What is the most important measurement for a horse blanket size? The most important measurement for a horse blanket size is typically the length from the center of the chest to the rear point of the buttock (often called the back length). This measurement directly dictates the blanket size number you will use.
Getting the right fit for your horse’s blanket is vital. A blanket that is too big can slip and rub. A blanket that is too small can restrict movement and cause sores. This guide will walk you through the simple steps needed for accurate horse blanket measurement instructions. We aim to provide a clear horse blanket sizing guide so you can confidently choose the best rug for your horse. Knowing how to measure a horse for a turnout rug or a winter blanket ensures comfort and protection.
Why Accurate Measurement Matters: Fathoming the Importance of Fit
A well-fitting blanket keeps your horse warm and dry. It also prevents common issues like wither rubbing, shoulder restriction, and flank pulling. Poor fit leads to discomfort, stress, and potential injury. This is why following a careful equine blanket fit guide is essential.
Common Fit Problems Caused by Wrong Sizes
- Too Short: The back snaps open when the horse moves. The tailbone is left exposed to cold or rain.
- Too Long: The blanket bunches up at the rear. It can rub the hind legs or trip the horse when walking or lying down.
- Too Tight Across the Chest: It restricts movement. It can cause rubs right behind the elbow or on the point of the shoulder.
. Too Loose in the Surcingles:* The blanket swings side to side. This causes rubs under the belly or twists the blanket completely around.
Tools You Will Need
Gathering the right tools makes the job much easier. You only need a few simple items to complete your measuring a horse for rugs process.
- A flexible measuring tape. This is the same kind used for sewing or body measurements. Avoid using a stiff carpenter’s tape measure.
- A helper (optional, but helpful for keeping the horse standing still).
- A calm, cooperative horse standing squarely on level ground.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Measure A Horse For A Blanket Size
Accurate measurement requires finding the blanket size number. This number usually corresponds to the horse’s back length. Follow these steps carefully for determining correct horse blanket size.
Step 1: Prepare Your Horse and Measuring Area
Your horse must stand square. This means all four legs should be evenly placed under its body. The horse should be relaxed. A nervous or shifting horse will give you an inaccurate reading. Make sure the horse is not wearing any other heavy gear.
Step 2: Measure the Back Length (The Key Measurement)
This measurement determines the main blanket size number (e.g., 78 inches). This is the most critical part of horse blanket measurement instructions.
- Start the tape measure at the center of the horse’s chest. Find the point where the neck joins the shoulder. This is often where the blanket edges will meet at the front.
- Run the tape measure straight down the side of the horse. Keep the tape flat against the body, following the curve of the horse’s side.
- Stop the measurement at the very center of the tail, where the dock (the fleshy part of the tail base) ends. Do not measure past the dock to the actual hairs.
Record this number carefully. This is your primary size number. For instance, if you measure 76 inches, you likely need a size 76 blanket.
Step 3: Measure the Shoulder and Chest Depth (For Fit Check)
While the back length gives the size number, the chest and shoulder measurement confirms if the blanket will close correctly without pulling tight. This is key for horse blanket fitting tips.
- Chest Width: Measure across the widest part of the chest, from point to point. This helps ensure the front closures have enough overlap.
- Shoulder Drop: Measure from the point of the shoulder down to where you want the blanket edge to sit (usually just behind the elbow). This helps check if the blanket length is right for your horse’s build.
Step 4: Measure for the Belly Surcingles (For Security)
The belly straps must be long enough to cross comfortably under the horse, but not so long that they drag or allow the blanket to shift excessively.
- Measure from the middle of one side of the belly, under the belly, to the middle of the other side. Add about 10 to 12 inches for adjustment and overlap. This ensures the straps meet securely.
Step 5: Measure for the Hind Blanket Drop (For Coverage)
This measurement helps gauge how low the blanket needs to hang to cover the hindquarters properly, especially important when measuring horse for winter blanket needs.
- Measure from the center of the back (where the wither meets the back) down to the point of the buttock. This shows how deep the blanket needs to be to cover the hips adequately.
Interpreting the Numbers: Using a Blanket Size Chart for Horses
Once you have your back length measurement, you compare it to a standard blanket size chart for horses. Remember, manufacturers use slightly different scales. Always check the specific brand’s chart if possible.
Here is a typical representation of how back length translates to blanket size numbers:
| Back Length (Inches) | Blanket Size (Inches) | Typical Horse Size |
|---|---|---|
| 68 – 70 | 70 | Small Pony / Small Cob |
| 72 – 74 | 74 | Cob / Small Horse |
| 76 – 78 | 78 | Average Horse |
| 80 – 82 | 80 | Large Horse |
| 84 – 86 | 84 | Warmblood / Draft Cross |
| 88+ | 88+ | Very Large Horse / Draft |
Important Note: This chart is a starting point. Some horses need to size up or down based on their shape. For example, a barrel-chested Quarter Horse might need a larger size number than a narrow Thoroughbred of the same back length to accommodate the chest width.
Adjustments Based on Horse Type and Blanket Type
Not all horses are shaped the same, and not all blankets serve the same purpose. Adjustments are often needed when determining correct horse blanket size.
Adjusting for Drafts and Broodmares
Larger breeds, like drafts, or mares carrying foals, often have broader chests and larger hindquarters.
- Broader Chest: If the horse’s chest measurement seems tight based on the back length alone, consider going up 2 inches in size. This gives more room across the front closure.
- Thick Winter Coats: If you are measuring horse for winter blanket during the peak of winter when coats are thickest, sizing up slightly can prevent restriction.
Adjusting for Different Blanket Styles
The style of the blanket affects where the measurement sits.
- Turnout Rugs vs. Stable Sheets: Turnouts often need slightly more length for movement and coverage in bad weather.
- Shoulder Gussets: Blankets with diagonal shoulder gussets (wrinkle-like fabric cuts near the shoulder) allow for better movement. These might fit well even if the measurement is on the cusp between sizes.
- High Necks: Blankets with a high neck design might pull slightly shorter at the back when the neck is fastened.
Specific Guidance for Different Types of Equine Covers
While the back length is primary, other covers require slightly different approaches to measuring a horse for rugs.
How to Measure Horse for a Saddle Pad
Can I use the blanket measurement for a saddle pad? No. Saddle pads are sized based on the saddle size, not the horse’s back length.
- Measure the Saddle: Look at the size stamped on your English saddle (e.g., 17.5 inches) or measure the length of the tree underneath the saddle flap.
- Match Pad to Saddle: Most pads are sized small, medium, or large to match the general size of the saddle they fit under. A larger pad (e.g., an “oversize” square pad) is needed for very large saddles or deep-seated dressage saddles. This is the best way to measure horse for saddle pad.
Measuring for Leg Wraps or Boots
Boots are sized based on circumference, not length.
- Fetlock Circumference: Measure around the horse’s cannon bone just above the fetlock joint. This is the tightest spot where the boot needs to secure.
- Cannon Bone Length: Measure the length of the cannon bone itself. This ensures the boot covers the sensitive areas without riding up too high or slipping too low.
Advanced Tips for Perfect Horse Blanket Fitting
Even with accurate numbers, a visual check is crucial. Good horse blanket fitting tips go beyond the tape measure.
Checking the Shoulder Fit
The shoulder area is where most rubs happen.
- The ‘Two-Finger Rule’ at the Chest: After fastening the front buckles, you should be able to slide two gloved fingers between the blanket and the horse’s chest without forcing them. If you can fit more, it might be too loose. If you can barely fit one, it’s too tight.
- Shoulder Movement: Ask the horse to walk forward a few steps or gently bend its neck down. The blanket should move smoothly over the shoulder blade. If the blanket strains or pulls tight across the shoulder seam, it is too small in the length or too narrow in the chest.
Inspecting the Wither Area
Wither rubbing is painful and common.
- Wither Clearance: The blanket material should sit just above the point of the wither, not pressing down on it. Many quality blankets have a fleece or padded wither guard built in for protection.
- Avoid High Placement: If the blanket is riding too high, it may be too tight in the chest or you need a blanket with a different neckline style.
Examining the Back and Tail End
- Dock Coverage: The back edge of the blanket should reach the middle of the dock or slightly past it. It should not sit halfway down the tail, nor should it expose the entire dock.
- Rump Darts/Shaping: Many modern blankets feature darts or seams near the hindquarters. These are designed to help the blanket contour around the horse’s shape, providing better coverage without excess bagging.
Surcingle and Leg Strap Security
- Belly Straps: These should cross under the belly securely. You should aim for the straps to cross roughly between the front and back legs, meeting near the midline. They should be snug enough to prevent the blanket from swinging wildly, but loose enough that you can fit a flat hand comfortably underneath the strap when fastened.
- Fillet String (If Applicable): If your blanket has a string that goes under the tail (a fillet string), it should be looped under the tail bone and fastened so it just keeps the rear edge of the blanket down. It should not be pulled so tight that it causes chafing under the tail.
- Leg Straps: If the blanket has leg straps, they should fit loosely around the top of the horse’s thigh, preventing the back of the blanket from blowing forward. Again, you should be able to fit a hand or two fingers under the strap.
Quick Reference Checklist for Measuring
Use this checklist when you are measuring a horse for rugs to ensure you cover all bases:
- [ ] Horse is standing square on level ground.
- [ ] Flexible tape measure is ready.
- [ ] Back Length (Chest point to tail dock center) is recorded.
- [ ] Chest Width is recorded for fit checks.
- [ ] Blanket is compared to the specific brand’s blanket size chart for horses.
- [ ] Visual check performed on the wither for rubbing points.
- [ ] Shoulder movement is tested after securing the front closures.
- [ ] Surcingle length is confirmed for proper overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I remeasure my horse for a blanket?
You should remeasure your horse at least once a year, ideally before buying new winter blankets. Horses gain or lose weight, their muscle mass changes (especially after heavy training or rest), and their body shape shifts as they age. Significant changes in body condition necessitate a new measurement to ensure the equine blanket fit guide parameters are still met.
My measurement is between two sizes. Should I size up or down?
If your measurement falls exactly between two sizes (e.g., exactly 77 inches), the best choice depends on your horse’s build and the blanket style.
- For a broad, heavy-set horse (e.g., Quarter Horse): Size up (e.g., to a 78 or 80) to give extra room in the chest and shoulders.
- For a narrow, fine-boned horse (e.g., Thoroughbred): Size down (e.g., to a 76) to prevent the excess fabric from shifting, rubbing, or tripping the horse.
Does coat length affect blanket sizing?
Yes, especially when measuring horse for winter blanket. A horse with a very thick, woolly winter coat needs slightly more room than a clipped horse wearing the same blanket. If you measure a clipped horse, that measurement is exact. If you measure a furry horse, consider sizing up one step to allow the blanket to sit over the thickness of the coat without stressing the seams.
Should I measure over or under the existing blanket?
Always measure directly on the horse’s body when determining the base size. If you need to measure over an existing blanket to see how it fits, make a note of that difference, but use the bare-back measurement for ordering new gear. Horse blanket measurement instructions always assume a bare back unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.
How does the blanket measurement relate to a horse’s height in hands?
Horse height is measured at the wither, which is not the measurement used for blanket size. While taller horses generally need longer blankets, a very tall, narrow horse might take the same length blanket as a shorter, very broad horse. Always use the back length measurement (chest to tail) over the height in hands when determining correct horse blanket size.
What if the blanket fits perfectly in length but rubs the chest?
If the length is right but the chest is too tight, you need a blanket with better features for the front closure. Look for blankets that offer:
- Shoulder Gussets: These allow the front of the blanket to move forward when the horse walks.
- Double or Triple Chest Buckles: More adjustment points mean you can fine-tune the fit.
- Racer Cut or Straight Cut Front: A racer cut tends to offer more room for movement in the shoulder area.
Properly measuring your horse is the first, most important step toward ensuring their comfort and protection under any weather condition. By following these detailed horse blanket sizing guide steps, you ensure a safe and snug fit every time.