Every horse is a different size and shape, so it is important to have a good understanding of how exactly to measure your horse in order to select the right size rug.
A good horse rug will help keep your equine companion warm, dry and comfortable during cold weather. Having the right size rug means that you can keep your horse warm without having one too small or one that is too large. The best way to ensure that the rug fits correctly is by measuring your horse properly.
Measuring a Horse for a Rug
Every horse is different from the next so it is important to know how exactly to measure your horse before purchasing a new rug or blanket. You may want to consider taking some measurements at home before going shopping for rugs, just in case there are any questions about sizing once you get there!
We recommend you use a soft tape measure to ensure every measurement is as accurate as possible.
If you’re using a soft tape measure, it’s important that you use the right side of the tape to get accurate measurements. If you know how to measure your horse, then you won’t need this blog post. But if not, we recommend that you use the following instructions to get started.
Chest: measure from the centre of the chest, around the widest part of the girth – this is usually just behind the front legs. It is recommended not to take this measurement over a rug.
Chest:
Measure from the centre of the chest, around the widest part of the girth – this is usually just behind the front legs. It is recommended not to take this measurement over a rug.
Back Length: start at the centre of the chest and follow along the side of the body down across the rump, ending at where you want the rug to finish (usually over top of tail).
The size of a horse’s back is important to consider when choosing a rug. The back length is measured from the centre of the chest to where you want the rug to finish (usually over top of tail). This measurement is important because you need to be sure that your horse will have it’s entire back covered and protected.
Drop Length: measure from under the belly, between the legs, out to where you want the rug to finish (usually over top of tail).
Measuring drop length:
To measure a drop length, you will need a soft tape measure (such as a fabric store tape measure or one of those nice ones that come with your sewing kit) and someone to hold it for you. If necessary, ask a friend or family member for help. The process is simple:
Take the tape measure from under the belly of your horse, between the front legs, out to where you want the rug to finish (usually over top of tail).
Keep in mind how long your horse’s leg hairs are when measuring this distance. If they are very long and fluffy then there may be some extra room in your measurement resulting in an unnecessarily large rug being purchased!
Neckline Circumference: measure around neck at shoulder height where a neck cover would sit on top of a rug.
To get the right fit, you will need a soft tape measure.
Measure around the neck at shoulder height where a neck cover would sit on top of a rug. This should be measured as per your horse’s regular riding position and not standing straight in front of you.
Measurements must be taken with the horse standing square on all four legs and with their head up, otherwise they may end up being too big for your animal!
Measuring your horse properly will ensure you can select a rug that fits properly and comfortably.
Measuring your horse properly will ensure you can select a rug that fits properly and comfortably. It’s important to measure the length of your horse’s body, as well as its “girth.” The girth is the measurement around the widest part of your horse’s body; this is where his ribs are located. This measurement will help ensure you find a rug which is long enough to keep him warm while still fitting comfortably on top of his skin.
Measurements are also important because they allow you to find a rug that will not be too big or small for your equine companion. A good-fitting horse rug won’t fall off when he moves, nor will it restrict movement if it fits too tightly against his skin. If this happens, then it may cause irritation or chafing on his legs and shoulders—and no one wants their horses’ legs ripped up by their own clothing!