Yes, you need to measure your horse accurately before buying a winter blanket. Getting the right size is vital for your horse’s comfort, warmth, and safety. A blanket that is too small will rub and restrict movement. A blanket that is too big will slip, cause chafing, and might let cold air in. This guide will show you how to get accurate horse blanket measurements using simple steps.
Why Correct Horse Blanket Sizing Matters
A well-fitting blanket is more than just a nice thing to have; it is a necessity for horse care in cold weather. Think of it like dressing a child. The wrong size causes problems.
The Dangers of Poor Fit
When a blanket does not fit right, several issues can arise:
- Rubbing and Hair Loss: Tight spots cause friction. This leads to sore areas, bald patches, or even open sores, especially around the shoulders and chest.
- Restricted Movement: A blanket that is too small across the back or chest can stop your horse from moving freely. This is bad for exercise and comfort.
- Heat Loss: A loose or ill-fitting blanket lets drafts get underneath. This lets warm air escape, defeating the purpose of using a winter blanket.
- Stretching and Damage: Poor fit puts extra stress on seams and buckles, making the blanket wear out faster.
We will walk through the steps for measuring a horse for a blanket. This process focuses on two key areas: length and depth.
Tools for Accurate Horse Blanket Measurements
To begin, you need the right tools. You do not need fancy gear. Just a few simple items will help you get the best results.
Essential Measuring Items
- Flexible Tape Measure: You need a cloth or vinyl tape measure. Stiff metal tape measures are hard to use on a curved animal body.
- Helper (Optional but Recommended): A second person can help keep the horse still. This makes getting a straight line easier.
- Treats: A few treats can keep your horse happy and patient during the process.
- Reference Chart: Keep a horse blanket sizing chart handy while you measure.
How To Use a Horse Blanket Measuring Tape
When you use your horse blanket measuring tape, always keep it snug but not tight. The tape should follow the natural curves of your horse’s body without digging in. Do not pull the tape taut like you would measure around a barrel.
Step-by-Step Guide: Measuring Horse Wither to Tail
The most crucial measurement for determining correct horse blanket length is the one that runs from the center of the shoulder point all the way to the horse’s tail bone. This is often called the “back length.”
Measuring Horse Wither to Tail (Back Length)
This measurement dictates the overall length rating (e.g., 78 inches, 81 inches) you will look for on the blanket tag.
- Locate the Withers: Stand beside your horse. Find the highest point of the shoulder blades where the neck meets the back. This is the wither point.
- Start Point: Place the start of your tape measure right at the center of the wither point.
- Follow the Back: Run the tape measure straight down the center of the horse’s back. Do not curve the tape over the rump. Keep it flat along the spine line.
- End Point: Stop the measurement right at the center of the tail bone (where the tail hair begins to hang down). If you are measuring horse wither to tail, this point is the crucial stopping mark.
- Record the Number: Write this number down. This is your horse’s basic blanket length size.
Example: If the measurement is 76 inches, you will likely need a 75 or 78-inch blanket, depending on the brand’s cut.
Adjusting for Different Builds
Different horse types may need slight adjustments to this base number.
- Horses with very full tails: Some people prefer to measure a few inches further down the dock to ensure the blanket covers the tail head completely.
- Very broad chests: If your horse has a huge chest, you might size up by an inch if the length measurement is borderline, as a snug fit there can pull the blanket short in the back.
Determining the Blanket Drop Size (Depth)
The second critical measurement needed for a good fit is the depth, often called the finding the right blanket drop size. This measurement helps ensure the blanket covers the belly adequately without restricting the legs or hanging too low.
Measuring from Withers to Chest Point
This measurement determines how far down the side the blanket needs to hang.
- Start at the Withers: Place the tape measure at the center of the withers again.
- Move Down the Chest: Run the tape down the front of the shoulder. You are aiming for the point where the chest ends and the blanket usually buckles in the front. Do not pull the tape around the front of the shoulder. Keep it hugging the side.
- Stop Point: Stop measuring just below the point of the elbow or where the front leg meets the body. This area dictates how deep the blanket should be in the front.
| Horse Build | Typical Drop Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Tall, deep-chested | Add 1-2 inches to the measured depth. |
| Short-backed, fine-boned | Use the measurement exactly, or perhaps go down 1 inch if the brand runs large. |
Note on Drop Measurement: Many manufacturers base their standard fit on this wither-to-elbow measurement. However, if you are buying a blanket specifically advertised as “deep drop” or “high cut,” you may need to add 2-3 inches to this measurement for full coverage.
Analyzing the Horse Blanket Sizing Chart
Once you have your back length and drop measurement, it is time to compare them to a horse blanket sizing chart. Be aware that charts vary widely between brands. A 78-inch blanket from Brand A might fit differently than a 78-inch from Brand B.
Common Sizing Conventions
Most horse blankets are sized by the back length measurement (in inches).
| Back Length (Inches) | Typical Horse Size Category |
|---|---|
| 66 – 69 inches | Pony/Small Horse |
| 72 – 75 inches | Average Quarter Horse/Arabian |
| 78 – 81 inches | Standard Full-Sized Horse |
| 84+ inches | Large/Warmblood/Draft Type |
If your measurement falls between sizes, most experts suggest sizing up, especially for winter blankets. A slightly larger blanket allows for movement underneath and fits better over thicker winter coats.
Special Considerations for Blanket Size for Different Horse Breeds
Different breeds carry their weight and height in different ways. This means a standard measurement might need thoughtful adjustment. Knowing the blanket size for different horse breeds helps prevent fit issues before you even start measuring.
Warmbloods and Draft Horses
Blanket size for draft horses often requires special attention. Draft breeds, like Shires or Clydesdales, are built like tanks.
- Chest Width: They have incredibly broad chests and shoulders. A blanket sized purely by length might be too tight across the chest, causing severe rubbing.
- Depth: They require a deeper drop to cover their large barrel bodies. If your draft horse measures 82 inches long, you might need an 84-inch blanket and check that it features a “Wide Front” or “Draft Fit” design.
Arabians and Fine-Boned Breeds
Arabians and some Thoroughbreds are often narrower.
- Shoulder Fit: They can sometimes find standard blankets too large in the shoulder area, causing the blanket to shift backward.
- Length Sizing: For these horses, sticking very closely to the accurate horse blanket measurements is key. Sizing up too much will result in the blanket riding forward or bunching up at the tail.
Ponies and Miniatures
For smaller equines, the main concern is often the drop being too long, leading to the horse stepping on the back edge of the blanket. Always check the drop measurement against the pony’s height when looking at a horse blanket fitting guide for small sizes.
Assessing the Fit: The Final Check
Once you have the blanket, even if the tag matches your numbers, you must check the actual fit on your horse. This is the final step in finding the right blanket drop size and length.
Checking the Front Closure
The front closure is where most rubbing occurs.
- Buckle Placement: The buckles should close comfortably without putting strain on the straps. You should be able to easily slide two fingers between the buckle ends.
- Chest Rubbing: Look closely at the point of the shoulder. If the blanket is pulling tight when the horse moves its head or walks, it is too tight in the chest. A good blanket will have shoulder gussets (darts) that allow for movement.
Checking the Back and Side Fit
- Shoulder Clearance: When the horse stands normally, the top edge of the blanket should sit just behind the point of the shoulder.
- Length Coverage: The blanket should cover the tail head completely. When the horse moves, the blanket should not ride up so far that the rump is exposed.
- Belly Clearance (Depth): The bottom edge of the blanket should sit well below the barrel, ideally about four to six inches below the horse’s belly line, depending on the style and the horse’s shape. If the horse has a very round belly, you need a deeper drop. If the blanket flaps widely when the horse moves, the drop might be too generous.
The Wither Test
This is critical, especially for horses prone to wither sores.
- Shoulder Relief: Lift the blanket at the wither slightly. You should be able to fit a flat hand between the wither and the blanket material. If the blanket is pressing directly onto the sensitive wither bone, it will cause sores, regardless of the length measurement. High-quality blankets often feature a ‘satin lining’ or a ‘no-shoulder-rub’ design to help with this.
Maintenance of Measurements Over Time
Horse measurements change. A horse might gain or lose weight over winter, or their winter coat can drastically change how a blanket sits.
Adjusting for Coat Growth
A thick, fluffy winter coat takes up space. A blanket that fits perfectly on a slicked-off summer horse will feel tighter on the same horse mid-January.
- When measuring in the fall, assume the coat will grow thicker. If you are borderline between sizes, choose the larger size for winter use.
Re-measuring After Weight Change
If your horse is on a special feed program or has experienced significant weight change, you should re-measure. Weight gain around the barrel or hindquarters will affect how the blanket drapes and buckles.
Utilizing the Horse Blanket Fitting Guide for Layering
Winter often means layering. You might put a thin liner under your medium-weight turnout. This layering system directly impacts the fit.
Sizing Up for Liners
If you plan to use a blanket liner (which adds bulk), you must account for this extra thickness in your initial measurement process.
- Measure your horse as usual.
- If the measurement puts you at the high end of a size (e.g., 77 inches, almost an 80-inch fit), definitely buy the 80-inch size if you plan to use a liner.
- The added bulk of the liner means any tightness will be magnified, increasing the risk of rubbing.
Comprehending Blanket Features That Affect Fit
Sometimes the material or features of a blanket affect the perceived fit more than the raw tape measurement.
Shoulder Gussets
A good horse blanket fitting guide always mentions shoulder gussets. These are triangular pieces of fabric sewn into the armpit area. They allow the horse to stretch its front legs forward without pulling the blanket tight across the back or chest. Blankets without good gussets always fit more snugly than their measurements suggest.
Surcingle Adjustments
The belly straps (surcingles) are adjustable. However, they should not be your primary method of adjustment. If you rely on cinching the surcingles extremely tight to keep the blanket on, the blanket is too big, and the excess fabric will bunch uncomfortably on the back or sides.
Leg Arches
Some high-end blankets feature leg arches—curved cuts around the hind legs. These help keep the blanket smooth and prevent it from riding up or pulling down across the hindquarters. This feature can improve the functional fit, even if the measured length is standard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Horse Blanket Sizing
How often should I check my horse’s blanket size?
You should check the fit at least once a month during blanket season, especially if your horse is growing a thick winter coat or undergoing physical changes. Always check the fit immediately after purchasing a new blanket.
What if my horse’s measurement is exactly between two sizes?
If your accurate horse blanket measurements fall exactly between sizes (e.g., 77 inches), choose the larger size (78 or 80 inches). It is easier to tighten a slightly large blanket using the buckles than to deal with a blanket that is too short or tight across the shoulders.
Do I need a different measurement for a sheet versus a heavy winter blanket?
No. The physical dimensions of your horse do not change based on the fill weight. You use the same measuring horse wither to tail technique for a fly sheet, a medium blanket, or a heavy winter blanket. However, you might size up one inch for a heavy blanket to allow room for liners or bulky coats.
Can I use a regular measuring tape for accurate horse blanket measurements?
A cloth or flexible vinyl tape measure is best. A stiff metal tape measure is difficult to wrap correctly around the curves of the horse’s body and will likely give you an inaccurate reading.
What measurement is most important for preventing shoulder rubs?
While the back length sets the size, the depth measurement (wither to elbow) and the design around the shoulder (gussets) are most important for preventing rubs. A blanket that is too tight across the chest causes the most immediate damage.