The Benefits of Fleece Blankets for Horses

The Benefits of Fleece Blankets for Horses

A good fleece blanket is one of those versatile pieces of horse gear that can be useful throughout the year. Lightweight, warm and moisture-wicking, fleece is commonly used for coolers, stable rugs and as an extra layer under heavier blankets.

Whether your horse is cooling down after exercise, drying off after a bath or travelling on a chilly day, a fleece blanket can help keep them comfortable while their body temperature returns to normal.

But not all fleece blankets are created equal. The Back on Track Supreme Fleece Blanket combines the practical benefits of fleece with our unique Welltex® technology, making it a versatile option for stable, transport, warm-up and recovery.

Why Use a Fleece Blanket?

Fleece has several properties that make it particularly well suited to horses. It is soft against the coat, lightweight without being bulky, and designed to draw moisture away from the skin.

Here are some of the key benefits of adding a fleece blanket to your horse's wardrobe.

Soft and Comfortable

Fleece is soft and gentle against the horse's coat, making it a comfortable choice for use directly against the skin.

A well-fitted fleece blanket can provide an extra layer of warmth without the weight and bulk of a heavier winter rug.

Helps Manage Moisture

One of the biggest advantages of fleece is its ability to wick moisture away from the horse's skin.

This makes fleece particularly useful when a horse is warm or sweaty but still needs to be kept from getting chilled. Rather than leaving a damp coat exposed to cool air, a fleece cooler can help draw moisture away from the body as the horse dries.

Fleece itself is not waterproof, so it should not be used as a turnout rug in wet conditions unless it is combined with an appropriate waterproof outer layer.

Ideal for Cooling Down After Exercise

A fleece cooler can be particularly useful during colder weather when horses need time to gradually return to their normal body temperature after exercise.

As the horse cools, fleece helps manage moisture in the coat while providing a light layer of warmth. This makes it a practical choice for use after training, competition or other strenuous activity.

It can also be useful after bathing, particularly during cooler weather, helping your horse dry without leaving them exposed to cold temperatures while their coat is still damp.

Useful for Travel and Stable Use

Fleece blankets aren't just for post-exercise use.

A lightweight fleece rug can be useful while travelling, at competitions, in the stable or whenever your horse needs an additional layer without the weight of a heavier rug.

Because fleece is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, it's also a practical blanket to keep on hand year-round.

Easy to Care For

Compared with natural wool, fleece is generally straightforward to care for and can be washed regularly when needed.

As with any horse rug, always follow the manufacturer's washing and care instructions to help maintain the fabric and fit.

A fleece with a smoother finish can also be easier to keep clean, as bedding and debris are less likely to become caught in the fabric.

A Versatile Year-Round Layer

One of the best things about a fleece blanket is its versatility.

While a heavy winter rug may spend most of summer packed away, a fleece blanket can still be useful throughout the warmer months. On cooler summer evenings, after exercise or following an unexpected change in weather, a fleece can provide a lightweight layer without the bulk of a traditional winter rug.

What Makes the Back on Track Supreme Fleece Blanket Different?

The Back on Track Supreme Fleece Blanket combines the familiar benefits of fleece with Welltex® technology.

Welltex® is a mineral-based textile technology designed to reflect the horse's own body heat as long-wave infrared energy. It is designed to support circulation and can be particularly useful around periods of activity and recovery.

This means the Supreme Fleece Blanket isn't simply a fleece cooler. It brings together the practical properties of fleece with Welltex® technology in a versatile blanket designed to support your horse through different stages of their routine.

When Can You Use the Supreme Fleece Blanket?

The Supreme Fleece Blanket can be used in a range of situations, including:

  • Before exercise – as part of your horse's warm-up routine
  • After exercise – during cool-down and recovery
  • During transport – as a lightweight layer while travelling
  • In the stable – when your horse needs additional warmth
  • After bathing – to help manage moisture while the coat dries
  • Between seasons – when temperatures fluctuate and a heavy rug isn't necessary

Its versatility makes it a useful addition to your horse's rug collection, whether you're at home, travelling or heading to a competition.

Prepare, Perform, Recover

From warming up before exercise to cooling down afterwards, the right blanket can form an important part of your horse's daily routine.

The Back on Track Supreme Fleece Blanket combines soft, moisture-wicking fleece with Welltex® technology in a versatile design suitable for stable, transport and use around exercise.

A practical year-round option for helping your horse prepare, perform and recover.

Back to blog