Yes, you can easily measure for a horse turnout blanket by getting two main measurements: the horse’s back length and their height. This guide will show you the simple steps to get the right size so your horse stays warm and dry without rubs or slips.
Getting the right size for your horse’s turnout blanket is very important. A blanket that is too small will pinch the shoulders and cause sores. A blanket that is too big can slip around, trap cold air, or cause tripping hazards. To choose the right rug size measurements for horses, you need two simple tools: a soft measuring tape and a helper, if possible. This article will act as your complete blanket size guide for horses and ensure you get it right the first time.
Why Accurate Measuring is Crucial for Horse Blankets
Many horse owners skip this step. They guess based on what size the last blanket was. But horses change weight and shape. A blanket that fit last year might not fit well now. Using a proper equine blanket fitting guide helps keep your horse comfortable and safe. It also protects your investment, as ill-fitting blankets wear out faster.
The Risks of Poor Fit
Poorly fitted blankets cause several problems:
- Shoulder Rubs: Too tight in the chest or too short in the blanket body.
- Back Sores: Too tight across the top or the blanket shifts too far forward.
- Chafing: Straps that are too loose or too tight in the flank area.
- Chilling: Gaps let cold air in when the blanket rides up.
Tools Needed for Measuring Your Horse
Before you start, gather your supplies. You do not need fancy gear.
- Flexible Measuring Tape: A soft sewing tape works best. Metal tapes can be stiff and hard to wrap around curves.
- A Helper (Optional): A friend can hold the tape steady while you read the number.
- Treats (Recommended): To keep your horse standing still and happy during the process.
- A Pen and Paper: To jot down the numbers immediately.
Step-by-Step Guide: Measuring a Horse for a Blanket
The primary goal when measuring a horse for a blanket is to find the length from the center of the chest point to the center of the tail. This measurement determines the main blanket size number (e.g., 78 inches).
1. Finding the Horse’s Height (Withers Height)
This measurement is standard in the industry. It tells you how tall your horse is at the highest point of its back.
- Have your horse stand squarely on level ground.
- Find the highest point of the shoulder blades. This is the wither.
- Hold the measuring tape straight up from the ground to the top of the wither.
- Record this number in hands (one hand equals four inches). If you measure in inches, you can convert it later using a horse blanket sizing chart.
Example: If the tape reads 58 inches, divide by 4. That is 14 hands, 2 inches (14.2).
2. Measuring the Back Length (Wither to Tail)
This is the most critical measurement for blanket length. We are measuring horse back length for blanket from the wither, all the way down the curve of the back, to where the tail should start when the blanket sits properly. This is the how to measure horse wither to tail process.
- Ask your horse to stand square again.
- Place the start of the tape measure directly on the highest point of the wither (where you measured the height).
- Run the tape measure straight down the center of the horse’s back. Follow the contour of the back. Do not pull the tape tight, but keep it snug.
- Stop measuring at the point where the tail bone begins to meet the rump. This is often right before the tail hair starts to hang down.
- Record this measurement in inches. This will be your primary blanket size.
Tip: If you are looking for a horse blanket measurement video tutorial, search for instructional clips online, as seeing the tape placement helps a lot.
3. Measuring the Shoulder and Chest (For Fit and Strap Adjustments)
While the back length dictates the number on the tag, the chest measurement ensures the blanket closes comfortably without rubbing. This relates to determining correct horse blanket size beyond just the length.
- Start the tape at the center point of one shoulder, right where the shoulder muscle meets the neck.
- Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest (the point of the chest).
- Bring the tape back to the starting point on the other shoulder.
- Do not pull the tape tight. You want enough slack to fit two fingers comfortably between the tape and the horse’s body.
- This measurement is often listed on sizing charts as the “Chest Size” or “Girth.”
4. Measuring Depth (For Drop Length)
The depth measurement relates to how far down the blanket needs to drop on the sides. This is less crucial for the main size number but vital for full coverage, especially in deep-chested or stocky horses.
- Start the tape at the bottom of the wither (where the blanket will sit).
- Measure straight down the side of the horse, past the belly, to about two to four inches above the elbow of the front leg.
- This depth determines the “drop” of the blanket.
Interpreting the Measurements and Using a Horse Blanket Sizing Chart
Once you have your numbers, you need to cross-reference them with the brand’s specific horse blanket sizing chart. Remember that blanket sizes are not perfectly standardized across all manufacturers.
The Back Length Rule
Use the wither-to-tail measurement (Step 2) as your main guide.
| Wither to Tail Measurement (Inches) | Typical Blanket Size (Inches) | Common Sizing Label |
|---|---|---|
| 69 – 71 inches | 70 inches | 70” |
| 72 – 74 inches | 74 inches | 74” |
| 75 – 77 inches | 78 inches | 78” |
| 78 – 80 inches | 80 inches | 80” |
| 81 – 83 inches | 84 inches | 84” |
Important Note: Always round up if you are between sizes, especially if your horse has a thick coat or wears a heavy underlayer. It is easier to take a larger blanket in slightly than try to make a too-small blanket fit.
Adjusting for Horse Build
Different breeds and body types require slight adjustments:
- Stocky/Barrel Chests (e.g., Drafts, Baroque breeds): If your chest measurement (Step 3) is on the high end for the length size, consider going up one size in length or ensuring the blanket has deep shoulder gussets and a “front closure system.”
- Slender/Narrow Horses (e.g., Arabians): You might stick to the lower end of the size range or choose a brand known for a more tailored fit.
- Cresty Necks: If your horse has a heavy crest, you might need a size that accommodates the extra width around the neck, or one with a built-in stretch panel.
Finalizing the Fit: The Three Key Checkpoints
After you have put the blanket on, do not just walk away. This is where the best way to measure horse for rug practice comes full circle—by checking the fit in action.
1. Checking the Wither Area
The blanket should sit squarely on the wither. There should be enough room so the fabric does not press down on the highest point of the spine when the horse lowers its head.
- The Finger Test: You should be able to slide two to three fingers comfortably between the wither pad/top of the blanket and the horse’s crest. If it’s tight, it will rub and potentially cause dry spots or sores.
2. Checking the Shoulder Area
This is the most common area for rub marks.
- Look at the shoulder seam where the blanket meets the front of the leg.
- When the horse walks, the blanket should move smoothly without pulling tight across the point of the shoulder.
- If the blanket has shoulder gussets (fabric inserts allowing extra movement), ensure they are working correctly.
- If you bought a blanket with a standard front closure, you should see about 1-2 inches of ease (slack) between the chest buckles when fastened.
3. Checking the Length and Tail Coverage
The blanket should end near the base of the tail, offering protection without inhibiting movement.
- When the horse stands normally, the blanket should cover the entire back length you measured.
- When the horse lies down or stretches its neck, the blanket should not ride up significantly past the middle of the back. If it rides up too far, the horse can get chilled.
Special Sizing Considerations for Different Blanket Types
The way you measure might change slightly based on what kind of rug you are buying.
High Neck vs. Standard Neck Turnouts
A high neck turnout goes further up the neck.
- Measurement Adjustment: For high neck designs, you may need to add 2 to 4 inches to your standard wither-to-tail measurement, especially if your horse has a very long or thick neck. The neck piece should not pull the blanket back off the shoulders when fastened.
Turnout Blankets with Leg Arches
Some modern blankets have specialized shoulder darts or leg arches built in.
- Impact on Sizing: These features often allow for a slightly snugger fit through the chest while still offering maximum shoulder freedom. If you are between sizes, the blanket with leg arches might fit better in the smaller size because the cut accommodates movement better.
Sheet vs. Heavy Fill Blankets
The fill (the insulation level) does not change the size you need, but it can affect how the blanket drapes.
- Heavy Fill Blankets: These are bulkier. On a horse with a very round barrel shape, a very heavy blanket might feel tighter across the ribs than a thin sheet of the same size.
Converting Height and Deciphering Sizing Standards
If you are buying a blanket imported from a country that uses different sizing conventions, or if you are just looking at a generic horse blanket sizing chart, you must know how to convert hands to inches.
Conversion Reference:
* 1 Hand = 4 Inches
* 14.0 hands = 56 inches
* 14.2 hands = 58 inches
* 15.0 hands = 60 inches
Common Blanket Sizing Systems
| System | Unit of Measure | Typical Range for Average Horse |
|---|---|---|
| US/UK Standard | Inches | 72″ to 84″ |
| European Metric | Centimeters | 180cm to 215cm |
To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the inch measurement by 2.54. For example, a 78-inch blanket is about 198 cm. When shopping internationally, always default back to the specific manufacturer’s size chart, as this is the safest route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Horse Blanket Sizing
Q: My horse measures 75 inches wither to tail. Should I buy a 74 or a 78?
A: You should buy the 78-inch blanket. If you are right on the cusp between two sizes, always choose the larger size. It is much better to have a little extra room that you can adjust with straps than to have a blanket that is too short, which causes rubbing at the withers and base of the tail.
Q: Do I measure over or under their existing blanket?
A: You always measure your horse naked (no existing blanket or sheet on). If you measure over a blanket, your numbers will be too large, resulting in a blanket that is far too big when worn alone. This is part of the determining correct horse blanket size process—measure the horse itself.
Q: How often should I remeasure my horse?
A: You should remeasure your horse at least twice a year: once in the spring as they shed out their winter coat, and again in the fall before putting on heavy winter gear. If your horse gains or loses significant weight (e.g., due to illness or a change in pasture access), measure them immediately.
Q: What if my horse has very large shoulders?
A: If your horse is broad through the chest and shoulders (common in breeds like Friesians or heavy Quarter Horses), focus heavily on the chest circumference measurement (Step 3). Look specifically for blankets labeled with “Deep Shoulder Gusset,” “Full Cut,” or “Freedom of Movement” design. Sometimes, you might need to go up a size for the length just to accommodate the width of the chest fittings.
Q: What is the difference between measuring for a sheet and a turnout rug?
A: There is no difference in the measurement method. Whether you are buying a lightweight sheet or a heavy 400g turnout, the wither-to-tail measurement remains the constant factor for the body length. The fill weight only affects how thick or warm the blanket is.
Q: What if my horse is frequently measured as a 15.1 but seems tall for a 78″?
A: Horse height (hands) and back length (inches) are often correlated, but not perfectly. A very long, narrow horse might be 15.1 hands but need an 81-inch blanket, while a short, stocky horse might be 15.0 hands but only need a 75-inch blanket. Always trust the wither-to-tail measurement over the height in hands when purchasing. This is why a good equine blanket fitting guide emphasizes the back length above all else.