However, keep in mind you get what you pay for. When you purchase a blanket at a cheap price, you get what you paid for - a cheap blanket. Horse blankets can sometimes be expensive; so keep an eye out for bargains. It is sometimes worth paying a few extra dollars to purchase a good blanket which will last several years versus a cheap one which barely lasts one season.

Pay attention to the quality of the fabric. This is sometimes referred to as the denier and it’s a good indication the thread used. The quality of thread comes into play, as well. 1000 denier or higher is a good place to begin when shopping for turn out blankets. You can get away with lower denier stable blankets since they don’t get the wear and tear of associated with turn out blankets.

As far as extras are concerned, would you prefer a European cut shoulder or a traditional cut? What about a tail piece, a bell band, monogramming, or special color choices? You can purchase extras such as the cut which affects how a blanket will fit and thus influencing your horse's long term health and well-being. These are good extras to consider if your horse is active or you live in an area with severe weather conditions