Horse Blanket Weight Guide: What Fill for 30 Degrees and Up
Updated October 21, 2026 by the Hilason Media Team.
Quick answer: Match blanket fill to temperature, coat, and wind. Roughly: no fill for rain or mild cold, about 250g for cool nights, 300g to 400g for hard freezes. Many healthy, unclipped horses with shelter and hay need no blanket at 30°F. Clipped, older, or thin horses usually need 300g or more.
Fill weight at a glance
Temperature ranges are general horsemanship rules of thumb, not product ratings. Adjust for the individual horse. Prices as of October 2026.
| Fill | Typical use | Hilason option (verified listing) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| No fill (sheet) | Rain, wind, mild cold, early spring and fall | 1200D Turnout Rain Sheet | $78.99 |
| 250g poly fill | Cool nights, transition weather, unclipped horses | 600D Waterproof Poly Blanket with Belly Wrap (horse sizes) | $87.99 |
| 300g poly fill | Cold weather, with a neck cover for full coverage | 1200D Ripstop Blanket with Neck Cover | $128.99 |
| 300g or 400g | Cold to hard freezes | 1200D Winter Turnout Blanket with Belly Wrap: 300g or 400g depending on listing; check the specific listing | $98.99 |
| 400g poly fill (pony sizes) | Ponies in hard cold | 600D Pony Blanket | $67.99 |
Sizes: horse blankets run 66" to 84"; pony blankets run 50" to 64".
What weight for 30 degrees?
- Unclipped, healthy, good body condition, shelter and hay: many need no blanket; a sheet if it is wet.
- Wet, windy, or no shelter: step up one weight. Wind and wet matter more than the number on the thermometer.
- Clipped, older, thin, or hard keepers: 300g to 400g.
- The rule that beats every chart: shivering or a tucked-up posture means add weight; damp hair under the blanket means remove it. Check daily.
Heavy weight vs medium weight
Heavy weight (300g to 400g) is for sustained cold. In mild stretches it overheats an unclipped horse. If your winter swings 20 degrees in a week, a medium blanket plus a sheet for layering is more flexible than one heavy blanket.
Early spring
Early spring is sheet weather: cold rain, warm afternoons. A waterproof, no-fill turnout sheet handles wet and wind without trapping heat. Heavy blankets left on through warm spring days cause sweating and rubbing. See fly sheet vs turnout sheet.
Who it's for / not for
For: owners turning horses out daily who want waterproof ripstop outer shells at a budget price point and a belly-wrap fit.
Not for:
- Horses measuring over 84": the largest listed size is 84". Many draft horses measure larger, so measure before ordering.
- Anyone expecting a veterinary blanket. These are standard poly-fill turnouts.
- Buyers comparing premium-brand blankets. This guide covers Hilason-brand turnouts.
FAQ
What weight blanket does my horse need at 30°F?
It depends on coat, clip, age, shelter and wind. Many healthy, unclipped horses with shelter and hay need no blanket at 30°F; clipped, older or thin horses usually need 300g or more.
What is the difference between 600D and 1200D?
Denier is a measure of fabric thread weight; 1200D is a heavier shell. Fill is separate: the 600D horse-size blankets are listed with 250g fill, while the 600D pony blanket is listed with 400g. 1200D blankets are listed at 300g or 400g depending on the listing. Check the individual listing for fill weight.
Do I need a neck cover?
A neck cover closes the gap between blanket and head in sustained cold. Several 1200D blankets include an integrated neck cover and belly wrap; others have D-rings so a compatible hood can be added.
Can I leave a blanket on all winter?
Check under it often. Rubbing at the shoulder and withers, sweating, or weight loss under a blanket are signs to adjust. A blanket that fits well with shoulder gussets reduces rubbing.
How do I measure my horse for a blanket?
Measure from the center of the chest, straight along the side, to the point of the buttock. Round to the nearest listed size (66" to 84" for horses, 50" to 64" for ponies).
