Horse Blanket Size & Type Lab
Measure once, blanket right. Turn your horse's chest-to-tail measurement into the correct blanket size, pick turnout vs stable vs sheet by temperature, decode denier and fill grams, run a 7-point fit check, convert inch / cm / EU sizes, and plan liner layering.
Measurement → blanket size solver
Blanket sizes are sold by the inch measurement itself: a horse that measures 78″ takes a 78″ blanket. Enter your measurement below.
Standard blanket size chart (inches): 66 · 69 · 72 · 75 · 78 · 81 · 84 · 87 · 90 · 93. If your tape reads between two of these, use the solver above for the size-up rule.
- Your measurement
- 78.0″ (198.1 cm)
- EU size
- EU 200
- Fit note
- Exact — right on a standard size.
Blanket-type advisor: turnout vs stable vs sheet
The single most-asked blanket question after size. Answer four questions and get a category + fill recommendation.
- Effective temp
- 35°F
- Why
- —
Denier & fill-weight decoder
Two numbers, two totally different jobs: fill grams = warmth, denier = shell toughness.
- Durability
- standard
- Verdict
- 600D: standard duty.
7-point fit checker
Put the blanket on, then tap each check you can honestly confirm. Re-check fit through the season — weight and coat change.
Pony & Euro size conversion
US/UK blankets are sized in inches; European blankets in centimeters (usually rounded to the nearest 5 cm).
- EU label
- EU 205
- Pony cut
- Horse size (pony cuts usually ≤ 72″)
Layering planner: sheet + liner combos
One heavy blanket is not always the answer — a liner under a turnout stacks warmth and washes easily. Warmth adds up by fill grams.
- Warmth band
- 25–35°F
- Warnings
- —
Horse blanket temperature chart
Quick reference for an unclipped horse with shelter. A clipped horse needs the next warmer row roughly 15°F sooner; an exposed horse in wind needs one row warmer too. Use the Type advisor above for your exact case.
| Temperature | Unclipped horse | Clipped horse |
|---|---|---|
| 55°F+ (13°C+) | No blanket | Sheet if rain/wind |
| 45–55°F (7–13°C) | Sheet (0 g) if needed | Sheet (0 g) |
| 35–45°F (2–7°C) | 100 g light | 100–200 g |
| 25–35°F (−4–2°C) | 200–250 g medium | 200–250 g |
| 15–25°F (−9–−4°C) | 400 g heavy | 400 g + liner |
| Below 15°F (−9°C) | 400 g + liner (layered) | Heavy layered, check often |
Guidance only — individual horses vary by age, weight, coat and health. When in doubt, feel under the blanket: sweating means too warm, cold ears/chest means add a layer.
Horse blanket FAQs
How do I measure my horse for a blanket?
Stand your horse square on level ground. Run a soft measuring tape from the center of the chest, along the side of the body, to the edge of the tail (the tail head, not the tail hairs). The inch number you read is the blanket size you need — a horse measuring 78 inches takes a 78-inch blanket.
What size blanket does my horse need?
Your blanket size equals your chest-to-tail measurement in inches. Blankets are sold in 3-inch steps (66, 69, 72, 75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90, 93). Enter your measurement in the Size solver above and it will round to your size and show the EU equivalent.
What should I do if my horse measures between blanket sizes?
Size up. That is the standard advice in most fitting guides: a slightly roomy blanket moves with the horse, while a too-small blanket binds the shoulders and presses the withers. If your horse is very narrow or the brand runs large, a snugger size down can work — but check the wither and shoulder fit carefully either way.
What size blanket fits a 15hh horse?
Most 15hh horses take a 78-inch or 81-inch blanket, but height alone is unreliable — two 15hh horses can differ by a full size depending on build. Always measure chest to tail; the tape beats the height chart.
What is the difference between a turnout blanket and a stable blanket?
A turnout blanket is waterproof and breathable for outdoor use; a stable blanket is warmer per gram but NOT waterproof and is for indoor use only. Never put a stable blanket on a horse going out in rain — a soaked stable blanket is worse than no blanket at all.
What do 600D vs 1200D mean on a horse blanket?
Denier (D) measures the toughness of the outer shell fabric, not warmth. 600D is standard duty; 1200D is heavy-duty for horses that are rough on blankets; 1680D is maximum tear resistance. Denier adds zero warmth — buy denier for durability and fill grams for warmth.
What fill weight (in grams) should I choose?
Fill grams = warmth. Roughly: 0 g is a sheet (wind/rain protection, no insulation), 100 g is light, 200–250 g is medium, 400 g is heavy. Match fill to temperature, clip and shelter — the Type advisor and temperature chart above translate this to your situation.
At what temperature should I blanket my horse?
An unclipped horse with shelter usually needs no blanket above about 55°F (13°C); add a sheet around 45–55°F, 100 g at 35–45°F, 200–250 g at 25–35°F, and 400 g below 25°F. A clipped horse needs blanketing roughly 15°F sooner at every step, and wind or no shelter pushes the need up another row.
How do I layer horse blankets?
Put the liner underneath and the waterproof turnout on top, and add the fill grams together: a 250 g turnout plus a 200 g liner gives about 450 g of total warmth. Never use a liner as the outer layer in rain — liners are not waterproof. Above about 450 g total, watch for overheating on milder days.
Do horse blankets come in European sizes?
Yes — European brands label in centimeters, usually in 5 cm steps. Convert: centimeters = inches × 2.54, then round to the nearest 5. An 81-inch blanket is about 206 cm, sold as EU 205. Use the Conversions tab to convert any size.
What is a pony blanket size?
Pony blankets are the same inch measurement system, just smaller — typically 72 inches and under, sold in pony-specific cuts with adjusted strap placement. A 72-inch measurement is the crossover point; below that, look for pony-labeled blankets rather than small horse sizes.
How do I tell if my horse's blanket fits?
Run the 7-point check in the Fit checker tab: wither clearance, shoulder freedom, adjusted chest straps, snug surcingles, tail coverage, clear leg arches, and no sideways slipping. A blanket that fails several points is the wrong size or cut — continued use risks rubs and sores.
How tight should blanket straps and surcingles be?
Snug enough that the blanket stays centered and doesn't twist or slip, but never tight enough to pinch or rub. Straps should lie flat. Check them every time you blanket — horses change weight and coat through the season, and a strap that fit in November may be wrong by February.
Can my horse overheat in a blanket?
Yes. Horses overheat more easily than they get cold, especially clipped or rugged horses on sunny or warming days. Feel under the blanket: sweating or a hot, damp coat means remove a layer. When temperatures swing, swap or remove the blanket rather than leaving a heavy one on 'just in case'.
How often should I check blanket fit?
Every day during blanketing season. Remove the blanket regularly to check for rub marks, hair loss, sores, and weight change underneath. A poorly fitting blanket can cause rubs and sores quickly — if you see marks, stop using that blanket and consult your trainer or veterinarian.
Is blanket fitting the same as saddle fitting?
No. This tool covers blankets — sizing, warmth, and cover. Saddle fitting is a separate discipline about weight distribution on the back, and a badly fitting saddle causes different problems. Treat them as two independent fitting jobs.