You’ve just purchased a new blanket for your horse, but when you get home and try it on him, you realize it’s not the right size, and back to the tack store you go. Here’s how to get it right the first time. All you need is a cloth measuring tape and a level spot on which to stand your horse.
1. Stand your horse up squarely. Tie him, or ask someone to hold him.
2. Standing on his left, take the end of the tape in your left hand and place it at the point where his neck meets the center of his chest.
3. With your right hand, draw the tape along his left side as far as you can. Make sure the tape crosses the widest part of his shoulder; if you measure too low on the chest, your blanket will be too small. The tape must be level and taut, or you’ll add inches to your final measurement, and end up with a blanket that’s too big.
4. When you’ve reached as far as you can, mark the spot with your right thumb, noting the measurement. Then measure backward from that spot, holding the start of the tape there with your left hand, and again reaching back with your right.
5. Still keeping the tape level and straight, bring it across the point of his buttock (the hindmost point of the quarters, about 10 to 12 inches below the place where the tail joins the body). Stop at the edge of his tail, noting the measurement.
6. Add your two measurements to get your horse’s blanket size. Most blanket brands today size in 3-inch increments (for example, 72, 75, 78, and 81 inches), and a few use letter sizes from XS to XL, so compare your number to the brand’s size chart. If you land between sizes, round up to the next size. Adding a hood? See our hood-fitting do’s and don’ts.
Blanket Size Calculator
Enter the two measurements from steps 4 and 5 (in inches) to find your horse’s blanket size.
Check the Fit
Once the new blanket is on, run through this quick checklist before turning him out.
- Withers: The blanket should sit just in front of the withers without pressing down. You should be able to slide your flat hand underneath.
- Shoulders and chest: The front closures should meet without straining, and the fabric shouldn’t pull tight across his shoulders when he lowers his head to graze.
- Length: The back edge should reach the top of his tail, with the tail flap covering the base of the tail.
- Belly straps: Cross the surcingles under his belly and adjust them so you can fit about a hand’s width between strap and belly.
- Leg straps: Loop each leg strap through the other and leave about a hand’s width of room—snug enough that a hoof can’t get caught, loose enough not to rub.
Rubs or slipping after a few days? Read our guide to the most common blanketing mistakes.