Horse Blanket Size Chart and Temperature Guide

Measure from the center of your horse's chest (the breast bone) to the center of the tail along the side of the body, keeping the tape parallel to the ground. This straight-line measurement in inches is your blanket size starting point. Round up to the next standard size if you land between sizes — blankets come in 3-inch increments (54, 57, 60, 63 and so on). A slightly large blanket is safer than one that restricts shoulder movement or rubs the withers.

Blanket size is determined by your horse's chest-to-tail measurement in inches. A 66-inch measurement corresponds to a 60-inch blanket, a 72-inch measurement to a 66-inch blanket, and so on. Standard sizes run from 54 inches for small ponies up to 87 inches and above for draft horses. If you are between sizes, always go up to the next size. Use the size chart in this tool to find your horse's exact size.

For an unclipped horse in average body condition, a blanket is generally needed when temperatures fall below 40 to 50°F (4 to 10°C), especially with wet or windy conditions. Clipped horses have lost their natural insulation and need blanketing at temperatures 15 to 20°F warmer than an unclipped horse. Thin or underweight horses also need blanketing at higher temperatures than a horse in good body condition. Always check under the blanket daily — a sweating horse is too warm and should have a layer removed.

A sheet is unlined and provides no insulation — it is used for wind and rain protection or sun and insect protection in warmer months. A light blanket has 100 to 150 grams of fill and adds light warmth for temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s°F. A medium blanket (200 to 250g fill) is the most commonly used weight for temperatures in the 20 to 35°F range. A heavy blanket (300g or more) is for temperatures below 20°F. Many owners layer a lighter stable blanket under a waterproof turnout for flexibility as temperatures change.

Yes. A clipped horse has had its natural insulating coat removed and cannot regulate body temperature the way an unclipped horse can. As a general rule, a clipped horse needs blanketing at temperatures roughly 15 to 20°F warmer than an unclipped horse. For example, while an unclipped horse may be comfortable at 35°F without a blanket, a clipped horse at the same temperature needs at least a light blanket. Clipped horses in extreme cold also need more frequent checking for signs of chilling.

Wind and rain significantly lower the effective temperature your horse experiences. A horse without shelter in wet and windy conditions can experience an effective temperature 10 to 15°F lower than the actual air temperature. A horse in a stable or run-in shed is protected from these factors and can be blanketed based on the actual temperature alone. Always use a waterproof turnout blanket for horses that are outside in wet conditions — a wool or stable blanket becomes useless when wet.

Yes, and over-blanketing is one of the most common blanketing mistakes. A horse that is too warm under its blanket will sweat, and wet fur loses its insulating ability. When the blanket is removed or temperatures drop, the horse can chill rapidly. Signs of over-blanketing include sweating behind the ears, along the neck, or between the front legs. Check your horse daily during temperature swings, particularly in spring when daytime highs can be 20 to 30 degrees warmer than overnight lows.

Yes. Horses with a body condition score below 4 have less body fat available for insulation and lose heat more rapidly than horses in good condition. A thin horse generally needs a blanket at temperatures 10°F warmer than the threshold for a horse in average condition. Increasing hay and forage intake also helps, as fiber digestion generates body heat. If your horse is losing weight or struggling to maintain condition through the winter, consult your veterinarian.

Never blanket a horse that is still hot or sweating from exercise. A wet, warm horse under a blanket can develop a chill as the sweat cools and the coat loses its insulating ability. Allow your horse to cool down fully before applying a blanket. A cooler or a lightweight anti-sweat sheet can help wick moisture during the cooling-out period. Once the horse is fully cool and dry, apply the appropriate blanket for the temperature.