PFAS in Horse Blankets and Turnout Rugs: Safer Choices for Your Horse

Turnout rugs and stable blankets take a beating from rain, mud, and manure. Manufacturers have relied on PFAS-based durable water repellent (DWR) coatings for years to make these blankets shed water and resist stains. But those same “forever chemicals” are worth thinking about, both for the horse wearing the blanket and for the people handling the gear every day.

For more on PFAS-free living, see our guide to PFAS free air fryer and PFAS vs PTFE.

Why PFAS in horse blankets matters

PFAS compounds are used in equine turnout rugs and blankets to create waterproof, stain-resistant outer shells. A 2023 review in eBioMedicine linked PFAS exposure to thyroid disruption, immune system changes, and developmental concerns. Most of that research focuses on human health, but the exposure pathways matter for horse owners too.

When you handle a PFAS-treated turnout rug, wash it, or hang it to dry, you come into direct skin contact with those chemicals. PFAS also wash off during cleaning and end up in groundwater near barns and wash racks. And horses wearing treated blankets for hours or days at a time have prolonged skin contact. Any chemicals that leach can enter the environment through sweat and runoff.

How to spot PFAS in equine blankets

“Waterproof” and “water-repellent” mean different things here. A blanket that uses a waterproof membrane, like a sealed polyester shell, may not need DWR at all. But blankets labeled “water-repellent” usually rely on a DWR finish, which is often PFAS-based.

The denier rating is not the issue either. A 1200-denier blanket is not automatically safer or more dangerous than a 600-denier one. The chemical treatment on the fabric matters more than the weave density.

The most direct approach is to contact the manufacturer and ask whether their blankets use fluorinated DWR or a fluorine-free alternative. Brands that have made the switch are usually happy to say so. OEKO-TEX and bluesign certifications restrict PFAS in certified textiles, though they are less common in equine gear than in human apparel. You can also check the PFAS Free Life Database for verified clean products.

Safer horse blanket options

The equine market has been slower than outdoor apparel to move away from PFAS, but there are options worth looking at.

HORZE Glasgow Waterproof Combo Turnout Blanket uses a waterproof polyester shell with a standard fill for moderate weather. HORZE has been expanding its range of blankets with fluorine-free water-repellent treatments. Check it out on Amazon: HORZE Glasgow Waterproof Combo Turnout Horse Blanket.

Weatherbeeta ComFiTec offers a range of turnout rugs with repelshell fabric. Confirm the specific DWR treatment used on the model you are considering, but Weatherbeeta has been transparent about its material sourcing.

Canvas and waxed cotton blankets are a traditional alternative that avoids synthetic DWR altogether. Waxed cotton relies on a natural wax coating for water resistance, which can be re-applied over time without any fluorinated chemicals.

When shopping, focus on blankets that achieve waterproofing through membrane construction or natural coatings rather than chemical surface treatments.

Reducing PFAS exposure around the barn

If you suspect your current blankets are PFAS-treated, wash them in a well-ventilated area and avoid using the same washing machine you use for household laundry. PFAS can transfer to other fabrics in the wash.

There is no need to throw away functional gear today, but when a blanket reaches the end of its life, choose a fluorine-free replacement. And skip aftermarket waterproofing sprays; many contain PFAS. If your blanket’s membrane is still intact, it should not need a chemical refresh.

Drinking water matters too. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective option for PFAS removal at the barn, and it protects both horses and humans. For more on water filtration, check out our guide to top PFAS free water filters and the PFAS Free Life Database.

Frequently asked questions

Can PFAS in horse blankets affect my horse’s health?

Research on PFAS exposure in horses specifically is limited, but the chemicals are known to persist on surfaces and leach through moisture. Horses wearing treated blankets for extended periods have prolonged skin contact, and any PFAS that enters the environment through runoff can contaminate pasture and water sources. Choosing fluorine-free blankets is a precautionary step that reduces risk for the horse and the barn environment.

How can I tell if my current horse blanket has PFAS?

The most reliable method is to contact the manufacturer and ask whether the blanket uses fluorinated DWR. If the blanket is marketed as “water-repellent” rather than relying on a sealed membrane for waterproofing, there is a good chance it uses a DWR coating, which may be PFAS-based. Third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 explicitly prohibit PFAS in certified textiles.

Are fluorine-free horse blankets as waterproof as PFAS-treated ones?

Fluorine-free DWR treatments have improved significantly and perform well in normal rain and turnout conditions. They may require more frequent re-treatment than PFAS-based coatings, but many horse owners find the trade-off worthwhile. Blankets that use sealed membrane construction rather than DWR coatings can be fully waterproof without any fluorinated chemistry at all.

*Research reference: eBioMedicine 2023

Toxicological Sciences*