To measure a horse for blanket size, you primarily need a flexible measuring tape and to find the distance from the center of the horse’s chest (at the point of the shoulder) straight back along the side to the point of the tail. This measurement, usually taken in inches, is the crucial figure used on a horse blanket sizing chart.
The right blanket fit is vital for your horse’s comfort, health, and safety. A blanket that is too small can rub and cause sores. One that is too large can shift, allowing rain or cold in, or worse, cause your horse to trip. This detailed guide will walk you through the steps for determining correct horse blanket size and achieving the perfect fit every time.
Why Accurate Measurement Matters for Horse Blankets
Many horse owners guess their horse’s blanket size. They might buy a “Large” because their horse looks big, or they use the size of an old blanket. This guesswork often leads to poor results. Good blanket fit relies on specific body measurements, not just the horse’s breed or general appearance.
A well-fitting blanket protects your horse effectively. It keeps the weather out. It stops rubbing on bony areas. It allows for full movement when grazing or playing. This article explains the best way to measure a horse for a blanket so you can shop with confidence.
Tools Needed for Horse Blanket Measurement
Before you start, gather what you need. Having the right tools makes the job quick and easy.
- Flexible Measuring Tape: This must be the kind used for sewing or tailoring. Metal tapes are too stiff and inaccurate for curves.
- A Helper (Optional but Recommended): A second person can help keep the horse still and read the tape measure accurately.
- A Pen and Paper or Phone: You need to record the final measurement right away.
Step-by-Step: The Horse Blanket Measuring Guide
The most important measurement for selecting a blanket is the length, often called the blanket size. This measurement dictates the main body length of the rug. Follow these horse blanket measurement instructions carefully.
Measuring the Body Length (The Crucial Measurement)
This measurement starts at the chest and ends at the tail. Getting this right is the core of measuring a horse for a rug.
- Position Your Horse: Have your horse standing squarely on level ground. They should be relaxed. If possible, have them stand with their head in a natural, relaxed position, not pulled up high.
- Find the Center of the Chest: Locate the very center point of the horse’s chest, right where the front legs meet the body.
- Locate the Point of the Shoulder: Place the start of the tape measure at this center chest point. Run the tape measure snugly (but not tightly) along the side of the horse. The tape should follow the curve of the shoulder muscle.
- Measure to the Point of the Tail: Continue the tape along the horse’s side, past the point of the hip, all the way to the very base of the tail. This point is where the tail “sits” on the body. Do not include the tail switch itself in this measurement.
- Record the Number: Read the number where the tape meets the tail base. This is your primary blanket size, usually recorded in inches.
Measuring for Neck Fit (If Applicable)
If you are buying a blanket with a neck cover attached (a combo) or a separate neck rug, you need this measurement. This affects horse blanket fit guide aspects beyond just the body length.
- Measure from the Withers to the Poll: Start the tape at the highest point of the shoulder blade (the withers).
- Run Along the Crest: Run the tape measure over the curve of the neck (the crest) to the point between the ears (the poll).
- Record the Size: This measurement helps determine the correct neck length and strap adjustments.
Measuring for Deep Necks (Optional Advanced Measurement)
Some custom or high-end blankets use a deep neck measurement, especially for horses with very deep chests or heavy winter coats.
- Chest to Withers: Start the tape at the center of the chest (as before).
- Run Over the Top: Run the tape straight up and over the top of the shoulder, stopping when you reach the top of the wither. This gives a total length measurement for very deep neck covers.
Interpreting the Numbers: Using the Horse Blanket Sizing Chart
Once you have your key measurement (Chest-to-Tail measurement in inches), you need to cross-reference it with the horse blanket sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. Different brands can have slight variations, so always check the specific brand’s chart if possible.
Here is a general reference table to help with horse blanket size conversion from inches to common rug sizes:
| Blanket Size Designation (Common) | Chest-to-Tail Measurement (Inches) | Typical Horse Height (Hands) |
|---|---|---|
| 68 | 66 – 68 inches | 13.2 – 14.0 hh |
| 70 | 68 – 70 inches | 14.0 – 14.2 hh |
| 72 | 70 – 72 inches | 14.2 – 14.3 hh |
| 74 | 72 – 74 inches | 14.3 – 15.0 hh |
| 76 | 74 – 76 inches | 15.0 – 15.2 hh |
| 78 | 76 – 78 inches | 15.2 – 15.3 hh |
| 80 | 78 – 80 inches | 15.3 – 16.0 hh |
| 82 | 80 – 82 inches | 16.0 – 16.2 hh |
| 84 | 82 – 84 inches | 16.2 – 16.3 hh |
| 86 | 84 – 86 inches | 16.3 – 17.0 hh |
| 88+ | 86 inches and up | 17.0+ hh |
Addressing the “In-Between” Size Dilemma
What if your measurement falls right between two sizes, for example, exactly 75 inches? This is where knowing how to choose horse blanket size becomes important based on your horse’s build.
- If your horse is narrow or fine-boned: Round down to the smaller size (e.g., 74).
- If your horse is broad-chested or has a thick winter coat: Round up to the larger size (e.g., 76).
It is almost always better to have a blanket that is slightly too long than one that is too short, as length primarily affects shoulder movement and tail coverage.
Advanced Fit Checks: Beyond the Length Measurement
The length measurement gets you close, but a perfect fit requires checking several other key areas. These steps are part of a comprehensive horse blanket fit guide.
The Chest Fit
The front closures are critical for preventing rubbing on the shoulders and chest bones.
- Checking Closure Snugness: When closed, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the chest straps. If you can easily fit a whole hand, the straps are too loose. If you struggle to get two fingers in, they are too tight.
- Shoulder Freedom: The blanket should lay smoothly over the shoulder. If the blanket is too tight across the chest, it will pull back, causing wrinkles and rubbing right at the point of the shoulder. This is a common source of blanket sores.
The Belly and Surcingles
Surcingles are the straps that go under the belly to keep the blanket from spinning.
- Strap Placement: The surcingles should cross in the middle of the horse’s belly, not too far forward near the elbow or too far back near the flank.
- Tightness: Similar to the chest, you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably under each surcingle strap. They need to be snug enough to prevent the blanket from twisting but loose enough to allow easy breathing and movement.
Leg Arches and Tail Flap
Modern blankets often feature leg arches (cut-outs where the hind legs attach) or deep shoulder gussets.
- Gussets: If your blanket has a shoulder gusset (a triangular piece of fabric allowing the front leg to move forward), ensure the gusset opens wide enough when the horse walks.
- Tail Flap: The tail flap should cover the base of the tail completely, offering protection against rain and wind without pulling tightly on the dock.
The Wither Area
If your horse has prominent withers, this area is prone to rubbing, especially on turnout blankets.
- Wither Padding: Check if your blanket has adequate padding (fleece or neoprene) at the withers. This padding acts as a buffer.
- No Wrinkles: The fabric should lie flat over the withers without bunching up or pulling down tightly. Bunching means the neck opening might be too small, or the blanket might be too short overall.
Special Considerations for Horse Build and Blanket Type
Horse blanket dimensions are not universal across all styles. A standard turnout rug fits differently than a lightweight sheet or a specialized liner.
Drafts and Broodmares
Heavily muscled breeds like Drafts, Friesians, or heavily built Quarter Horses often require a different approach.
- Chest Depth: These horses often need blankets cut deeper in the front. They might require larger chest measurements or specialized “heavy” cuts.
- Barrel Girth: Broader horses might need blankets with a deeper drop (the distance from the spine to the belly line) or perhaps blankets with three surcingles instead of the standard two, to better secure the fabric around a large barrel.
Ponies and Smaller Breeds
Measuring ponies is vital because standard sizing charts sometimes group them incorrectly with small horses. Always rely on the chest-to-tail measurement rather than assuming a pony is simply a smaller version of a horse.
Quarter Horse vs. Thoroughbred Builds
A stocky Quarter Horse might have the same height (in hands) as a slender Thoroughbred, but their body shape (girth and width) differs vastly.
- Thoroughbreds: Often need longer backs but narrower chests.
- Quarter Horses: Need generous chest room and a deeper drop.
If you are buying a specific brand known for fitting one type well (e.g., Rambo for thoroughbreds or Weatherbeeta for wider builds), check their specific horse blanket size conversion notes.
Common Mistakes in Measuring and Fitting
Avoiding these common errors is key to successful blanket shopping. These points relate directly to how to measure a horse for a blanket correctly.
Mistake 1: Measuring Over an Existing Blanket
Never measure your horse while they are wearing another blanket or sheet. The existing layer adds bulk and changes where the tape measure sits, leading you to purchase a blanket that will be too tight when used alone.
Mistake 2: Measuring Over a Heavy Winter Coat
If you measure a horse thickly coated in winter, the blanket you buy might fit perfectly then. However, when the horse sheds out in the spring, that same blanket will suddenly look huge and baggy.
Tip: Ideally, measure when the horse is recently clipped or has a smooth summer coat. If you must measure in winter, add one inch to your final chest-to-tail number to account for coat loss.
Mistake 3: Using the Horse’s Height in Hands as the Only Guide
Height (measured from the ground to the withers) tells you how tall your horse is, but it says nothing about their length or depth. A tall, long-backed horse needs a different length than a short, deep horse. The chest-to-tail measurement is always the priority.
Mistake 4: Assuming Front Closure Types Are Equal
There are three main types of chest closures:
- Buckles (Traditional): Require careful adjustment.
- Quick Clips/Snap Hooks: Faster, but sometimes less adjustable.
- Hook and Loop (Velcro): Good for quick changes, but can wear out.
If the blanket has fixed straps (not adjustable buckles), you must ensure your initial horse blanket dimensions measurement aligns perfectly with that closure system.
Deciphering Horse Blanket Sizing Terminology
Blankets are described using several terms that affect fit. Knowing these terms helps you shop smarter.
Horse Blanket Dimensions: Key Terms
- Drop/Depth: How far the blanket hangs down from the horse’s back to the belly. (Crucial for coverage on wide horses.)
- Length: The measurement from chest to tail base (your primary measurement).
- Denier: This refers to the strength of the outer material (e.g., 1200D, 1680D). It does not affect size but relates to durability.
- Fill/Weight: Refers to the insulation level (e.g., 0g light, 100g medium, 300g heavy). This does not affect the physical fit but can change how the fabric drapes if the fill is very thick.
Neck Coverage Options
When reviewing horse blanket sizing charts, you might see options for the neck area:
- No Neck Cover: The blanket ends right at the withers.
- Detachable Neck Cover: A separate piece that attaches to the blanket.
- Combo: The neck piece is permanently attached to the blanket body.
If you choose a combo, ensure the neck measurement you took earlier matches the combined size specifications.
Final Check: The “Test Drive”
Even with perfect measurements, the final confirmation comes from watching the horse move. This is the ultimate test for determining correct horse blanket size.
After putting the new blanket on:
- Walk Test: Ask your horse to walk forward a few steps. Watch the shoulders. The blanket should move smoothly with the shoulder motion without sliding forward or backward excessively.
- Turn Test: Have the horse turn in a circle or look back at their own flank (as if curious). Does the blanket stay centered? Does the chest gap open widely, or does the back ride up?
- Graze Test: Have the horse lower their head to graze. The blanket should not pull severely tight behind the shoulder or slip down the neck.
If you notice any of the following issues, the blanket likely needs to be exchanged for a different size or style:
- The blanket slides back, exposing the chest. (Too short or chest straps too loose.)
- The blanket bunches at the shoulder or neck, causing wrinkles. (Too small in length or too tight in the chest.)
- The surcingles rub the elbows or hips severely. (Surcingles are positioned incorrectly or too tight.)
By following these detailed steps—starting with the accurate chest-to-tail measurement and applying it to the horse blanket sizing chart—you will master the art of selecting the right blanket for any horse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I measure my horse for a blanket?
You should measure your horse at least twice a year, preferably before buying winter blankets (when coats are thick) and before buying summer sheets (when coats are shed out). If your horse has a growth spurt, gains or loses significant weight, or has a significant change in workload, remeasure immediately.
Can I measure my horse using their height in hands?
No, you should not rely solely on height in hands. Height only measures how tall the horse is at the wither. A very long horse (like an Arabian) needs a much longer blanket than a short, stocky horse of the same height. The chest-to-tail measurement is essential for determining correct horse blanket size.
What if the blanket size chart says 74, but my horse measures 75 inches? Which size should I pick?
If your measurement falls between two sizes, consider your horse’s build. If they are fine-boned, choose the smaller size (74). If they are broad, fuzzy, or have thick muscle, choose the larger size (76). It is generally safer to size up slightly for length.
Does blanket fill thickness affect the fit?
Yes, indirectly. A very heavy 400g winter blanket might feel snugger than a 0g sheet of the exact same size because the heavy fill takes up internal space. If you are trying on a very thick blanket, make sure you have an extra finger’s width of space in the chest closures.
What do I do if my horse keeps rubbing the blanket off at the shoulder?
Shoulder rubbing is often caused by a blanket that is too small in length or too tight in the chest. Check your initial measurements against the horse blanket measuring guide. If the measurements are correct, you may need a blanket with more advanced features, like shoulder darts or specialized gussets designed for increased movement.
Where is the “point of the tail” located when measuring?
The point of the tail is where the tail hair joins the body. It is the bony protrusion where the tail “sits” before the tail switch begins to drop down. Ensure the tape measure stops exactly here when taking the chest-to-tail measurement for the blanket length.